The used car market has suffered a downturn in the latter part of the year, according to British Car Auctions.

An increase in supply has coincided with a softening of the market and has led to a tough time for dealers.

“The back end of 2007 has not been the easiest period for used car sales, as demand softened just as supply increased notably for the first time since mid-2006,” said BCA communications director Tony Gannon.

“Business was a little brisker in December as the bigger buyers – including the car supermarkets – began acquiring stock for the New Year.”

Gannon said that the outlook next year remained uncertain and was dependent on varying economic factors

“Looking ahead to 2008, it remains to be seen if the traditional spike in values will occur in January,” he added.

“If it does, we would expect to see values remaining firm until the post-Easter period – subject to other economic pressures, of course.”

Posted: 12|20|07 at 9:24 am. Filed under: Auction News.