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Winners and also-vans...

17th March 2005, Page 71
17th March 2005
Page 71
Page 71, 17th March 2005 — Winners and also-vans...
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Keywords : Ford Motor Company, Vans

George Alexander of Glass's Guide runs the rule over runners and riders in the used van market.

The majority of trade buyers are interested in the top end of the line-up: long-wheelbase, high-roof models with big engines like the Transit T350. But George Alexander reports clear blue water between this and its medium-wheelbase stablemate: The same is happening for the T260 and T280 where higher roof versions are preferred to low roof and the best power options receive trade backing,"

The latest models to roil off the production line aren't immune from competition from older models; auctions around the country are achieving good returns for the best examples of LCX and LCY Transits.

"Dropsiders, tippers, boxes and Lutons are all keenly sought after, particularly those derivatives that offer an extended frame where only strong money will secure ownership," Alexander reports.

The issues don't stop there for the nation's favourite: Used examples of Ford's new Fiesta returning to the open market are starting to show signs of their initial price honeymoon ending. Ford's Connect has displayed a little weakness on the open market yet despite this patchiness it attracts trade buyers in sufficient numbers."

This is in stark contrast to Nissan, which launched its extended CV line-up In 2002. Many pundits questioned the need for another version of the GM/Renault alliance but the trade is willing to pay over the odds for a Kubistar, Primastar or Interstar, While there's strong demand for high-cube, powerful lveco Dailys the rest of the line-up is starting to suffer as more modern looking products begin to surround it. Above the 3.5-tonne waterline the Daily comes into its own with firm prices for the greater loading capacity of the C-range.

Mercedes-Benz's decision to divert its vans 'in-house' is paying off as low-mileage Vitas are making good money through the approved used vehicle programme, while prices outside the programme are weakening.

The Sprinter continues to set the pace for the Germans with well turned out 310s and 312s with 'sensible warranted mileage' attracting a lot of interest while top dollar is reserved for the Sprinter 313. Unfortunately older versions in poor condition and without service history are suffering.

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