THE winter season has well and truly hit, and 4×4 sales are already increasing, according to BCA.
Sales of off-road vehicles rose sharply in October – by as much as 16 per cent as the yearly cold snap hit Britain – and prices are on the way up as well.
Average values across the segment rose beyond £13,000 last month – up £1,838 against September, and ‘well ahead’ of values recorded earlier in the year. BCA are suggesting prices ‘may well rise further’ if severe conditions – as predicted by the Met Office – take hold.
‘There is a well charted trend between falling temperatures and rising values for 4x4s and we would expect to see that continue in the next few months,’ commented BCA’s Tim Naylor. ‘And the first hint of snow across the wider UK could create significant demand for 4x4s which will send values even higher.
‘When it comes to choosing a 4×4, buyers expect a good specification, as this will help the vehicle retain its value in the years ahead. Alloys, leather interior, air- con and sat-nav are all desirable, while more “rugged” accessories such as mounted spotlights, running boards and winches can drive prices up too.’
Naylor highlighted that, regardless of the type of vehicle, the need for comprehensive service history remains. ‘But absolutely essential is ensuring the vehicle has a comprehensive up to date service history,’ he said. ‘It may have been no further off-road than up a suburban kerb, but a full service history from the supplying dealer gives that extra peace of mind.’
