June - July Van Buying Guide

My Car Check top tips for UK used LCV buyers in June and July 2015, including van of the month:Volkswagen Transporter 140 highline

• June is traditionally a quieter month in the used van market

• Given the prices at auction there must be little profit on many retail sales

• Never pay cash, trust your gut feeling and check before you buy

"Volkswagen Transporter 140 highline examples, particularly those with the electric pack, including air conditioning and sat nav, continue to increase in value"-David Hill

My Car Check- the UK's No.1 consumer vehicle data provider - has saved many a van buyer from making an expensive mistake. In these monthly bulletins its light commercial vehicle (LCV) experts reveal significant trends in the UK market andchoose a ‘van of the month'.

My Car Check's LCV expert, David Hill, said:"Volkswagen Transporter 140 highline examples, particularly those with the electric pack, including air conditioning and sat nav, continue to increase in value. Even with high mileage, they top many buyers' used van shopping lists. When it comes to negotiating, remember, as well as revealing a vehicle's history, My Car Check also provides valuations - a great tool for haggling with dealers or private sellers."

As to market trends, Hill said: "June is traditionally a quieter month as we start the slow down into the summer holidays. We are getting some stock through, but very little variety. Given the prices being paid at auction, there must be practically zero profit on many retail sales.

"In terms of small vans, there's Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and a few Peugeot 206 models. We have new model Vauxhall Combos starting to come into the market. There are plenty of Fiat Doblos around and prices are suffering slightly as they're all the same year and mileage. Conversely, volume has dropped on Volkswagen Caddy, easing the pressure on values, but think carefully before buying the lower horsepower ones.

"Renault Kangoo Maxi models are generally good news, but standard vans are plentiful so values need to be watched. We've also seen some electric vans (EV) in open market. The Nissan ENV-200 performed better than any of the others as they come complete with batteries. Fiat Scudo and its sister models are still good news, with even the older models getting plenty of interest. Nissan NV 200 is now a common sight and has a following.

"In the panel van sector, Ford Transit Custom is now about in small pockets of volume. The price of a new model has dented the value of some later variants in the used market, usually the lower specification models. Trend and Limited models are still the most sought after, with air con an essential option for some buyers.

"The larger panel van sector is one area where we have a shortage of good retail stock. As a result, any long wheelbase van in good condition with sensible miles will be highly desirable.

"In terms of chassis cab derivatives, it is often a case of ‘any badge will do'. Renault Master low floor luton's are currently making all the money. Tipper models have to have tidy bodywork and seats if they're a crew cab. Long wheelbase dropsides aren't as mileage sensitive as long as they're in ok condition.

"The four wheel drive market is fairly safe and steady at the moment. A large influx of Toyota Hilux has been absorbed."

My Car Check'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, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and all major finance houses, including Lloyds TSB and Santander.

To help UK consumers make the right choice, My Car Check 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: My Car Check