BCA’s latest Pulse report for May shows that average used car values have now risen for seven consecutive months, with average values in May 2.3% higher than in April and 5.7% ahead year-on-year.

In May, average auction values increased to £5,773, a rise of £132 (2.3%) over the figure of £5,641, recorded in April. Year-on-year, values are £311 ahead.

Average monthly fleet and lease values rose by 2% to £7,024 in May from £6,885 in April and are now at their highest point since September 2007.

The fall in CAP performance following the April readjustment has been partly reversed, rising by over half a point in May.

Despite the continued monthly price rises, average growth appears to be slowing, following some spectacular increases earlier in the year.

Easter last year heralded the beginning of a price slump that was to last until October – there are no signs that such dramatic price swings are waiting in the wings in 2009.