THE influx of skilled immigrant labour into the UK over has proved a boost to the value of used vans.

George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at EurotaxGlass’s, said: “The unprecedented influx of labour has ensured that the used van market has gained an invaluable outlet for vehicles that previously had little value. While the negative aspects of mass migration are well documented, some significant benefits for our industry have been generated by the economic growth of self-employed sectors that require a low-price transport solution.”

Key trends:

  • Used lightweight vans
    Across the lightweight marketplace, used vans - young or old, big or small, straight or dented, with high or low miles - all picking up sensible bids when offered for sale at auction.

  • Strong money continues to be paid by both the trade and end-user for those car-derived vans with the best pedigree. Apart from a slight glitch last month when numbers of Peugeot 206 crowded some auction halls, this sector is performing well.

  • Numbers of late-year Citroën and Peugeot models continue to be disposed of through auction, giving buyers the opportunity to purchase quality vans with full service history at competitive prices. With current market demand in balance with supply, Berlingo and Partner vans both perform to Glass’s Guide Trade values.
  • Late-year Vauxhall Astras and Renault Kangoo vans with sensible mileages find buyers at the first time of asking. However, when larger volumes are pushed through auction, often via a dedicated manufacturer section, prices can disappoint for all but the best lots.
  • Demand for the Citroën Dispatch, Fiat Scudo and Peugeot Expert continues unabated, with the best examples across all ages gaining the attention of both the trade and retail buyers who continue to pay top money for those supported by full documentation and sensible mileages.
  • Ford’s Connect continues where it left off last month, attracting especially strong interest. In order to satisfy high levels of customer demand, dealers will consider all used vans, even where condition and mileage are outside normal parameters. LX models powered by the 90PS unit in silver with a side loading doors are most prized.
  • Late-year examples of Volkswagen’s Caddys are star performers on the open market, with prices to and even above Guide Trade paid for the best examples.

    Used panel vans

  • The Volkswagen T5 Transporter can seemingly do no wrong at present with strong performances across the range and few weaknesses being apparent. There is a keen following for all T5s at auction at each power rating, although used buyers prefer the more powerful vans in a popular metallic colour.
  • Far higher numbers of the well-liked Nissan Primastar, Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro vans now populate the auction halls and accordingly have become a little more affordable.
  • Market commentators believe that short supply and lengthening lead times for some new-style Ford Transits have significantly benefited sentiment toward Ford’s older T260 and T280 models. Currently, there are plenty of 350 Transits from all the major leasing companies to be seen at auction centres selling at Guide values. The higher horsepower models currently attract most attention, with only poorer condition, higher mileage lots failing to make the grade. Any supply issues surrounding new Transit have helped bolster used prices for ex-demo models.
  • Over the past month, the first new model Mercedes-Benz Sprinters have been offered in general auction sales as opposed to events where only highly supportive network dealers were present. Those available were ‘long’ and ‘high’ 311s on ’56-plates in silver with relatively high mileage in what might be considered as being typical ex-rental condition and achieved average bids well above £17,000.
  • In this buoyant market sector, each clean example of Renault Master, Vauxhall Movano, LDV Maxus, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Relay vans is enjoying significantly improved support from the trade. Panel vans from all marques are currently making strong money if reasonably presented with full history.
  • Underscoring this, over the past 18 months there have been very few panel vans - no matter how untidy and of any age - sold at auction below £1,000.