Manheim’s latest three-year market analysis for vans show average wholesale used van sale values are now exceeding 2006 levels by 4% or £127.

However, at £3,263 the average remains 10.7% (£389) lower than 2007, when the market hit its peak. Only two van segments are outperforming their 2007 values – car vans and 4x4 commercials.

Alex Wright, Manheim’s commercial vehicles sales director, said: “Prices should ease during the final quarter due to seasonality and we are also starting to see increases in average age and mileage.

“If this trend continues, due to contract extensions and deferred fleet replacement programmes, we will see the re-emergence of a two-tier marketplace with older, higher mileage and more damaged vans suffering a ‘softening’ in values with the more desirable sub-60,000 mile vehicles making strong money.”