Shortage of quality used vehicles closer than we think

Stock that we all thought had grown roots it’s been so long since it’s moved is flying again - and there’s even considerably more than a flicker in prestige, SUV and 4x4 sectors. But for just how long can we expect enjoy this sudden boom? Until the number of customers dries up again?

Or, perhaps - and we think this is more likely - until the supply of quality used and late-plate models dries up so forcing prices back up again and keeping customers at bay.

And dry up it will. The fall in new car sales over the past 12 months is already impacting on the late-plate pipeline and, with many motor manufacturers effectively shelving production for the foreseeable future, the lack of supply in the used market could rumble on for some time.

At some point, the inevitable laws of supply and demand will come into play. Lack of quality used models will force prices up again to such a level where new sales – with all their incentives, free add-ons and 0% finance deals – start to appeal again.

As used prices rise – and the manufacturers continue to kick out some exceptional OTR deals to tempt buyers back to new – the difference between new and used will become marginal enough to tempt buyers back into new. Which we think is, ultimately, good news for the used market but it will take time to filter through

So, in the long term we will find the equilibrium that we’ve enjoyed for so many years but, in the short and medium term, supply will become an issue so we say, get it where you can!