The positive state of the used vehicle markets – both vans and cars - is continuing into the summer, despite expectations that demand would soften.

The latest figures from BCA show “sustained demand” for used cars, with average values rising for seven consecutive months. This is despite the summer months being traditionally the quietest time for used car sales.

BCA’s latest Pulse report shows that average values last month were 2.3% higher than in April and 5.7% ahead, year-on-year.

“All the signs were that the market was about to soften,” said BCA communications director Tony Gannon.

“The continued strong prices reflect that supplies of used vehicles for sale are still relatively limited. But demand is holding up exceptionally well.”

The value of ex-fleet cars rose by 2% (£139) to break through the £7,000 barrier for the first time since 2007.

Performance against CAP is nearly six points higher in 2009 at 98.54%.

Meanwhile, Manheim’s latest monthly analysis of the used van market shows that, at £3,125, the average wholesale used van sale price was up 1.8% (£55).

This is the fifth consecutive monthly increase.
However, compared to prices 12 months ago, they are still down by 5.4% (£177) with average age four months lower at 52 months and average mileage 4,849 miles lower at 66,710.

Alex Wright, Manheim’s commercial vehicle sales director, said: “The recovery in wholesale used van prices in 2009 is slow but steady. As we enter the summer months I believe that values will now begin to stabilise but there may still be some upward price movement in specific vehicle segments whilst demand remains healthy.”