Contract extensions have increased the mileage on late-year rental and fleet vans, which provide the bulk of late-year vans in the used market.
As a result, they are less desirable to customers.
George Alexander, editor of Glass's Guide to Commercial Vehicles, says buyers are ignoring high-mileage vans coming up for sale. He argues that high mileage negates all other positives such as a full service history, unmarked paintwork, pristine interior condition, and a blue-chip company name on the V5.
The majority of retail customers continue to focus on mileage, says Alexander, when selecting used light commercial vehicles. "Many would argue that the overall condition of a van or truck is more relevant to its intrinsic worth than distance covered.
"However, what the odometer reveals about a commercial vehicle's past life is an undeniably crucial factor in the sales equation. Currently, popular vans that have travelled less than 40,000 miles are good news, while between 50,000 miles and 75,000 miles there is every chance of a profitable sale for nice clean stock," he says.
Retail business is still attainable on the best older vans up to 100,000 miles, but above this point, customer resistance sets in, he says. "Here only the best examples of premium-brand panel vans will provide the trade with a reasonable profit," he says. "Consequently, most dealers no longer consider the hassle factor that accompanies high mileage to be worth the risk."
