Unseasonably high levels of demand for used light vans, coupled with limited supplies are boosting auction prices.

Clean, low-mileage used vans are attracting most attention at auction and continue to sell with ease as trade buyers and end users compete for the best lots.

According to Glass’s sales of second-hand LCVs should enjoy further improvement during the remainder of 2009.

“However, only the bravest dealers are currently prepared to pay really big bucks for late-year vans, whilst others have insufficient confidence to hold such highly-priced retail stock at a time when deals on new have become so aggressive,” he continues," said George Alexander, editor of Glass’s Guide to Used Commercial Vehicles.

“There is a concern that prices of LCVs could fluctuate in line with the volumes of supply on offer.

"Clean, late-year commercial vehicles are unlikely to be de-fleeted until businesses are prepared to purchase new replacements.

"This is likely to generate a large number of less desirable units entering the marketplace.

"Such changes should not present a major problem, providing that vendors set realistic reserve prices for vans that have covered many more miles and have the scars to prove it.”