Used Fleet Values Bounce Back

Average used car values dipped 0.7% to £6736 in September overall due to a change in the model mix in the manufacturing sector, according to Manheim Remarketing.

But values in the fleet sector rose by 2.9% to £5960 – the first increase in four months. Dealer part-exchange values were up by 1.8% to 2219 during the month.

Overall average vehicle age remained static at 95 months but mileage increased by 454 miles to 52,785.

In the fleet sector hatchbacks rose in value by 4.6% to £4180, upper-medium models were up 4.4% to £4786 and MPVs leapt 11.9% in value to £6593.

The average age of fleet cars was 49 months in September – six months older than at the beginning of the year. Mileage increased by 7088 miles over the same period.

Year-on-year fleet values in September were down 9.3% (£615).

A Fleet Evolution spokesperson said ‘however you fund your fleet this is good news, the lack of new registrations as the recession dawned is now starting to filter through to lack of supply for good used cars. Couple this with further extended warranties and better product and resale values are likely to remain high for some time making contract hire more cost-effective for most models’.