FLEETS which give their vans a wash and brush-up prior to disposal could benefit to the tune of up to £2,000, according to CAP Red Book. The used commercial vehicle values 'bible' acknowledges that £2,000 is an extreme, but says fleets which ensure part-eaten lunches left in gloveboxes and old cargo left in the back are removed prior to the vans entering auction halls will reap dividends to the tune of £300-£500 a vehicle.

Red Book department head Tim Wilcock said such preparation did make a difference and added: 'Even the most cynical buyer will be more impressed by a vehicle that has been looked after and smartened up, if only because it will save him doing the work later. Presentation is everything. Too often vehicles are offered for sale with little preparation work and so have less chance of finding a buyer.'

Wilcock added: 'A whiff of polish in the cockpit seems to work wonders, but buyers will be less impressed by the remains of the driver's cheese sandwich in the glovebox. A complete respray and engine rebuild is going too far.'