What to look for
Page 107

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Vehicles: 7.5-tonne volume going through Manheim sales has dropped about 5% but its in keeping with the market place. Martell thinks people are too quick to produce a reason for a slowdown. He adds that demand and supply have dropped in equal measures Manufacturers: The leading marques are Iveco, Oaf and Mercedes-Benz Prices: Cash is steady with cleaner, tidier vehicles getting the extra bids over the top of consistent prices Buyers: The split between trade buyers and end users is 60/40 in favour of dealers. Export isn't really an issue, and end users are slightly more prominent in Leeds than Colchester, where there are a lot of horsebox manufacturers.
What to look for: Anything with a 52-plate and upwards. Dropsides with 22 and 24ft bodies are selling like hot cakes; clean, late year and low mileage fridges are popular too. Tippers are a consistent favourite What to avoid: Non-factory specification and short-wheelbase chassis-cabs with box bodies Conclusion: At present this sector is pretty steady. It's prone to fluctuations because demand can come from anywhere as 7.5-tonners are fairly expendable and easy to buy