Average age and mileage of used vans increased by four months in Q1 2015 on Q4 2014, but demand remains strong, says Autorola.

Age rose from 25 months in Q4 2014 to 29 months in Q1 2015, while average mileage increased from 26,089 to 28,306 miles in the same period, an increase of 2,217 miles.

Average used prices fell accordingly from £11,536 to £8,910 (£2,626), the most dramatic quarterly change since Autorola began its online used vans prices survey in 2012.

Sales director at Autorola UK, Jon Mitchell (pictured), said: “The used LCV market seems to have turned a corner in 2015. Prices have started to fall, not because demand has reduced but generally the age and mileage of vehicles coming back onto our online portal have increased.

“We think fleets, in particular rental companies, are now keeping to their extended post-recession replacement cycles, which is also having an impact. The condition of some of the older used stock is also weaker which is affecting prices.”

Autorola is also seeing the final surge of part exchanges coming in from dealers following the new 15-plate, with its portal offering nearly 15,000 vehicles for sale to its 2,000 active buyers.