Making a used 73-tonner work for you
Page 107

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The 7.5-tonne used market is dominated by vehides returning to the marketplace: which is best for you?
Visit any truck auction in the country and you'll find 7.5-tonners up for grabs.'This is a transient market sector due to the sheer volume, but that doesn't mean it isn't competitive. While box vans are predominant, it's a versatile enough sector to let you buy and convert.
New registrations in 1998 peaked at 15,711 units and, following two 14,000-plus years at the turn of the century; they settled at 13,500 last year.Two-thirds of all bodies are box, curtainsider or tippers, with box bodies a clear winner in terms of volume.
It stands to reason that these will dominate the used market when they return.
Jeremy Martell,HGV and plant manager at Manheim Auctions, handles dozens of 7.5tonners at auctions up and down the country each week in his role as an auctioneer.
At a typical auction 7.5-tonne chassis cabs make up around 15% of the day's total sale. The box body is the predominant vehicle, coming back from rental companies and finance houses. Mileage can vary,but those that have been subject to lease or rental deals prior to arriving at auction will have a limit imposed by the manufacturer, finance house or leasing company.
Typical 7.5-tonners going through Manheim are 1998-2003-registered trucks with day cabs. A factory-fitted sleeper cab will raise an extra £500. GRP box bodies and those with tail-lifts attract most attention.
Apart from the boxes, dropsides, tippers and fridges are most desirable. And an example fitted with a crane will fetch an extra £1,500 (all prices are ex-VAT).