USED car values are bucking widespread fears of economic uncertainty, which are being fuelled by the growing conflict in Iraq, according to the latest figures in the April edition of CAP Black Book.

CAP says the used market is bucking economic and war fears, largely due to a combination of current short supply in some market sectors and strong demand across many parts of the market.

Many dealers across the country are struggling to find attractive cars for the forecourt and during March were often prepared to pay higher than they had expected for good stock.

Black Book Senior Editor, Tony Styles, says: “There are a number of factors driving the market generally upward at present.These include much stricter stocking policies, so that fewer cars are held back to replace those that are sold.

“That means a scramble for good cars to fill forecourt spaces when cars are sold, with the result of an uplift in values.