Used car market proves tougher in April

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Used car values rose 2.2% to £7,773 in April compared to the previous month, according to the BCA Pulse report.

But although average values were rising the market was tougher in April than it had been in recent months with greater choice and lower conversion rates.

“As in previous months, demand remains strong for the best quality retail cars but less attractive or poorly presented vehicles must be valued competitively and in line with condition in order to attract buyers and sell first time,” said BCA UK operations director Simon Henstock.

“The premium and luxury end of the market remains very strong with buyers happy to invest six-figure sums for the right vehicles.

“There are signs that sellers are being more pragmatic about values, as performance against CAP Clean declined noticeably compared to March,” he said.

Values are likely to be flat over the coming months and the football World Cup could have an impact on the market.

“History tells us these massive sporting events have notable if short-term effects on the retail sector and therefore impact on demand in the wholesale car market,” said Henstock.

Year on year, however, used car values are ahead 16.6% due to the shortage of stock in the market place.