When compared with October 2008 values of seven year old, Dealer part exchange 4x4s have increased by 119% to £5,610 despite an increase in average age of two months and an increase in average mileage of 7,000 miles to 79,000. During the same period values of four year old ex-Fleet 4x4s increased by 56% to £12,293, average age increased by seven months and average mileage by 12,500 miles to 60,000.

Recent sales at Manheim Auctions have seen a variety of 4x4s of all shapes, sizes and prices going under the hammer. The £5,000 price range included a 2004 Land Rover Freelander TD4 HSE with 73,000 miles and a 2005 Nissan X-Trail 2.2 DCi Sport with 63,000 miles. Meanwhile for £12,000 the choice included a 2007 BMW X3 2.0D SE with 58,000 miles and a 2006 Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TD V6 XS with 83,000 miles.

Daren Wiseman, Valuation Services General manager, Manheim Auctions said: ‘The demand for used 4x4s following the winter storms of recent years has driven the massive increase in values since October 2008. We noted that demand for 4x4s increased earlier this year with buyers targeting this sector as early as September. There is a good selection of 4x4s at auction at this time of year as demand increases in anticipation of more severe weather in the months to come. As 4x4s are generally sturdy and reliable vehicles, age and mileage shouldn’t be a deterrent.’