DEMAND for late low-mileage vans is continuing to hold up, according to latest figures from Glass's Commercial Vehicle Values. But amid the good news, Glass's warned that late models from the Citroen/Peugeot/Fiat stable were due to 'continue flooding back in numbers the market cannot swallow and with price expectations it cannot stomach'.

The guide also noted that long wheelbase Transits were very much out of favour and that Vauxhall Combo Merit and LS models were seeing their values slipping. On the upbeat side, Glass's noted: 'Values held firm and dealers and traders alike commented on the better than expected market conditions.' However, it went on to say: 'We now move into a slightly less stable period, with downward pressure coming from pending late-plate disposals, which will be balanced out by rising demand as we approach the run-up to Christmas.'

Buyers are looking for tidy car-derived vans which will retail about £4,000 and Lutons that can sell for £5,000. Even petrol-powered models in this range are acceptable, especially with power steering. Minibuses are also in demand, although only ones in good condition. Glass's warned: 'It is necessary to differentiate between a vehicle which is genuine with warranted low mileage and the vast majority of vans on offer which are dross.'