New Nissan vans make impact on used market

Three years after Nissan re-launched itself back into the UK van market its range of vehicles is now starting to hit the used market for the first time.

Not only are used prices strong and stable according to Manheim Auctions, but future residual value predictions are showing the Nissan in the same light as the likes of star performers Volkswagen and Mercedes according to residual value experts, CAP.

The Nissan Primastar went on sale on 1 October 2002 and three years on CAP Monitor predicts at three years and 60,000 miles the 2.7T SWB 100PS diesel will be worth 34% (£4,850) of its original cost new. This compares with the popular VW Transporter T26 SWB 85PS diesel at 35% (£4,725) and the market leading Ford Transit 260 SWB 90PS diesel at 28% (£4,100).

A similar picture was evident in August when the new Navara pick-up was launched and went straight to the top of residual value charts worth 47% of its original cost new after three years and 60,000 miles.

“The Nissan range of light commercials has gone from strength to strength over the past three years and while we are still only seeing a handful of used models coming back into the used market they are generally performing well,” explained Alex Wright, Manheim Auctions Commercial Vehicle Sales Director.

“In particular the Cabstar always performs well in the used landscaping and building markets, while the Navara pick up is still very sought after, as the used prices in our table reinforce,” he added.

Francis Bleasdale, Nissan’s contract hire and leasing manager said: “These figures endorse our commercial vehicle strategy of pursuing sales growth in a manner which does not damage residual values. This has meant that Nissan has avoided playing in those sectors we feel are not conducive to good residual values.

“Our growth has been achieved by deliberately targeting the small and medium business sector via our dealer business centres, our dedicated LCV Team and the contract hire industry,” he added.