Carmakers are becoming increasingly flexible when it comes to the age of stock they allow in their approved used car schemes.
That’s the view of Martin Cleaver, group trade disposal manager at Sytner, who said the shortage of three to five year old cars in the market was driving change.
“These shortages mean there has been flexibility from some manufacturers when it comes to approved used schemes and six to seven year old cars are now not uncommon at franchise dealers.
“Also, it’s not just a question of three to five year old stock being in short supply. We’re seeing fewer natural part exchanges coming back into dealerships, as more people choose to sell through online car-buying/selling platforms.
“With greater access to information and options, customers are making different choices about how they dispose of their cars.”
Cleaver was speaking at a meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Associaiton. Melissa Seckington, head of corporate sales at Wilsons Auctions, added: “It’s an issue that means dealers have had to change their stocking profile.
“If they can’t get 3-5-year-old cars, they must go younger or older. Most tend to go with the latter and work to bring condition up to a level that meets buyer expectations.”
