MARCH may have been a buoyant month for used van sales, but dealers are worried about the future, according to latest research from used vehicle experts at CAP.

When asked whether they expected sales in the coming weeks to increase, stay the same or reduce, just 18% reported expectations of growth. The rest were split between stagnation and a drop in sales.

CAP believes success in selling used vans depends on sourcing the right vehicles – and this is becoming more and more difficult as vans are offered with an ever more bewildering array of paid-for options.

So which options rate highest for used van buyers? CAP says the undoubted number one is side loading doors, followed by ABS brakes, air-conditioning and metallic paint. Side loading doors are especially important on vans such as the Ford Transit Connect, where examples without – and those which have been worked hard – are suffering. The car-derived van sector, though, is generally remaining constant.

CAP has also seen little change in the panel van sector. Strong performances are expected from early examples of the new shape Mercedes-Benz Vito and Volkswagen Transporter T5. Meanwhile, the Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar are still popular buys, especially with low mileages.

Over at Glass’s, experts are seeing a continuing love for the evergreen Ford Escort van among used buyers. Ford Courier too is making good money, while Transit Connect is shining, although buyers are becoming fussier and demanding LX spec and higher horsepower. Meanwhile, the Vauxhall Astravan might be set for replacement soon but there is no shortage of buyers for the old model, especially in Sportive guise.

At 3.5-tonnes gvw, buyers are spoilt for choice, says Glass’s, and the trade is becoming indifferent to poor condition and high mileage. Big and powerful is the word, and models like that in good condition are continuing to make top money.

Trade in Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is mixed, especially the 82bhp models, which are perceived to be underpowered.