.webp)
.webp)
Find us
Contact Us
My account
Used car price guide UK: understanding second-hand car prices
Used-car prices can vary considerably, even between vehicles that appear almost identical. Age, mileage, condition, specification and current demand can all affect how much a second-hand car costs to buy or how much it may be worth when sold. Whether you’re comparing cars for sale, preparing to sell your current vehicle or considering a part-exchange, this used car price guide explains how prices are calculated and what you should look for before making a decision.
What is the average price of a used car in the UK?
There is no single price that represents every second-hand vehicle. Used cars range from affordable older models to nearly new, premium and specialist vehicles, making market-wide averages useful only as a general indication. In May 2026, it’s reported that the average advertised price of a used car in the UK had reached £17,306. However, the price of an individual vehicle will depend on factors including its model, age, mileage and condition. Used-car prices can also move differently across age groups, fuel types and vehicle categories. Rather than relying on an overall average, compare vehicles that closely match the car you are buying or selling. You can browse our current range of approved used cars to compare prices across different makes, models, body styles and fuel types.
Are second-hand car prices rising or falling?
Used-car prices rose unusually quickly during and immediately after the pandemic as shortages affected the supply of new and second-hand vehicles. The market has since become more stable, although prices remain affected by strong demand and limited supply in some areas. At the beginning of 2026, Auto Trader described the used-car market as stable, with prices holding firm and sales volumes increasing during 2025. More recent data showed modest annual price growth, rather than the sharp increases seen earlier in the decade.
The number of used electric cars changing hands is also growing. SMMT reported that used battery-electric vehicle transactions increased by 32% during the first quarter of 2026, despite the overall used-car market dipping slightly by 0.2%. These figures offer useful context, but they do not mean every vehicle is increasing in value. Used car prices are influenced by the supply and demand for each model, along with the condition and history of the individual car.
What affects used car prices?
A second-hand car price guide can provide a useful starting point, but no guide can account for every detail. The following factors usually have the greatest influence on a vehicle’s price.
Age and depreciation Most cars lose value as they get older. This reduction is known as depreciation and is generally fastest during the first few years of ownership. However, depreciation does not affect every vehicle equally. Popular models, economical cars and vehicles with limited availability may retain more of their value than cars for which demand is lower.
- Mileage - Mileage should be considered alongside the vehicle’s age. A car that has covered considerably more miles than similar vehicles of the same age will usually have a lower price. However, low mileage alone does not guarantee good value. A higher-mileage car that has been maintained correctly may be in better condition than a low-mileage vehicle with an incomplete service history.
- Condition - Bodywork damage, worn interiors, faulty equipment and mechanical problems can all reduce a car’s value. Dealers may also account for the cost of preparing a vehicle for resale. This could include repairing damage, replacing worn tyres, completing maintenance and professionally cleaning the car.
- Service and MOT history - A complete service history can reassure buyers that a car has been maintained at the recommended intervals. Missing records do not necessarily mean that a car is unreliable, but they can make its condition more difficult to verify. Its MOT history may also reveal recurring advisories, mileage inconsistencies or maintenance issues. Maintaining your vehicle through regular servicing and MOT appointments may help keep it in better condition and make it more attractive to future buyers.
- Make, model and specification - Some makes and models are more desirable on the used market than others. Reliability, running costs, practicality and availability can all affect demand. The vehicle’s exact specification also matters. Trim level, engine, gearbox, battery size and optional equipment may influence its price. However, optional extras do not always retain their full original cost when the car is sold.
- Fuel type - Petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars can follow different pricing patterns. Demand may be influenced by fuel costs, local emissions rules, available charging infrastructure and the introduction of newer technology. For electric cars, factors including battery range, charging speed, warranty cover and the availability of newer models can influence price. Drivers considering one can compare current used electric cars alongside petrol, diesel and hybrid alternatives.
- Market demand - The number of similar cars available and the number of people looking to buy them can affect prices. Demand may also vary by location, vehicle type and time of year. A convertible may attract more interest during warmer months, for example, while practical hatchbacks and SUVs may have steadier year-round demand.
How can you check a used car’s price?
When using any car price guide, make sure you compare like-for-like vehicles. Look for cars with the same:
• Make and model
• Registration year
• Engine or battery
• Trim level
• Gearbox
• Mileage range
• General condition
Advertised prices show how much sellers are asking for a car, not necessarily how much it will eventually sell for. Dealership prices may also include preparation, inspections, warranties and consumer protections that are not provided through a private sale. Stellantis &You UK checks its used-car prices daily against live market data to provide transparent, competitive pricing. You can learn more about how this works through our Right Price promise.
Understanding different used car values
The same vehicle may have several different values depending on how it is being bought or sold. This is why a part-exchange or trade valuation may be lower than the price of a similar vehicle advertised by a dealership. The dealer must account for inspection, preparation, warranty provision, business costs and the risk involved in reselling the car.
| Price or valuation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Dealer retail price | The advertised price after preparation and any included warranty or buyer protections |
| Private sale price | The amount a private buyer may be prepared to pay directly to the owner |
| Part-exchange value | The amount a dealer may contribute towards another vehicle |
| Trade value | The approximate amount the vehicle may be worth within the motor trade |
| Online valuation | An initial estimate based on the details and market information provided |
How do I find out what my car is worth?
An online valuation is one of the quickest ways to estimate your car’s current value. You will usually need to enter its:
• Registration number
• Current mileage
• Make and model, if not identified automatically
• Condition
• Service history
You can use the Stellantis &You UK free car valuation tool to receive an estimate based on your vehicle details. Remember that an online valuation is an estimate rather than a guaranteed purchase offer. The final amount may change after the car has been inspected and its condition, history and specification have been confirmed.
How can I get the best price for my car?
Before selling or part-exchanging your car:
• Clean the exterior and interior thoroughly.
• Gather the V5C, service records, MOT information and both keys.
• Check for dashboard warning lights or obvious mechanical problems.
• Repair minor cosmetic damage where it is cost-effective.
• Check the tyres for damage and legal tread depth.
• Be accurate and honest when describing the car’s condition.
Not every repair will increase the vehicle’s value by more than it costs. Ask for a valuation before committing to expensive cosmetic or mechanical work. For more detailed advice, read our guide on how to maximise your car’s trade-in value.
Should I sell privately or part-exchange my car?
Selling privately may help you achieve a higher price, but you will need to advertise the vehicle, respond to enquiries, arrange viewings and handle the transaction yourself.
Part-exchanging is often more convenient because the sale of your current car and the purchase of your next vehicle are handled together. The agreed value is deducted from the price of the replacement car, reducing the amount left to pay or finance. Our guide to part-exchanging a car explains the process in more detail.
Find the right used car at the right price
A used car price guide can help you understand the wider market, but the fairest comparison will always be with vehicles of a similar age, mileage, condition and specification.
At Stellantis &You UK, you can compare thousands of approved second-hand cars from a range of manufacturers. Our used vehicles receive a comprehensive inspection and ownership-history check, with a minimum six-month warranty and a 14-day money-back guarantee included. Search our used cars or value your current vehicle to take the next step.
