The firm’s latest Pulse report shows that fleet & lease cars averaged £9,648 in August, representing a negligible fall of just £14 (0.1%) compared to July. Retained value against original MRP (Manufacturers Retail Price) improved to 42.16% over the month, with age and mileage broadly static. Average values were up by £55 (0.5%) compared to August 2014, with performance against CAP Clean up by half a point and retained value marginally down on 2014. 

Meanwhile, the headline average value of a used car fell by £73 over the month to £7,839, with BCA saying this suggests there was also a change in model mix compared to July.

The firm also continued to advise that condition, preparation and presentation remain vital to achieve strong values. 

Simon Henstock, BCA’s UK operations director, commented: “The short-term prospects suggest that volumes will rise from mid-September onwards as greater numbers of dealer part-exchange and ex-fleet vehicles begin to reach the wholesale markets. While the best quality stock – the Condition 1 and 2 cars – will continue to attract a lot of buyer attention and achieve strong prices as they have done all year, it is the poorer presented vehicles that typically feel the price pressure. If the market conditions tighten then these vehicles will need to be competitively priced if they are to be sold.”