Used car values have enjoyed huge increases during the past year after values were hit hard at the end of 2008.

Figures from Manheim reveal that average values ended the year nearly 35% (£1,770) higher compared to December 2008, while BCA’s Pulse monthly market analysis reported a 27.9% (£1,352) increase.

However, both companies warned against any expectations that values could perform similarly in 2010.

“January generally brings a further uplift in activity, but sustained prices rises over a number of months - such as those seen in 2009 – are unlikely to be repeated simply because the market had fallen so far and needed to recover,” explained BCA’s communications director Tony Gannon.

“A year later we are not in the same position and the recovery has taken place.”

However, there are suggestions that the late winter and early spring months could bring further stock shortages, which suggests values could rise during the next three months.

For further analysis see the next edition of Fleet News.