The used car market has been performing strongly, according to BCA, with values rising across the board during October.

Average values for fleet/lease and part-exchange cars reached record levels, according to the data, while nearly-new values and the overall headline figure were the highest so far this year.   

BCA also noted that increased volumes and the rising numbers of poor condition cars could impact market performance in the weeks ahead and advised sellers to appraise and value their vehicles in line with market sentiment.

Fleet values rose by £148 (1.5%), with part-exchange values climbing by £67 (1.5%) and nearly-new rising by £1,251 (6.1%).  The headline average value improved by £290 (3.7%) as higher value fleet and lease cars represented a higher percentage in October compared to September.

The headline average value of a used car increased to £7,992, despite performance against CAP Clean falling by two percentage points to 96.63%.  Year-on-year, average values were up by £244 (3.1%), with age static and mileage continuing to fall.  Performance against CAP was up by one percentage point compared to 2014.  

All cars	Avg Age	Avg Mileage	Avg Value	Sale vs CAP
Oct 2014	60.07	55,895	£7,748	95.60%
Oct 2015	60.25	54,262	£7,992	96.63%

Simon Henstock, BCA’s UK operations director, said: “Although October’s figures look exceptionally strong, rising average values are not the whole story.  Volumes have climbed in recent weeks and while the best presented and most attractive ready-to-retail cars are selling quickly and often for well above guide valuations, there are increasing numbers of poorer quality cars reaching the wholesale markets.  These less attractive vehicles need to be accurately appraised and valued in line with market expectations if they are to be sold first time.”

He added: “Over valuing poor condition and less attractive cars almost inevitably results in a failure to sell first time, taking longer to sale and the potential for holding costs to rise.  When buyers have greater choice they inevitably focus on those cars that represent the best profit opportunity in the shortest timescale.”

Fleet & lease car values averaged £9,848 in October, rising by £148 (1.5%), compared to September and reaching the highest point on record since Pulse began reporting. 

Despite this, retained value against original MRP (Manufacturers Retail Price) was down slightly at 41.80% (from 42.09% last month), with age and mileage broadly static.  Compared to October 2014, average fleet & lease values were up by £315 (3.3%), with performance against CAP Clean up by half a point and retained value down slightly on 2014.  

Fleet/ Lease	Avg Age (months)	Avg Mileage	Avg Value	Sale vs CAP	Sales vs MRP
Oct 2014	39.82	47,497	£9,533	95.27%	42.04%
Oct 2015	39.56	45,358	£9,848	95.96%	41.80%