MyCarChecktop tips for used van buyers March 2015: Vito, iLoad and Vivaro praised as values dip thanks to new models coming soon
MyCarCheck - the UK's No.1 consumer vehicle data provider - has saved millions of people from making an expensive used car mistake. In these monthly bulletins its light commercial vehicle (LCV) expert reveals significant trends in the UK market andsuggests three wise buys - this month, vans that the manufacturer is replacing with a new model.
Highly desirable: Mercedes Benz Vito
Safe bet: Hyundai iLoad
Used star: Vauxhall Vivaro (and sister vans)
MyCarCheck's LCV expert, David Hill, commented: "With the retail market slowing down, now is a good time to pick up a van at a reasonable price.
For the very best value, look for vans that the manufacturer is replacing with a new model.
"Our highly desirable model this month is the Mercedes Benz Vito. The new model is due to be launched at the CV Show in April, but the outgoing model is still very popular and prices look like they'll remain strong even when the new model comes into the market. As always, check to make sure the one you're looking at is what it claims to be, especially when buying privately.
"In terms of LCVs that hold their value, safe bets don't come much safer than the Hyundai iLoad. This van doesn't attract much attention - it's a good, steady, no-nonsense vehicle with Korean reliability. Better still, one less than five years old, or under 100,000 miles, should still be under the manufacturer's warranty, providing the ownership details have been carried across.
"For our ‘used star' we've gone for the Vauxhall Vivaro and its sister vans, the Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar. These are all being replaced, albeit the Primastar at a later date. As a result, current examples should be available at some very tempting prices. When it comes to negotiating, remember, as well as revealing a van's history, MyCarCheck.com also provides vehicle valuations - a great tool for haggling with dealers or private sellers."
As to market trends, Hill commented: "The National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) has just published some interesting year-on-year comparison statistics. In terms of volume, January 2015 was up 6% on the same month last year. That looks a lot, but in reality it is only 545 units. Perhaps more importantly, sale prices were down 0.5%, equating to £24 less per unit.
"We expect the current, generally healthy, level of volume to continue throughout March and into April, by which time values will probably be starting to slip a little. As always, anything nice that requires little or no refurbishment will still be desirable.
"In the small van sector, we still have a shortage of stock, although a few new shape Ford Fiesta vans are selling well. The same goes for Vauxhall Corsa vans, but there's very little of anything else. Fiat Fiorinio, Peugeot Bipper and Citroen Nemo are all still about in numbers. Volkswagen Caddy is still having mixed fortunes, with 75 ps models really struggling - to the extent that we've again increased the gap between that and the bigger horsepower models.
"Mercedes Benz Citan and Renault Kangoo are still performing well, especially Maxi models. Fiat Scudo and its sister vans look great value at the moment.
"Toyota Hi-ace models are holding their value well as people see them as a solid reliable option. Ford Transit Short Wheelbase models also look good value and are selling well, with the Semi High Roof models from the media company particularly sought after.
"Trade buyers keep asking when the bubble will burst for the Volkswagen Transporter. Well, let's say it has a very slow puncture. Some values are slipping due to volume in the market, mainly on 84 or 102 models in white with no extras. Other Transporter models continue to fly.
"In the large panel van sector, newer shape Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano vans are great news, especially if you can find one with little or no damage. The same can be said for the Citroen Relay and Fiat Ducato. Ford Transit Jumbos are generally fine, except perhaps if they're yellow. We've seen some orange examples doing very well. Mercedes Benz Sprinter is also good news, with even older examples still finding buyers. Volkswagen Crafter needs to be clean with full service history and preferably not too big on the miles.
"The 4x4 sector is limping along at the moment, with too many double cab pick-ups in the market. Single cab versions are selling easily and at all the money. 4x4 vans seem to be doing ok, but this is very much a niche market."
MyCarCheck.com's parent company, CDL Vehicle Information Services, performs over a million look-ups a day for companies including AutoExpress, CompareTheMarket, Confused.com, Go-Compare, Moneysupermarket, Swiftcover, Tesco Compare and WhatCar?.
It uses up-to-the-minute data from the Police (NPIA - previously known as the Police National Computer or PNC), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and major finance houses including Lloyds TSB and Santander.
To help UK consumers make the right choice, MyCarCheck.com can confirm in seconds whether your potential pride and joy has ever been scrapped, stolen or written-off, has any money owing on it, has had a plate or colour change and much more.
Know what you're getting into: MyCarCheck.com
(Ends)
(Words = 870)
Notes To Editors
There's a "MB_Vito" JPG to go with this.
MyCarCheck.com, MyMotorCycleCheck.com, MyCarCheck.com/Trade, MyTextCheck and the MyCarCheck apps are brands of CDL Vehicle Information Services, owned by CDL Group Holdings Ltd of Stockport, Cheshire.
The entry-level MyCarCheck.com check costs just £2.95. For £9.95 our Gold Check also includes a PDF certificate with outstanding finance, mileage and valuation results. Our Platinum Check and bundles include the above and a guarantee of up to £20,000 subject to terms and conditions.
CDL Vehicle Information Services is a member of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), the Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA), the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), the Motor Asset Registration Service (MARS), the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) and the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).
For customer service please contact our UK-based call centre on 0330 331 0030. Lines are open 9am-7pm Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturday.
For all media enquiries contact Neil Kennett on 07986 921 742.