The UK van market is moving fast — and October 2025 has been a revealing month for traders, couriers, and small business owners alike. From tightening emissions zones to shifting buyer priorities, the used van sector is once again leading the way.
At Merseyside Van Sales, we’ve been tracking the numbers closely — and the message is clear: value, availability, and compliance are driving buying decisions across the North West.
💷 1. Used Vans Still Outselling New — By a Mile
The latest SMMT data confirms what we’re seeing on the ground: used van sales continue to dominate.
With new van production delays still lingering, many tradespeople are choosing quality used stock they can drive away the same week.
👉 At our St Helens forecourt, models like the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro, and Peugeot Expert remain in high demand — especially Euro 6 diesel and electric variants that meet Liverpool and Manchester’s Clean Air Zone standards.
➡ Read more: Why Used Vans Are Outselling New in 2025
⚡ 2. Electric Vans Gaining Ground — Slowly but Surely
While diesel still dominates, electric vans (EVs) have gained steady traction through autumn. Rising fuel prices and low-emission incentives are pushing more businesses to test the switch.
The Vauxhall Vivaro-e and Ford E-Transit top the local wishlists, thanks to real-world range and strong payloads.
However, buyers still value flexibility — so plug-in hybrids and efficient Euro 6 diesels remain the sweet spot for most Merseyside fleets.
➡ If you’re considering a greener switch, our ULEZ-Compliant Van Guide breaks down the options.
📈 3. Prices Stabilising After a Record Summer
After two years of rapid inflation, used van prices are finally leveling off. The average sale price across the UK has dipped slightly since August — welcome news for buyers who waited out the market peak.
Mid-range models (3–5 years old, under 80k miles) remain strong investments, while high-mileage bargains are selling faster thanks to growing courier demand.
🧮 Expect prices to hold steady through November, with a small uptick expected before winter as seasonal trades gear up for Christmas deliveries.
🚚 4. Compact & Medium Vans Rule the Roads
Small business owners are prioritising vans that blend fuel economy with practicality.
🔹 Compact models like the Citroën Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo dominate local delivery and service routes.
🔹 Medium vans like the Transit Custom and Vivaro continue as all-rounders for builders, plumbers, and electricians.
Large vans (e.g. Renault Master, Vauxhall Movano) are steady but mostly fleet-driven — buyers prefer agility and lower running costs in city zones.
➡ Compare specs: Vauxhall Vivaro vs Citroën Dispatch 2025
🔑 5. Trade-In Activity Up 18% Month-on-Month
October also saw a surge in part-exchange enquiries, with more owners upgrading early to lock in strong valuations before winter.
If you’re thinking of trading up, now’s the time — depreciation typically accelerates in Q1 as seasonal mileage increases.
👉 See how easy it is: Part Exchange Your Van in St Helens
🧭 6. Forecast: A Steady, Buyer-Friendly Winter Ahead
Industry analysts expect steady demand through Q4 2025, fuelled by courier growth, home improvement work, and the ongoing shift to cleaner vans.
That means buyers can expect:
✅ More choice on forecourts
✅ Slightly better pricing on diesel stock
✅ Continued incentives for electric models
For Merseyside buyers, the balance of choice and value hasn’t looked this good in years.
✅ Final Word: Smart Buyers Win This Autumn
Whether you’re upgrading your workhorse or adding a second van for your growing business, October’s van market offers serious opportunities.
At Merseyside Van Sales, all our vans are fully inspected, valeted, and MOT-ready, giving local trades confidence through the busy season ahead.
👉 Explore our latest used van stock in St Helens and see why local buyers trust us for quality, service, and unbeatable value.
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