Pick-ups

The pick-up sector has enjoyed relative volume growth in recent years thanks to the lenient Benefit-in-Kind taxation for company car drivers This fuelled the demand for hi-spec double-cab pick-ups that effectively acted as the family car at weekends As a result, this sector has been a consistent performer at auction, but with pick-ups now subject to the same BIK rules that cover cars, and also with higher VED costs due to emissions some may have expected the interest to falter and demand patterns to change

The pick-up sector has enjoyed relative
volume growth in recent years thanks to the lenient Benefit-in-Kind
taxation for company car drivers. This fuelled the demand for
hi-spec double-cab pick-ups that effectively acted as the family
car at weekends.

As a result, this sector has been a consistent performer at
auction, but with pick-ups now subject to the same BIK rules that
cover cars, and also with higher VED costs due to emissions some
may have expected the interest to falter and demand patterns to
change.

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However, double cab pick-ups remain a strong sector in the
marketplace, with new models creating both interest and demand in
the used sector. In terms of volume, the most growth is seen in the
high-spec ‘lightly-worked’ sector, as volumes from the utility
market have fallen.

The market differentiates strongly between working and
recreational examples and high spec vehicles that have not been
used ‘commercially’ are most in demand. Damage is costly in this
sector and it is recommended that owners should use
manufacturer-specified linings to protect the load bay. With all
the manufacturers sporting new or updated models, competition
continues to be fierce in both the new and used markets.

From the fleet owner’s viewpoint, there are some key factors
that come into play when remarketing pick-ups. Double cabs will
always be more desirable because they are simply more useable as a
family vehicle. Even considering that most pick-ups will be bought
to put back to work, many will go to self-employed business people
and may spend the weekends ferrying the family about.

Specification is very important. The basic models simply do not
attract as many buyers, as the next owner prefers leather trim, air
con, alloy wheels, metallic paint, running boards and CD player,
for example. Colour will also affect desirability and price. A
pick-up in white or yellow looks utilitarian – the same vehicle in
metallic red, black or blue is a more attractive proposition for
the used buyer and could make significantly more.

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Aside from the specification, how the vehicle has been used and
is presented makes a huge difference. If pick-ups come to the
market showing signs of heavy wear and use then buyers may well
look elsewhere. A full service history will show buyers that the
vehicle has been properly maintained, and must be considered
essential.

Buyers like: