Autotrader reports resilient consumer demand amid global uncertainty
According to the latest Autotrader Retail Price Index, which uses artificial intelligence to analyse around 800,000 daily pricing observations across the retail market, like-for-like month-on-month (MoM) prices softened by just -0.2%, in line with seasonal norms, while year-on-year (YoY) prices edged down marginally by -0.4%. The UK used car market closed the first quarter of the year on a positive footing, demonstrating strong resilience against a backdrop of renewed macroeconomic uncertainty.
At £17,370, stability in pricing highlights the underlying strength of the used car market. Recent geopolitical events, alongside the subsequent rise in energy and fuel costs, have impacted wider consumer confidence across the retail landscape. However, Autotrader's data shows that car ownership is a necessity rather than a discretionary purchase, with 9 in 10 consumers considering it essential.
The used car market has historically proven robust during periods of economic disruption, and March's data suggests this resilience remains firmly intact. Consumer engagement levels were good, with Autotrader recording 88.3 million platform visits across the month, sitting just below the exceptional highs of last year but well above 2024 levels. Crucially, this activity is translating into high-intent buying behaviour. In March, used cars took an average of just 25 days to sell, two days faster than in February and the joint-fastest [1] speed of sale recorded in the last 24 months.
Older stock drives the market
Beneath the stable headline figures, Autotrader's data reveals a heavily nuanced market, with pricing and speed of sale increasingly shaped by shifting supply dynamics.
The 10-15-year-old segment was the overall fastest-selling age cohort in March at an average of just 24 days. Within this cohort, petrol cars aged 10-15 years were the fastest-selling vehicles overall, leaving forecourts in just 23 days on average.
The interest in older cars is likely due to the two million ‘lost’ pandemic-era cars. A severe shortfall in 5-7-year-old stock is currently squeezing the traditional middle of the market. This deficit is driving intense competition for the available 5-10-year-old vehicles and actively forcing some buyers into even older cohorts, resulting in 10-15 year old cars taking the fastest selling spot.
Consequently, 10-15-year-old models recorded the market's largest price hike, surging 9.7% on a like-for-like basis, with an average price of £7,020, as the market reacts to the increased levels of demand. This fast turning, rapidly appreciating segment is now a major growth engine. Retailers who pivot their sourcing to include these older, budget-friendly stock profiles will unlock highly motivated buyers and strong margin potential.
Fuel type nuances and the EV transition
By fuel type, petrol models continue to demonstrate strong price resilience and fast selling speeds, averaging £15,022 (with like-for-like prices up 0.6% YoY) and taking 24 days to sell. Diesel stock followed behind at 27 days, with like-for-like prices rising 2.8% YoY (the average price of a diesel car was £14,649).
While used EVs averaged 30 days to sell overall—and saw prices contract -5.8% YoY to £22,945— March also saw the biggest ever month for electric cars on Autotrader, with an EV enquiry being made every minute across the new and used sectors.
In the 3-5-year-old bracket, where electric supply and mass-market demand are currently converging at price parity to petrol or diesel equivalent models, EVs are taking just 28 days to sell. This demonstrates a healthy, functioning secondary market for electric models as they mature into mainstream affordability.
Crucially, recent geopolitical shocks and surging pump prices have supercharged this electric transition. As drivers seek "energy security" against rising fuel costs, used EV enquiries have surged +39.4% year-on-year, reinforcing that immediate financial concerns are a major driver of EV adoption for those who can afford to make the switch.
The wider retail landscape is undoubtedly facing turbulence right now, with rising energy prices understandably denting general consumer confidence. However, our data proves yet again that the used car market is incredibly resilient. People still need to get to work, run their families, and live their lives, making car ownership an absolute necessity. We’ve seen the market weather similar macro shocks over the years with remarkable stability, and the fact that consumer demand is consistent despite this global uncertainty highlights that buyer intent remains exceptionally strong. For retailers, the key to success will be leveraging data to stay agile, pricing accurately to the live market, and capitalising on the high-intent demand that is clearly out there.
Top 10 used car price growth (all fuel types) | March 2026 vs March 2025 like-for-like
Top 10 used car price contraction (all fuel types) | March 2026 vs March 2025 like for like
[1] In March 2025 the average used car sold in 25 days.
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