The average wholesale used van sale price increased by 4.7% (£161) to £3,590 in October compared with September - the eighth month this year that average values have increased and the third month in a row, according to Manheim Auctions.

Compared with October last year average wholesale used van prices are actually up by 28.8% (£803), despite the average age also increasing by five months to 57 months and average mileage 4,963 miles higher at 76,065.

“The continued strengthening of wholesale used van prices is encouraging,” explained Alex Wright, sales director, commercial vehicles, Manheim Auctions. “However, I would advise a note of caution because we are approaching a period of traditional seasonal ‘cooling’.

“Buyers are also becoming more wary of damage and will be hesitant about stocking high value late and low product over this period. Any continued reduction in volumes of used vans in the wholesale market will drive further price rises which could result in strong values maintained until the end of the year.”