Used car values climb at sharpest rate since 2021

12th May 2026

Average used car values rose 1.8% month-on-month in April, according to the Auto Trader Retail Price Index.

This represents the highest monthly increase since November 2021.

Meanwhile, used cars are currently selling in 27 days on average, while rising fuel costs are accelerating interest in electric vehicles, with demand up 59% on the same month in 2025 and average prices rising three per cent month-on-month to £23,555.

In contrast, demand for petrol fell 6.5% with average prices at £14,988 while interest in diesel dropped 18% with average prices recorded at £14,597.

Stable pricing

Marc Palmer, head of strategy and insights, said: “April’s data highlights the underlying resilience of the used car market. While wider economic conditions are clearly impacting consumer sentiment about the broader economy, car ownership remains essential for most households, which remain confident in their ability to afford their next car – continuing to support very stable levels of buying demand.

“Encouragingly, this is translating into stable pricing, steady transaction growth, and a fast-moving market. However, stable pricing shouldn’t mean static strategy; different parts of the market are moving at pace, with demand evolving in different ways across segments.

“For retailers, the opportunity lies in aligning stock with where demand is evolving, particularly as interest in electric vehicles accelerates, while older, traditionally fuelled cars continue to deliver strong demand, faster stock turn and price growth.”