EVIDENCE is emerging that the near year-long collapse in residual values is coming to an end, according to CAP Motor Research and Glass's Information Services. Both organisations in the December issues of their respective used car value price guides - CAP Black Book and Glass's Guide Car Values - claim sections of the second hand market are recovering.

They say dealers are becoming more proficient in their stock handling and opting for 'star performers'. Those vehicles include fleet cars with Glass's Guide suggesting that six-10-year-old cars are becoming less desirable because of stricter emission controls and the removal of leaded fuel from forecourts in 2000, while younger cars require less refurbishment and have lower MoT bills. This month CAP Black Book claims that amid the doom and gloom some cars 'refused to join the collapse' and provided switched-on dealers and traders with profits.

Until earlier this year residuals had increased almost unchecked since May 1993, but close scrutiny of today's figures reveals interest in the sub-£5,000 market. And with many fleets running cars longer, older ex-company cars are attracting retail interest. Simultaneously, any company cars different to the typical three- to four-year-old 'average' specified vehicle or of lower mileage are sought after by the trade.