Well-specified vans fitted with additional factory options are enjoying ever-increasing levels of demand from buyers.

With more potential buyers there are more bids, both online and in the hall and as a consequence sale prices reflect this, according to experts at Manheim.

At a recent Volkswagen commercial vehicles closed van sale at Manheim Coventry, vans with metallic paint, air-conditioning, climate control, sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors and electric packs including windows, mirrors
and seats were in strong demand.

Representatives from industry guides who were present at this sale noted that, when factoring the sale values achieved against the list prices of the options, they repaid themselves
pound for pound.

In several instances the financial uplift exceeded the original cost of the options.

 Alex Wright, commercial vehicle sales director at Manheim, said: “The CV market often takes its cues from trends within the car market.

"The self-employed market is always focused on vans with ‘kerb appeal’ as these visually project a sound and credible perception of their businesses to potential customers.

“There is an increasing requirement for their daily workhorses to ‘cross-over’ into lifestyle usages, acting as a second ‘car’ for family trips and leisure breaks.

“The demand for these lifestyle vans is growing considerably and benefits can be measured both in terms of enhanced sale values and a faster speed of sale.

In addition to ‘kerb appeal’ there are factory options that aid
with flexibility and usage, such as twin side loading doors.

"Twin side doors as a factory option are currently adding between £500 and £1,000 to sale values depending on the make, model and other factory options fitted.

“Accurate vehicle descriptions are key and Manheim ensures that these are captured so we can market our vans to the best possible audience.”