THE past few weeks have seen some exceptional performances against guide prices in BCA’s auction halls nationwide – and the top BCA performers show just how widespread the demand for used vans is.

Interest in Lutons always rises as Christmas looms, and two examples top the BCA listings – an Iveco Daily and an LDV Convoy – both realised in excess of 166% of guide values as did a Volkswagen Transporter SWB panel van at a nice age/mileage combination.

Vauxhall’s Sportiv models are hugely popular and both a Vivaro and an Astra feature – the former relatively young and low mileage, the latter averaged over 40,000 miles in each of its three years on the road – underlining that if the condition is good strong money will be paid by buyers.

A Vauxhall Corsa van realised nearly a third over guide values, underlining just how popular the hatchback sector is.

Ford Escorts seemed to get even more desirable once the last corporate owned models were sold and clean straight examples continue to sell strongly.

Ford Transit remains the benchmark SWB van and a six-year-old example with a very low mileage of 39,000 sold strongly at £2,900 – over a third above guide.

BCA has seen values come back for MWB/LWB panel vans, so it is no surprise to see a desirable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 CDi among the strongest performers.

At the right age – 3 years – and with a lean mileage – 33,000 – this example made £13,500, equivalent to 44% over guide.