Used car prices hold firm in February – Auto Trader
Average used car prices held steady at £17,197 in February, according to the latest Auto Trader Retail Price Index.
The data also revealed that cars took an average of 27 days to sell during the month, which is one day faster than February 2025 and 14 days quicker than January.
However, despite a stable topline figure, Auto Trader is predicting significant fluctuations across market segments in the near future.
Its analysis suggests that sales volumes of 5-7-year-old cars will fall about 35% over the next two years as the production shutdown during the pandemic works its way through the market. However, demand for 10-15-year-old cars remains strong, with average sales prices up 9.4% year-on-year to £7,006, and average sales times of just 25 days.
In terms of fuel types, used electric vehicles sold in an average of 29 days in February compared to 26 days for petrol, but this is one day quicker than February last year and Auto Trader suggests demand for electric models could spike further if petrol prices continue rising due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Robust market
Marc Palmer, head of strategy and insights, said: “Based on what we’re hearing and tracking, the used car market is in robust shape; prices are stable if not recording sizeable growth in some segments, the speed of sale is following seasonal trends, and we’ve had positive reports on sales volumes.
“However, the impending supply disruption will require retailers to adapt and diversify. We recognise that pivoting into new vehicle profiles carries risk.
“To support the industry through this transition, we’re enabling our partners to advertise double their contracted volume at no additional cost for a period of time.”
