The microvan is a true niche product and while it has a limited
marketplace, the few examples that reach the auction halls are much
sought-after. For the second user who does not need huge load
carrying potential, such as pizza delivery or florists, mobile
hairdresser or security guard, the microvan can be a practical
choice – cheap to buy and run, individual to look at, easy to drive
and park and doesn’t fill up the drive or block the light from the
neighbour’s living room. They are good in crowded urban areas, yet
still have a decent carrying capacity and features such as side
loading doors.
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The Daihatsu Extol has a highly individual design with
skirts and spoilers to make it stand out from the crowd, although
these are prone to damage as they are flimsy. There is plenty of
power from the 1.3l Toyota-sourced engine, which gives 80 bhp. An 8
metre turning circle makes it ideal for city deliveries while the
standard equipment levels are remarkably high for what is a cheap
commercial vehicle. Air-conditioning and metallic paint appear on
the options list and should be chosen to make this little van even
more desirable at the end of its working life.
The Suzuki Carry does not have the spoilers seen on the
Extol but otherwise shares a lot of features with it – five doors,
tight turning circle and 1.3l petrol engine. It also has a large
range of extras available including alloy wheels and a towbar.
The Piaggio Porter comes in 1300cc petrol, 1.4l diesel and
electric-engined versions, with a wide range of bodies alongside
the standard van, including MPV, tippers and pick-ups. The panel
van variant has two side loading doors and a rear tailgate making
it an effective load-lugger with a small turning circle. Buyers
prefer the better specified models (the base model is very basic)
with electric windows, extra safety features and in-van
entertainment. Only available since 2006 in the UK under the
Piaggio brand, they are rarely seen at auction.
The Aixam Mega is the true individual in this sector. At
just 400kg it is light enough to be driven on delicate surfaces
such as lawns, flooring and paved areas and could be used by
landscape gardeners, for light urban deliveries or even in factory
settings. There are four different body styles with van, pick-up,
dropside and chassis cab options, and it has a choice of 500cc
diesel or electric engines. It is a metre shorter and narrower than
the Extol, and is constructed from rust-free materials – a plastic
body over an aluminium frame.
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By GlobalDataWhen selling microvans the usual rules apply at remarketing time
– condition, age and mileage all have a role to play, with
condition the most important. As these vans are sold on their
manoeuvrability, used buyers don’t expect to see much damage – it
suggest they have not been well looked after. A full service
history will warrant the mileage, which should be on the low side
to really attract the highest bids.
Most second buyers will be looking for power, so the diesel or
petrol engines are favoured. However, electric power will be more
attractive for buyers operating in congestion charging zones. Make
sure any existing branding is professionally removed, leaving a
clean panel for the next owner to brand as appropriate for their
business and get the vehicle professionally prepared before
sale.
Duncan Ward, UK Business development manager – commercial
vehicles, BCA
