The 2024 Used Car Buying Report

Whether you are looking to buy a used car or ready to sell your current one, used car market trends can significantly impact the experience. For instance, how much is your car worth? Is it time to make the jump to electric? And how should you go about getting rid of your car in the first place?

To help equip Brits with all of the right tools for navigating the used car market, we analysed more than 50,000 used car listings on our site between January and December last year, and summarised the key findings in our 2024 used car buying report.

The report highlights the key trends from the past 12 months, including the cars and electric vehicles (EVs) that have increased and decreased in price the most; the locations in the UK where the listings are the most and least expensive, along with expert tips on how to sell your car.

• The cars that have increased in value the most over the last 12 months
• The fastest depreciating cars over the last 12 months
• The fastest depreciating electric cars over the last 12 months
• The electric vehicles that have increased in value the most over the last 12 months
• Locations with the most expensive car listings 
• Locations with the cheapest car listings
• Expert tips on how to sell your car

The cars that have increased in value the most over the last 12 months

Whether you’ve outgrown your current one or finally feel ready to purchase your ‘dream’ car next, no doubt the first thing on your mind is how much money your car is worth.

In our used car market trends research, we’ve found the top 18 petrol, diesel and hybrid car models that have increased in value the most over the past 12 months. So if your vehicle happens to be on this golden list, this could be a sign for you to part ways with it and sell it at a competitive price.

1. Ford Focus (2009)

Coming in at number one for the car that has increased the most in value is the 2009 Ford Focus. If you have a 15-year-old Ford Focus then no doubt you’ll already be convinced by the merits of this car. Not only is it reliable and low maintenance, it’s a safe and comfortable vehicle well up to the job of ferrying your friends and family around.

With the original price of the 2009 Ford Focus set at £3,876, this sought-after vehicle saw a huge jump in value by 41.7% last year alone – should you sell it now, you could land as much as £5,493 in your bank account.

The Focus isn’t the only Ford model which makes the top 10, the popular Ford Fiesta (2009 model) also makes the list in 8th place.

2. Peugeot 3008 (2017)

In second place is the 2017 Peugeot 3008. One of the best things about this car is its fuel efficiency – and with the current price of fuel, economical cars are a top priority for anyone looking to get their hands on some new wheels.

With its spacious interior and practical boot, the Peugeot 3008 is also a great option for those looking for a family car. If you’re looking to sell yours, according to our data the price of a used Peugeot 3000 went from £8,539 to £11,511 in the last 12 months.

3. Citroen C3 (2017)

Third in the top car rankings comes the 2017 Citroen C3 – having shot up in price from £6,307 in January 2023 to £8,401 by December 2023. This 33.2% increase in value suggests it’s the right time for current owners to cash in, tempting potential buyers with its bold, modern design and quirky touches.

4. Peugeot 208 (2020)

For anyone who owns a 2020 Peugeot 208, it’s good news if you’re looking to part ways with it. Praised for its striking appearance and being one of their most dependable models, this supermini ranks highly in fourth place with used car prices going from £11,368 to £14,904 by the end of 2023.

5. Peugeot 2008 (2020)

Not to be confused with the 208, the 2020 Peugeot 2008 also ranks in the top five, proving how Peugeot can tick the ‘good value for money’ box according to our research. Not only has this model been praised for its low running costs and CO2 emissions but the price of a used Peugeot 2008 has increased by 27.6%, starting 2023 at £13,741 and finishing on an impressive £17,533.

The 18 cars that have increased in value the most

The fastest depreciating cars over the last 12 months

At the other end of the spectrum, there are the petrol, diesel and hybrid cars that have depreciated in value over the last 12 months

If your wheels happen to be on this list of 18, now may not be the best time to consider selling. However, for those who are gearing up to buy a used vehicle, be sure to check this list first – as they’ve never been more affordable…

1. Ford Focus (2011)

Ford Focus has a reputation for being the modern day ‘peoples car’, standing as the default car in which everything else is measured against. Lucky for anyone who wants a Ford Focus to be their next purchase, the 2011 model has depreciated the most in value according to our data.

An eye watering bargain, the used Ford Focus prices dropped from £9,357 to £6,400 by the end of 2023, meaning now is the perfect time to get your hands on this safe and reliable hatchback, enjoyed by all ages and for all purposes. If a Ford Focus isn’t your style then the equally popular Volkswagen Golf could be a great option instead. The 2022 Golf dropped a whopping 14.1% in 2023 to £22,707 – making it the 14th fastest depreciating car.

2. Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2019)

Our research shows the second biggest depreciating car last year was the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. By December 2023, it was on the market for £41,497 – a 19% price reduction – compared to 12 months prior where it was being sold for as much as £51,231. 

A used Land Rover Range Rover Sport may cost less than it did a year ago, but this SUV is an impressive on-road performer, offering both athleticism and stability with its powerful supercharged engine.

3. BMW 3 Series (2020)

Third in the overall rankings is the 2020 BMW 3 Series, after dropping significantly in value by 18%. Having started 2023 at £29,145, the cost for this slick hybrid was reduced to £23,666 by the end of the year.

The 2020 BMW 3-series is celebrated as being a thrill to drive, with sharp handling and powerful turbocharged engines. Although its exterior design is deemed more conservative compared to other models, the interior brings a full mix of comfort, quality and style.

4. Toyota C-HR (2019)

Standing out with its low-slung body and two-tone colour schemes, the 2019 Toyota C-HR ranks fourth in the list for its competitive price reduction. 

At the start of 2023, this SUV was on the market for £20,942, but by the end of 2023, it cost only £17,277 to get your hands on a used Toyota C-HR.

5. Toyota C-HR (2021)

Continuing with Toyota, the more recent 2021 C-HR model ranks in the top five for the fastest depreciating cars in 2023. From £25,709 at the beginning of the year, this SUV was reduced in value by 16.9% to £21,364 by December 2023.

This model is designed to deliver high fuel economy and has a cabin that’s nicely outfitted; bringing plenty of the exterior’s funky styling inside the vehicle to avoid being considered anything but ordinary.

The 18 fastest depreciating cars

The fastest depreciating electric cars over the last 12 months

There are many advantages to owning an EV – not simply because they’re much better for the environment, but they carry lower fuel and maintenance costs for drivers too. For this reason, it’s not difficult to see why so many Brits are interested in switching to electric.

To help inform decision-making, our research has identified the fastest depreciating electric cars on the market, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of electric vehicles but at a fraction of the price.

1. Jaguar I-Pace (2019)

According to our research, the fastest depreciating electric car is the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace, currently available for an average price of £25,967. That’s a whopping 39.5% reduction in price compared to this time last year.

While the Jaguar I-Pace may have depreciated, this is by no means a reflection of its performance. The luxury electric SUV can reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and it also comes packed with an array of features, including a heated windscreen, perfect for those cold winter mornings. 

2. SEAT Mii Electric (2021)

Ranking in second place for the best value for money electric car is the 2021 SEAT Mii Electric, which can be purchased for just £11,994. 

If Brits were to buy this vehicle today, they would be forking out more than a third (37%) less than in January 2023. The SEAT Mii is among the cheapest electric vehicles on the market, and with the extra reduction in value, it’s a great option for those with a tighter budget, looking for a dinky – but practical – hatchback. 

3. Audi E-Tron (2020)

Coming in third place is another SUV, the 2020 Audi E-Tron, at an average price of £28,521, which is 36.9% cheaper today compared to this time last year. 

Despite the drop in value, the all-wheel drive 4×4 boasts a spacious cabin and a number of high resolution digital displays. However, it’s worth noting that the driving range on the E-Tron does trail its competitors. 

The top 10 fastest depreciating electric vehicles 

The electric vehicles that have increased in value the most over the last 12 months

When looking at the other end of the spectrum, a select few electric vehicles have not only maintained their market value, but in some cases increased in value. 

1. Nissan Leaf (2018)

For those who currently own a 2018 Nissan Leaf, you may want to consider selling your car, as it’s unlikely you’ll get a better price for it at any other time. The 2018 model has actually increased in value by a hefty 12.3% from January 2023. The average price now stands at a considerable £15,124.

2. Mercedes benz EQA (2023)

If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, it may be worth avoiding the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQA, as it’s grown in value by almost a tenth (9.4%), now selling for an eye-watering average price of £56,293 according to our data.

3. MG ZS (2022)

One other electric SUV to be aware of is the 2022 MG ZS, which is now worth 8.2% more than last year, at a substantial £25,876.

The 10 EVs that have increased in value the most

Locations with the most expensive car listings 

From the car models to the date range, our data so far has shown us just how much a vehicle can vary in price. However, what role does your postcode play in all of this too?

By analysing the average listing price of cars in locations across the UK our research has been able to reveal the places where people have the most expensive used cars. Taking top spot is Harrogate, a spa town in North Yorkshire where the average listing of a used car was a whopping £43,713 last year. With a budget of just over £40k you’d comfortably be able to afford a second hand Land Rover or Jaguar F-Pace. Although our research found the average value of a used car listing in Harrogate was almost £45,000, it is likely car owners will have forked out much more than this when they first bought their cars – especially if it was purchased brand new. 

People who live in St Albans in Hertfordshire come in at a close second, with the average listing being £40,474. In third is south-west London, where cars have an average value of £32,782.

The 15 locations with the most expensive car listings

Moving up north again, residents in York are fourth with an average listing price of £28,761 and those who live in Chelmsford, Essex, also made the top five with used cars there being listed for an average of £27,081.

Locations with the cheapest car listings

In contrast to the areas in the UK where car listings are the most expensive, the average price of car listings in Telford are the cheapest. Our analysis reveals on average, used cars in this West Midlands town were listed for a mere £13,906 last year. That’s an eye-watering £29,807 less than the average listing of a used car in Harrogate. It’s also just under the average price of a used 2022 Fiat 500. With people in Telford owning cheaper cars, it’s clear splashing the cash on a flashy, expensive car isn’t high on their list of priorities.

People local to Rochester in Kent are also unlikely to spend big on their cars. The average listing here was £13,997 – the second lowest of all locations in the UK. Walsall, a market town in the West Midlands makes up the top three for the locations where drivers spend the least on their cars. On average, used cars in Walsall are listed for £14,304.

The 15 locations with the cheapest car listings

Expert tips on how to sell your car

The thought of selling your car can be a daunting one – especially if you’re unfamiliar with the market and the various selling methods at your disposal.

Below, we’ve included four of our top tips for selling a car to avoid common mistakes and find the right buyer for your motor.

1. Prepare your car for the sale

One of the easiest and most important jobs to tick off is preparing your car for sale. This means that your car is presentable and in good condition before listing it for sale. 

This includes cleaning both the interior and exterior thoroughly, addressing any minor repairs or maintenance issues, and gathering all relevant documentation such as the title, service records and the owner’s manual.

2. Set a fair price for your vehicle

Make time to research the market value of your car by checking similar listings online or using valuation tools. Once you’ve carried out some initial research, set a price that reflects the condition, mileage and features of your car while remaining competitive. 

Be prepared to negotiate with any potential sellers but also have a bottom line in mind to ensure that you don’t sell for less than what’s reasonable.

3. Advertise your car effectively

Utilise multiple platforms to advertise your car for sale, such as online classified websites and social media marketplaces. When advertising your car online, you should include clear and detailed photos from different angles, along with a comprehensive description highlighting its key features, history and any recent upgrades or maintenance work. 

Where possible, try to respond promptly to inquiries and be available for potential buyers to view and test drive the car.

4. Complete the sale properly

Once you’ve found a buyer, arrange a safe and convenient location for the transaction, such as a public car park. Be prepared to negotiate the final price if necessary and ensure all paperwork is properly completed, including the final cost of sale and transfer of title. Also be sure to verify payment methods and be cautious of potential scams, especially when dealing with cash transactions. 

Finally, remove your personal belongings from the car and provide the buyer with all necessary keys and documents to complete the sale.

Methodology 

We analysed all of the used car listings on this site, Motors.co.uk, from 1st January 2023 to 1st December 2023 to reveal the car models which have increased and decreased in value the most.

To calculate the locations where car listings are most and least expensive we worked out the average price of used car listings in each area of the UK from 1st January 2023 to 1st December 2023.