Demand for medium-sized used panel vans has remained strong through much of 2007 and this trend is expected to continue into the first half of 2008.

Research by EurotaxGlass’s shows that just about every van range is achieving its best-ever used price performance.

George Alexander, the firm’s chief commercial vehicle editor, said: “Late-year Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and Volkswagen Crafter and LTs continue to sit at the top of trade buyers’ most-wanted list, which to a large extent is driven by very limited supply of popular used stock.

“For months past, and across all the auction halls, each clean van that became available has reaped the rewards and sold at a fast and furious pace.”

Elsewhere in the LCV market, lower-specced Astravans have been struggling when the more attractive Sportive version is also offered for sale, while Renault Kangoos have fallen out of favour thanks to strong deals on new models equipped with air-conditioning and satellite navigation.

Late-year Vauxhall Combos with side-loading doors continue to enjoy strong demand.

Conversely, Ford’s Connect continues to lose ground to its rivals thanks to the higher number appearing at auction.

Volkswagen’s Caddy TDI consistently returns strong money as supply and demand is rarely out of step.