'VENDORS enjoyed a bullish first quarter, with demand continuing into April across the board. The fleet and contract hire market is - as always - performing well, providing these direct entered vehicles are presentable and offered with as complete a service history as is practical. These vans offer good value for money for the end-user, particularly in the £2,000-£4,000 price band where demand is very strong.

Buyers are bidding strongly for long and medium wheelbase Sprinters with the desirable 310/312 models making good money in the auction hall. Engine power is a significant factor and with Mercedes 2.9-litre diesel power unit delivering plenty in these models, there is a lot of demand.

Conversely, the 308 Sprinter models are being deemed relatively lightweight in the power stakes by some buyers and valued accordingly.

An interesting development in the marketplace is the heavy demand for Ford Transit Chassis - probably on an R or S plate. Of course, this is a vehicle you cannot normally buy unless somebody takes the trouble to remove the box - but enough vendors are seeing an opportunity in doing so. From the buyer's viewpoint, they are presented with a vehicle that can pretty much be turned into any configuration at no great expense.

Tippers are also a popular choice.

In a similar age bracket S & T registered Vito 108D models are selling well and generally will outperform guide prices, providing they are in good, clean condition. LWB/hi roof VW LT35 TDi models are also in demand with even very high mileage (100K+) models routinely outperforming guide prices. Similarly, clean examples of the new shape Astravan (T or V registered) are very desirable and prices are generally ahead of guide.

The late year market has been strong throughout 2002, and in particular swb Ducatos - especially higher powered 2.5 models - are very much in demand. Late plate (X, Y + 51) Scudos are also finding a ready audience.

Fridge vans remain in demand - buyers are looking for Sprinters with slab doors and overnight standby which is necessary these days - vehicles without this spec are less desirable. Minibuses are in short supply - particularly clean examples at sensible mileages - and those that do come on to the market are quickly snapped up. There is a large element of seasonality here and expect prices to remain firm in the near future.

Generally, buyers are avoiding anything that needs a lot of work because there's a lot of supply and choice in the marketplace. It's worth remembering that clean vehicles generally sell first time and for more money, so preparation is as important for company vans as it is for company cars.

The best advice for vendors is to stay close to the marketplace and to value their stock appropriately. Talk to the auctioneers who see prices move on a daily basis and set reserves to make sure the stock is there to be sold.

Another noticeable area of demand has been for 4x2 high-powered units, which are currently in short supply and are very desirable. In fact, any well presented and useable vehicle in good condition will grab the buyer's attention and should sell strongly.

Mirroring activity in the LCV market, fridge units are in demand. At BCA recently, a selection of 1998/1999 S Mercedes 612 Vario Hubbard 490 fridge units sold for between £9,500 and £10,100 respective of year. Average guide value across the stock was £9,000.

Underling that specialised vehicles are in demand, a 1996 P Leyland Daf 45.130 Fridge boxvan with meatrails sold for £8,000 against a CAP valuation of £7,200 - with the current clean bill of health for the UK meat trade, vehicles of this designation are very much in demand.

Values for 7.5-ton boxvans are holding up well, despite the fact there is a lot of stock available in the marketplace. Buyers are seeking out direct-entered vehicles from major fleet/ finance companies, with clean Iveco 75E15 boxvans most sought after. Vendors should be aware that there are a lot of Leyland Daf examples in the marketplace and should value accordingly at remarketing time.

TNT once again held a special section as part of the recently formed solus partnership with BCA at Belle Vue Manchester. This vendor sold 25 units, with particularly strong bidding on the Man 8.153 and Iveco 75E14 boxvans. These are particularly popular with horse owners and horse box builders, as a large percentage are converted. As they are sold at auction bearing full skirted air management kits, this is one less worry - and less cost - for the horse box converter.

There was a lot of interest from the trade and user/operators in a selection of roadside recovery vehicles, offered by a leasing company. The entry included Leyland DAF 45.150 slide & Tilt , Spectacle lift, LDV crewcab and non Crewcab spectacle lift recovery, plus Renault Midliner , Iveco 49.10 and Mercedes 412 spectacle lift recovery. The majority were purchased by end users, targeted through BCA's marketing campaign.'