Used car prices could be stabilising, reports MOTORS Market View

MOTORS is monitoring the market closely to see whether April’s rise is an early sign that consecutive monthly dips are ending, heralding greater price stability.

According to the latest MOTORS Market View, prices averaged £16,964, a month-on-month rise of 1% (or £146), but down 9% year-on-year from £18,564. Despite this downward movement, average prices are still up 8% versus pre-pandemic levels.

Franchised dealers and car supermarkets both saw rises of 1% to £24,640 and £16,425 respectively while the average price from independent dealers dipped 1.5% to £12,885. The only rises by age were among two to five year old and five to 10 year old cars, both up 0.3%.

Increases by fuel type were led by electric cars (up 2.5% to £25,905), followed by petrol (up 2% to £16,670) and diesel (up 1% to £15,274). Hybrids dropped 2.5% to £27,765. However, average prices for all fuel types were down YoY.

“Average used car prices have been steadily falling since hitting their post-pandemic peak of £18,927 in January 2023. We’re tracking the market closely to see if April’s rise is an early sign that those monthly declines are halting and whether the market is heading for a period of greater price stability,” said Lucy Tugby, marketing director of MOTORS.

“The cumulative effect of those monthly drops means the average price is now £1,600 below where it was this time last year, so this small rise can be viewed as a correction. Though it is worth noting this is still £1,282 higher than pre-pandemic in February 2020.

“Price drops have certainly opened pockets of opportunity for dealers, as desirable makes and models become more affordable for buyers. In April the Volkswagen Golf overtook the Vauxhall Corsa to become the second best-selling model on MOTORS behind the Ford Fiesta, with the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A Class also performing strongly.

Dealer stock levels increased MoM from 45 to 47 units, putting them on a par with April 2023.

MOTORS said franchised dealers benefitted from an influx of part-exchanges following the debut of the new 24-plate with inventories growing MoM from 51 to 55 units. Car supermarkets also increased from 207 to 211 units, while independents remained unchanged at 37 units.

With greater volumes of de-fleeted EVs now entering the used car sector, the proportion of fully electric models listed by dealers on MOTORS in April increased 5% MoM and 14% YoY. EVs made up 5% of all dealer stock but just 1% of ad views.

Alternatively fuelled vehicles, EVs and hybrids, accounted for 12.4% of dealer stock, the highest level recorded to date.