What is the average price of a used car in the UK?

The average used car price in the UK has stabilized around the £17,000 mark in late 2025, with recent figures from AutoTrader showing averages of approximately £17,000-£17,400, reflecting a resilient market with slight year-on-year growth but cooling from previous sharp increases, while demand for older, affordable cars (5-15 years) remains strong.

What is the cheapest month to buy a car in the UK?

December is typically the cheapest month to buy a car as dealers will offer significant discounts and promotions for buyers so that they can meet their end-of-year sales targets.

Which car brands hold their value best?

Top Cars That Hold Their Value Best

• Toyota Camry: Loses about 40% after 5 years.
• Honda Accord: Depreciates about 37% over 5 years.
• Subaru Legacy: Loses approximately 44% over 5 years.
• Mazda6: Loses approximately 37% over 5 years.
• Toyota 4Runner: Depreciates about 25% over 5 years.

How many miles is too much for a 5 year old car?

So, a five-year-old car with 60,000 to 75,000 miles is considered typical. Anything significantly higher than that may be viewed as high mileage — but that doesn't automatically mean it's a bad buy. Advancements in automotive technology mean many modern cars can surpass 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.

What is the 50% rule on car finance?

The "car finance 50% rule," or Voluntary Termination, allows you to legally end a Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreement by returning the car after you've paid at least half the total amount payable (including interest/fees), giving you a way out if you struggle with payments or the car depreciates, but you won't get money back if you've paid more than 50%, and may owe for damage or excess mileage.

How To BUY A USED CAR In The UK With EXPERT TIPS!

Is mileage or age more important?

Ultimately, car age and mileage both matter when buying a used car. They both affect the vehicle's depreciation rate and they are both interlinked – mileage is taken as being high or low based on a car's age and the older the car, the more miles it's likely to have driven.

How many years should you keep a car before selling it?

So anything between 6 and 10 years may be a decent range which should give you the double benefit of a reduced price and at least a few more years of driving. The older the car, the cheaper it may be, but you'll also have the risk of it breaking down on you – which would mean no profit from selling it on.

Can I still drive my petrol car after 2030?

Yes, you can still drive petrol cars after 2030 in the UK, as the ban only applies to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, not existing ones; you can continue to own and use your current car, buy used ones, and find fuel, but new sales shift to electric or hybrid (until 2035), with potential future low-emission zones affecting older cars in cities. 

Is a car a wasting asset?

Although cars are considered wasting assets, if you routinely buy and sell cars with the intention of making a surplus, this can be classed as trading under the Corporation Tax Act 2010. You will be taxed on this income. In order for a car to be exempt from CGT, it must be solely for personal use.

Which car is hardest to steal?

The Hardest Car Brands to Steal (and Why)

• BMW. BMW enhances the security of its cars via encrypted key fobs and motion-sensing alarm system features. ...
• Audi. ...
• Mercedes-Benz. ...
• Subaru. ...
• Hyundai Sonata (2022 and Newer)

Can you legally live in an abandoned house in the UK?

No, you generally cannot just move into an abandoned house in the UK; it's illegal and considered trespassing or squatting, with residential squatting becoming a criminal offense in England and Wales since 2012, risking fines or jail time, though you might claim ownership through adverse possession after 10-12 years of continuous, open occupation without permission, a complex legal process requiring Land Registry application.
 

What color car crashes the most in the UK?

Red, brown, and black cars are statistically the most accident-prone in the UK, with red vehicles appearing in up to 60% of accident records. By contrast, white and grey cars are consistently linked with lower crash rates. Car colour might seem like a style choice, but studies suggest it can have safety implications.

What day of the week are cars cheapest?

The Best Days of the Week: Midweek Wins

Most people do their car shopping on weekends, which means dealerships are busier and less likely to offer significant discounts.

What is the best mileage for a used car?

A general rule of thumb for car mileage is that the average vehicle accrues about 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year. To determine if a used car has good mileage, divide the odometer reading by the car's age. For example, if you're looking at a 5-year-old car, a good mileage range would be between 50,000 and 60,000 miles.

What's the oldest used car you should consider?

How Old is too Old for a Used Car: Technology. If you want a vehicle with more advanced technology features, then you might consider getting something no older than 10 years. What was considered luxury technology 10 years ago, like heated seats, is usually standard in most new vehicles today.

What do mechanics say is the most reliable car?

Consumer Reports recently released its latest rankings of the most reliable car brands, with Lexus, Toyota, Mazda, Acura and Honda topping the list. Mechanics say those brands are often easier to maintain and tend to have fewer long-term issues.