Strong Summer sets stage for September

The latest price data from BCA shows that values held up well over the summer period – traditionally one of the quieter times of the year – and demand has sharply increased in the early days of September.

BCA Sales Director Mark Hankey commented “Average prices held up well over the summer and the best cars continued to be sought after and attract good prices relative to their condition, specification and mileage. However, volume slowed and there was little interest in higher mileage, poorer condition cars that required work to bring them to retail standard. ”

Hankey added “There are early signs of improvement for September and dealers are certainly out and about and buying strongly. There is a shortage of stock, although it is not as severe as last year when prices reached extraordinary levels. Conversion rates are up across the board and it is important to keep that churn high, bring fresh stock to the market and keep re-entries to a minimum.”

Average Fleet & Lease values at BCA in July remained above £7,000 and dipped just below that level in August. Values have been fairly consistent all year, with a variance of less than £600 separating the highest and lowest average monthly values this year to date.

Average part-exchange values remained above the £3,000 watershed, averaging £3,242 in July and £3,248 in August. There’s even less variance in P/X values over the year, which have remained remarkably consistent, with a high of £3,278 in March and a low of £3,107 in February, meaning average monthly values for the year to August have all fallen within a range of £171.