Remarketing firm BCA has reported a new record high value for average fleet and lease vehicle disposals in March, bursting through the £9500 mark for the first time at £9572.

That's up £838 on March 2013, while fleet and leasing models also showed a slight decrease in age and mileage. 

Although demand remains strong, BCA is warning the industry to beware of shift. "The market is showing early signs of softening and, with the March new registration figures being the highest in a decade, this will generate more volume in the used car arena," said BCA UK operations director Simon Henstock.

"If supply starts to outstrip demand there will inevitably be some downward pressure on average values, particularly for less attractive or poorly presented vehicles."

However, the National Association of Motor Auctions reported a slightly different picture in terms of values, showing a 3.4% decrease in values compared with BCA's overall 0.7% rise, although BCA's average sale price of £7387 was well above the average £5259 quoted by NAMA's membership. But the association did though report a rise in values of fleet and lease vehicles, rising by £100 to an average £8675, and it was also positive about the used sector. 

"The market in April has continued to show a good degree of positive retail activity in both the new and used market so far," said NAMA data group chairman Craig Mailey.

"High new car registration figures recorded for March seem to have had little influence on used car sales volumes, which is encouraging."