Used car prices continue to rise, despite economic turbulence

By Staff reporter
Published 7th Oct 2022, 14:17 BST
Updated 7th Oct 2022, 14:25 BST
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Used car prices continue to set new record levels, with demand said to be ‘largely unaffected’ by recent economic turbulence.

According to Auto Trader, the average price of a used car in September was £17,409 – a £370 increase from August’s figure, representing the 30th consecutive month of growth. Though year-on-year growth is said to be ‘softening’, the online marketplace said this was expedited because of the ‘market overlapping last year’s exceptionally strong levels’.

Prices for used cars have shot up since the pandemic started, largely as a result of a shortage of new cars due to production-related issues. The average price of a second-hand car has increased 35 per cent in the last two years, and a huge 42 per cent in the last three.placeholder image
Prices for used cars have shot up since the pandemic started, largely as a result of a shortage of new cars due to production-related issues. The average price of a second-hand car has increased 35 per cent in the last two years, and a huge 42 per cent in the last three.

Auto Trader says it is ‘confident these levels of demand will be sustained’ because vehicles are a ‘fundamental need, as opposed to a discretionary luxury’.

Auto Trader’s director of data and insights, Richard Walker, said: “To understand the current and future health of the market, it’s important to look beyond the headlines and assess the data for the true picture.

“Whilst the used car market won’t be immune to these macro changes, including the potential impact of rising interest rates on finance deals, there are a range of factors unique to the automotive market, which we believe will continue to insulate it from broader economic disruption and continue to fuel sustained levels of demand, and with it strong used car prices.”placeholder image
“Whilst the used car market won’t be immune to these macro changes, including the potential impact of rising interest rates on finance deals, there are a range of factors unique to the automotive market, which we believe will continue to insulate it from broader economic disruption and continue to fuel sustained levels of demand, and with it strong used car prices.”

It was predominantly smaller and more affordable cars that increased the most in price in September 2022, with the average asking price of a Fiat Punto £4,854 last month – a huge 42.5 per cent increase on September 2021.

More premium cars were those that had seen the most significant price contractions, with the average asking price of a Jaguar XK on Auto Trader in September being £21,690 – a 12 per cent decrease on the same month in 2021.

Related topics:PandemicUsed cars
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