Used car values hit record levels

Used car values have risen to a record value of £8,342 according to BCA, the average value rose just by just £1 against July but £503 over last year.

Fleet/lease values increased by 2.3% to the third highest point on record, while average dealer part-exchange values were the fourth highest recorded.

Simon Henstock, BCA chief operating officer UK Remarketing, said: “August was a strong month in the used wholesale markets.  Prices have improved as inventory has dropped and conversion rates have risen with first time sales – which are critical to churn – also improving.  Reports from managers across BCA’s 23 strong network also bear this out, with both car and LCV sales performing strongly, despite being at the height of the summer holiday season.”

He added “Our Pulse report for July saw a steady marketplace with the average values at record levels and August has improved on that performance.  It has been a strong month with good levels of demand and with the September plate change nearly upon us, we can expect the markets to be very busy indeed over the coming weeks.”

Year-on-year table: All cars

Values in the fleet and lease sector climbed by £225 (2.3%) in August compared to July, to reach the third highest point on record.  Retained value against original MRP (Manufacturers Retail Price) improved to 41.7% in August from 41.1% in July.  Year on year values were up by £242 (2.5%), with age falling by one month and mileage down by 2,000. 

Year-on-year table: Fleet and lease