The used car market saw a rise in average values during June, with record levels reached for fleet and lease and dealer part exchange cars, according to auction firm BCA.
It says the overall average value reached £9,641 – the third highest on record, and a year-on-year increase of £846, or 9.6%, despite the average age of vehicles sold rising slightly.
Average fleet and leasing values reached £11,198 – a year-on-year increase of £1,099, or 10.8%, with the average age of vehicles rising and mileage decreasing, although both by small margins.
Average dealer part exchange values were £5,003 – a year-on-year increase of £346, or 7.4%, with the average age and mileage of vehicles both down.
Average nearly-new car values went up to £22,410 – a year-on-year increase of £4,197 or 23%, which BCA said was a substantial rise even when acknowledging the effect of model mix in this very low volume sector.
“Demand from professional buyers continued at very healthy levels into June, with both average values and conversion rates improving compared to May,” Stuart Pearson, BCA COO for UK remarketing, said.
“Fleet and lease values reached record levels for the third time this year, while dealer part exchange stock posted the fifth consecutive month of record values at BCA.
“This sustained value evolution reflects both high levels of demand and the quality of stock on offer at BCA.
“To put the current market into context, it is the first time since 2010 that June average values have shown any improvement over the previous month.
“And this is despite the excellent weather, the FIFA World Cup and the fast approaching summer holiday period: distractions that have typically heralded a softening of demand for used cars in previous years.”