September felt like one of those months where everything clicked. From a Manheim perspective, the numbers spoke for themselves: units sold up 15% year-on-year, conversion rates four points stronger, average sale prices up 10%, and CAP Clean performance nudging two percent higher year-on-year. Green ticks across the board; the kind of month that reminds you why we all get such a buzz from this job in the used car market. 

It rounded off a brilliant Q3; July being one of the best months we’ve had in recent memory and buyer appetite hasn’t let up since. Halls were busy, online bidding was sharp, and every sector had players in the game. Fleet sales were flying, with high conversions and monster CAP performances. Dealer part-ex sales were also well attended and, as ever, the vendors with the best stock got the best results. Truth be told, most things were selling, even sub-prime, though at the cheaper end of the market there’s still a growing gap between what the book says and what a buyer will actually pay under £2,000. 

There wasn’t a single make or model dominating; everything seemed to be on the shopping list. From car supermarkets to franchises, independents to non-runner buyers all were out in force, hungry to keep forecourts full. That rings true with what CAP HPI highlighted recently: the market has been behaving more “normally” this year, with monthly price moves either slightly positive or bang in line with seasonal averages. In other words, resilience is the theme for used car market trends.

Supply, seasonality and the outlook

On volumes, September’s plate change is one of the last seasonal norms to properly return. As we head into the first full week of October, arrivals are creeping up perhaps a touch later than expected but supply looks to be starting to move. The market is well placed to absorb it: pricing remains firm, demand is edging ahead of supply, and a bit more stock would be welcomed. That balance is crucial, and as Phil Nothard has been stressing, the used market continues to act as a stabilising force for the wider sector, even with supply constraints in certain age profiles.

Final word on cars

September wasn’t just another strong month it was a marker. The used market has momentum, confidence, and breadth of demand, with CAP data and wider commentary backing up what we’re seeing in the lanes every day. The year so far has been exceptional, and if the early signs in October are anything to go by, we could be setting ourselves up for a very strong run into Christmas.

Used van market: Key trends from the lanes

Stuart Peak, National LCV Manager, Manheim Auction Services

A market in top gear

The van market kicked on another gear in September, with a continued theme of steady supply and excellent buyer demand. As a result of strong dynamics over the last two months, guide prices have started to increase, reflecting the underlying health of the market. 

First-time conversions throughout the month matched the record levels we saw in July, while the average selling price rose by £272 compared to August, reaching £8,579 – the second-highest reported so far in 2025.

Q3 reflections: A standout quarter

Looking back, Q3 was one to remember. Overall sold volume increased 19% vs Q2 and 12% vs Q3 2024, while first-time conversions improved 15% year-on-year. That level of consistency highlights just how stable and resilient the used van market has been throughout 2025.

Used BEV LCVs: Finding their place

One area we continue to watch closely is the used BEV LCV market. Encouragingly, demand is now not too far behind that of diesel vans. In September, 4 out of 5 BEV vans sold first time, with 99% of guide prices achieved. With price adjustments over the last six months, BEVs are now at a point where buyers are not only willing to stock them but, in some cases, pay above guide – much like strong-performing diesel equivalents.

Looking ahead: Controlled supply, buoyant values

To summarise, September was excellent and Q3 outstanding. As we head through the remainder of 2025, further increases in average sale values would not be a surprise. With supply remaining controlled and demand consistently high, we should continue to see a buoyant used van market.

 

Trucks & Plant: Q3 steadies, Q4 set for selective strength

Chris Mynott, National HGV Manager, Manheim Auction Services

HGV: Light volumes, selective heat

And just like that, summer has been and gone. Since I last wrote, we’ve had some superb auctions of note and our plant and equipment sales have really stepped up to the next level. 

The HGV market remained steady through Q3, with sale volumes very much on the low side as predicted; the drop in numbers started back in May, and inbound volume is still slow. Many leasing, rental and finance vendors tell us customers are choosing to stick with older vehicles rather than opt for replacements. New trucks remain very expensive; finance is harder to secure; it’s not easy out there right now. Latest SMMT figures show HGV registrations down by over 11% versus the same period last year. Rising operating costs are forcing fleets and end users to rethink purchasing plans, which naturally makes buyers cautious and we’re working extra hard to get them to part with their hard-earned. 

That said, the lack of late product (up to four years old) has definitely spiked activity. The sought-after kit, when it appears, is making fortunes. More than once, we’ve felt that if we’d had 1,000 trucks, we’d have sold 1,000 trucks and the appetite for the right stock is growing by the day. There’s simply not enough of it around currently - if you have late product to sell, now is the time to get it into us! 

Older kit, while more readily available, continues to do well. Export markets are strong but are hindered by high shipping costs. Some agents are even exploring overland transport again to help customers manage cost.

Plant & equipment: More entries, heavier kit, big money

Our Plant & Equipment auctions are running to a different beat: more entries, heavier kit, greater age and type variation and all of it is positive. We’re seeing more buyers and vendors at every sale, and some of the money this kit makes is eye-watering. We regularly have 100+ items per auction, and that mix attracts buyers from far and wide.

Looking ahead

Expect more of the same into Q4. Peak Christmas contracts will have buyers looking to secure trucks, while many operators will keep hold of what they have so we anticipate continued lack of availability combined with strong buyer desire for the right units. In short: a great time to be a vendor.

UK vehicle auctions: Final thoughts for September 2025