THE fleet market held up well in the last quarter of 2006 during a period when prices can often suffer.

The average fleet car sold at auction by Manheim fell in age by a month to 43.9 months and also by 900 miles to 58,131. And the average sales price went up by 2.5% or £130 to £5,298.

This represented an average percentage retained of new cost of 34.1% (up 0.75%).

The average number of days a car was kept in stock fell by two to 14.

In the overall used market, the selling prices of executives and MPVs fell most dramatically, dropping 4.5% and 5% respectively to average prices of £10,601 and £6,469.

It was a stronger month for small hatchbacks, which rose in average value by 4% or £170 to £4,515. Compact executives rose by £300 or 3.4% to £9,019 and large family cars increased by 2.3% to £5,439.

In terms of the best percentage retained of cost new, the strongest performers were superminis (47%) and small hatchbacks (45%), although these tended to be cars at the younger end of the age scale and with lower mileage than other sectors.

The worst-performing segment remained the large family cars at 32% at 41 months old with 66,000 miles.

The strongest performers for age/mileage were compact executives at 41% (42 months and 65,000 miles).