FLEETS with large petrol-engine 4x4s could improve the residual values of their vehicles by converting them to liquefied petroleum gas, it has been claimed. CAP Network has discovered that the gas-guzzling machines are made more affordable to future owners by undergoing the conversion, and current owners can recoup the cost of the work through lower fuel costs.

Daren Wiseman, senior editor of CAP Black Book, said: 'We've been talking to a few people since the beginning of the year and found that the big V8 Land Rover Discoveries and Range Rovers which have been converted, particularly older ones, are getting better prices than the petrol-only ones. Many customers have steered clear of these vehicles in the past, with economy in mind. Now they are reported to be attracting more attention on the used market because their running costs can be reduced by converting them to LPG, with the cost of the conversion being recovered through big savings at the pump.'

However, he said the converted cars are not in the same league for residual values as diesel off-roaders, although LPG residual values have been slowly improving. 'Cars with manufacturer conversions used to achieve a lot less than their petrol-only equivalents,' said Wiseman, 'but they have started to achieve more success recently.

'People have started to recognise savings can be made and LPG cars are becoming more accepted. The situation has improved for LPG but I wouldn't say the tide has turned. In a few years there will be other fuels around and LPG might become less popular.'