Van values  now higher than 2006 levels

Manheim Auction’s latest three-year van market analysis shows that average wholesale used van sale values are now exceeding 2006 levels.

At £3,263, the average selling price for a van in the July-September quarter was 4% higher than in 2006 but 10.7% lower than the same period of the industry’s record year 2007. 

While overall average values are below the peak of 2007, two van segments are actually performing better - car vans are up by 1.9% to £2,048 and 4x4s up by 23.1% to £6,066 (the highest value for 4x4 pick-ups since Manheim began reporting on market performance).

“Accepting that 2007 was an exceptional year,” said Alex Wright, Manheim’s sales director for commercial vehicles, “today’s market performance is more impressive than 2006 because of the current macro-economic weakness.  The continued strengthening of wholesale used van prices throughout 2009, despite the increase in supply, indicates a healthy buyer demand at the heart of the market.”

Over the past three years, average age has remained stable at 55 months, while average mileage has fallen slightly from 72,059 to 70,479 miles in the third quarter of this year.