Rise in popularity for used 4x4s

Date: 12 February 2009

According to Manheim research larger 4x4s over 225g/km are under pressure

That's according to the BCA, which reports that prices have risen for the sixth consecutive month.

Average prices for four-year-old vehicles stand at £8566, only slightly lower than last January's figure. The market plummeted dramatically last year, with values falling from more than £8000 to around the £6500 mark in the summer.

Tim Naylor, a spokesman for BCA, said this was not helped by dealers only buying to order and even refusing to take 4x4s in part exchange.

Falling fuel prices, however, might have contributed to the boost in prices.

"As fuel prices began to drop, many motorists realised what exceptional value for money these vehicles had become and there was increased demand and a steady up-swing in prices," said Naylor, who also reckoned the cold weather had had an impact.

He added: "It will be interesting to see if values improve yet again in February."

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