Used LCV prices remain high despite increased volumes

The used van market returned a strong performance in July, according to Cox Automotive, as both average values and volumes increased at auction.

Data from Manheim shows an increase in the total volume sold by 17%, first time conversions improving by circa 6% with three out of four vans selling first time, and average selling prices increasing up to £9,805 for the month.

There have also been notable movements in guide values going into August which should continue to help drive the market and demand.

Matthew Davock, director of Commercial Vehicles at Cox Automotive, said: “The market positivity we saw in June continued throughout July, putting the market in a strong position as we head into the latter few months of the year.

“All insight suggests that volume shortages could be on the way towards the end of 2022 as new LCV registrations continue to hinder de-fleet returns. We also know that the cost-of-living crisis will impact available expenditure as some buyers will tighten their belts. The market looks in a good position to ride out these challenges.”

Driving LCV demand are chassis products, with Dropsides, Lutons and Tippers in demand at the right price. Minibuses continue to perform well with Manheim reporting some “eye watering” prices still being paid for the right specification wheelchair accessible vehicles. Going the other way was 4x4s, with demand weakening by 4%.

New vehicles faced a challenging first seven months with a year-on-year decline of 24.2% or 52,000 fewer vans being registered between January – July 2022. Small CDV, pickups and 4x4s were down by almost 45% compared with the same period in 2021, amid ongoing global supply chain delays.

However, the used market has stayed robust - the typical selling price for used vans at Manheim UK stands at £10,054, with average age and mileage figures of 64 months and 85,748 miles recorded respectively. Vans for the first seven months of the year made on average £388 more than the same period in 2021 and mileage and age profiles today are significantly higher.

There was also an increase in the number of used vans being advertised, with more than 46,000 LCV units being promoted via retail alone. This represents a 32% increase on the same period last year, due to greater choice and availability. Retail prices bands continue to be the highest on record with 62% of the LCVs being advertised priced £15,000 or above. 

Davock explained: “The volume increase is significant given all the above new market factors and when you compare this number with the cost-of-living factors, surging fuel prices and concerns around a lack of financial support, it’s not surprising this is impacting overall retail days to sell and consumer confidence as a whole.”