Changing used van market makes condition key

The dynamics that drove demand for used vans in recent years is ‘behind us’, says BCA, with a back-to-basics approach to remarketing now needed.

Used light commercial vehicle (LCV) values at BCA continued to realign as 2023 drew to a close, averaging £8,037 in December, the lowest monthly figure recorded since the UK was in lockdown in 2020.

A number of factors contributed to the decline in average values in 2023, which peaked at £10,325 in April of last year.  

Alongside high inflation and rising interest rates affecting consumer confidence, the market was affected by the changing mix of stock and rising numbers of lower grade vehicles washing out from extended contracts during the pandemic.  

Demand for the very best condition light commercial vehicles continued to significantly outstrip interest in the more poorly presented vehicles.  

Stuart Pearson, chief operating officer for BCA UK, said: “As last year drew to a close we continued to see the effects of a two-tier market, where well presented, higher grade vehicles attract a lot of interest, while older, higher mileage volume models need to be competitively valued, particularly if they require repair and refurbishment.”

He explained: “The dynamics that drove demand during the pandemic are well and truly behind us now and we are back to the basics of good remarketing practice. 

“Proper preparation and good presentation are critical to achieving the best possible prices for used LCVs along with the correct documentation to support the vehicle provenance.”

Similar to the car market, Pearson says that there was an extensive period where decision making was generally easy and price expectations were often overachieved. However, he added that those that are paying close attention to the true condition of their vehicles and setting realistic reserves are achieving the best results currently.

He concluded: “The LCV wholesale market has got off to a steady start in 2024, with interest continuing to be highly sensitive to price and condition.  

“These dynamics are not unusual for this time of year and should not be a cause for concern, as there is every expectation that conditions will improve and that 2024 is likely to see a return to more seasonal trends in the wholesale LCV market. 

“With a fairly plentiful supply of new LCVs entering the market and an ageing fleet driving many contract hire returns, I’m sure that this won’t be the last time that we mention that the best results will always be obtained by following the remarketing basics.”