The UK used car market has shifted noticeably over the past year, and knowing where prices and demand are heading can help you time a purchase or sale better. Here’s a look at used car market trends in the UK for 2026.
Used Car Prices: Where They Stand in 2026
After the sharp price rises seen during the supply shortages of 2021 to 2023, used car prices have broadly stabilised, with values on many mainstream models now closer to historical norms. However, certain segments, particularly used electric vehicles, have seen steeper depreciation as new EV prices have fallen and buyer confidence in battery longevity has grown.
Electric Vehicles Are Reshaping the Used Market
Used EV prices have dropped significantly faster than petrol or diesel equivalents, driven by a wave of ex-lease and ex-fleet electric cars entering the market alongside falling new EV prices. This has created strong value opportunities for buyers willing to consider an electric car, particularly three to five year old examples with healthy battery health reports.
Supply Is Recovering, But Unevenly
New car production has largely recovered from the semiconductor shortages of previous years, which is gradually increasing the flow of nearly-new used stock onto the market. However, certain popular models and trims remain in tighter supply than others, keeping prices firmer for specific in-demand configurations.
What This Means for Buyers
- More negotiating room: as supply improves, buyers generally have more room to negotiate than during the shortage years.
- EV bargains for confident buyers: those comfortable with battery health checks can find strong value in the used electric car market.
- Timing matters less than model choice: focusing on well-reviewed, reliable models tends to matter more for long-term value than trying to time the market perfectly.
What This Means for Sellers
- Popular, well-maintained cars still sell quickly, particularly with a full service history and desirable specification.
- EVs may see softer demand unless priced competitively against the falling cost of newer electric models.
- Private sale still typically beats trade-in, though the gap has narrowed slightly as dealer stock levels have improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are used car prices going up or down in 2026?
Prices have broadly stabilised after the sharp rises of previous years, with used electric vehicles seeing the steepest recent depreciation.
Is now a good time to buy a used EV?
For buyers comfortable checking battery health, used EVs currently offer some of the strongest value in the market due to faster depreciation than petrol or diesel equivalents.
Related reading: thinking about selling your current car first? See our guide on trade-in vs private sale.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK car market guides.
