Auction house SMA reported a shortage

SMA reports strong demand for small cars

Auction house SMA reported a shortage of good used car vehicles coming to market in November.

It said demand for vehicles that have been well-prepared and with a good history has been strong with prices ahead of the price guides.

SMA managing director Bob Anderson said: “The consumer is clearly in short supply and cost conscious, but stock shortages, especially in the small car sector are driving car values ever higher.

“In light of consumer behaviour, trade buyers are favouring prepared stock because they can get it to market faster and without any additional refurbishment costs, vital when margins are tight.

“To get this they are clearly prepared to travel.  Buying right today, is increasingly about the all-inclusive cost to include preparation and with SMA that is very much available”.

The firm’s Technical Service Centre provides vehicle servicing, preparation and body shop services for vendors and buyers.