Hands off CV prices say guide pundits
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• The government should not step in to force down CV list prices, according to used price guide CAP Red Book.
David Hill, senior editor of the used van and truck price guide, argues that government moves like those taken in the car sector would threaten operators and dealers alike.
"They've made a right pig's ear of the car market and we're just hoping they'll leave the CV sector well alone," he adds.
Forcing down list prices would leave dealers unable to offer over-the-odds deals on trade-ins because of tighter margins, says who points out that there are some amazing deals to be had for those who shop around and haggle: "I won't name the manufacturer, but you can get up to 50% off some new vans."
Used values would plummet, he warns, especially those of nearly new examples making three, six or even nine-month buy-back deals unworkable.
However, many CM readers say they have not been able to get good enough deals, and look to the Continent for the price they want. Hill acknowledges there are significant savings to be had by going to the Continent but says it can be far from plain sailing unless you know what you are doing.
GAP reckons that despite initial savings, imports are valued as being worth £500-£750 less than equivalent UK models.