The best time to sell your car will depend on a variety of factors if you want to maximise your profit and make the right choice when selling.
In this guide, we’ll cover how variables such as market trends, age, condition, body type, and seasonality can dictate what your car is worth on the second-hand market.
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How to track your car value over time
Want to know what your motor is currently worth? Enter your reg number and mileage into our free car valuation tool. We can provide you with a valuation based on real-time market data in under 30 seconds.
You can use our tool to track how your car’s value changes over time, which can help you make an informed decision on when to sell.
Market trends and selling your car
According to the latest cap hpi data, in November 2024, used car values fell slightly across all age categories:
| Vehicle age | Value change |
|---|---|
| 1 year | -1.3% (-£400) |
| 3 years | -1.6% (-£280) |
| 5 years | -1.6% (-£200) |
| 10 years | -1.6% (-£70) |
3-year-old convertibles and coupes saw the biggest declines – 3.5% (£740) and 4% (£640) respectively.
Meanwhile, cars in the ‘Large Executive’ segment retained more value, with an average decline of just 0.3% (£130). In fact, the BMW 7 Series (petrol/hybrid) defied the current trend of slow decline – and recorded a 2% increase (£680).
Monitoring how the state of the used car market changes over time (and tracking value changes for your car) can help you choose the right moment to sell. However, these are not the only variables to consider. We’ve listed the others and explained how they come into play below.
Key Timing Factors to Consider When Selling Your Car
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Depreciation
Cars tend to experience their highest rate of depreciation (age-related value loss) during their first year of life, when they typically lose 15-35% of their initial market value. At the three-year mark, many cars will have lost around half of their original value.
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Condition
The better condition your car is in, the more it’s likely to sell for. Here a few tips for preserving your car’s condition and maximising resale value:
- Cleaning the interior on a regular basis and staying on top of your servicing and maintenance schedule will help to slow depreciation.
- Avoid eating in your car – and avoid leaving wet or dirty clothes inside overnight.
- Wash your car by hand regularly. Avoid using automatic car washes too often; the brushes can create ‘swirl’ marks on your paintwork.
- Fix minor damage such as dents and scratches - and consider using a professional detailing service before selling your car.
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Mileage
According to UK Government data, the average car travelled 8,161 miles in 2023. Many used buyers will pay more for a car with an average annual mileage below 7,500.
If you’ve driven more than 10,000 miles per year on average, your car can be considered ‘high mileage’. This may deter some buyers, due to concerns about mechanical faults.
Many buyers prefer mileages under 70,000. Once your car’s mileage enters six figures, you may see a sharper decline in value, however, many buyers will prefer a high mileage car that’s in good condition to a lower mileage motor that’s been badly looked after.
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Seasonality
Demand for specific used car types fluctuates as the seasons change:
- Convertibles typically fetch the highest price in spring and summer, when the weather most favours top-down driving.
- 4x4s, SUVs, and MPVs tend to sell for more in the colder months, as they are better equipped for the snow, wind, and rain.
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Macroeconomic trends
Demand for specific used car types fluctuates as the seasons change:
- Economic growth and recessions: When the economy grows, consumer confidence increases, which leads to higher demand for new and used cars, driving up prices. However, during recessions, used car prices typically fall, as buyers become more budget conscious.
- Interest rates: When interest rates are low, car financing becomes more affordable, which often boosts demand for new and used cars, driving up prices. Conversely, when interest rates rise, demand for financed cars usually falls, potentially reducing used prices.
- Supply chain disruption: Any delays in car production can reduce the availability of new cars, which also increases the demand for used cars. For example, the global semiconductor shortage (2020-23) caused sharp increases in both new and used car prices.
- Fuel prices: When fuel prices increase, consumers often gravitate towards EVs and other more fuel-efficient models, which reduces used prices for cars with poorer fuel economy.
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Government initiatives
Various Government initiatives to encourage the use of eco-friendly cars can raise their value, whilst reducing resale values for higher-polluting models:
- The Government charges lower benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rates on lower polluting company cars, which has reduced demand for less efficient internal combustion engine (ICE) models.
- The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London and the introduction of similar chargeable zones in other English and Scottish areas has also devalued many older, non-compliant cars, as drivers want to avoid daily fees.
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New and improved car technology
Recent advancements in new car technology such as voice assistants, park assist, and improved electric ranges can quickly make used models seem outdated, reducing their resale values.
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Plate changes
New number plates launch in the UK at the beginning of March and September each year. You could get a great price for your motor during these months, as despite the plate changes, not all car buyers want to pay out for a brand-new model.
However, once new registration plates are released, cars become another year older, so selling before this is often beneficial.
It’s important to note that the value of newer used cars will be affected the most when plate changes occur. The impact on older vehicles’ value will be less severe.
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Outstanding finance
It’s important to note that if your car has outstanding finance, it cannot legally be sold until this debt has been settled with the lender.
Best time to sell according to car type
As we mentioned earlier, different car types tend to sell better at different times of year:
Convertibles: Most may assume it is best to sell your convertible in the summer, but the optimal time to put your convertible on the market is actually early spring, as buyers are keen to enjoy as many top-down days as possible.
SUVs, MPVs and 4x4s: Demand for used SUVs and 4x4s typically peaks in autumn and winter when they can show off their capabilities in the ice and snow. So, if you can hold off until the colder months, you may be able to get a better price for your SUV.
Most cars (excluding SUVs, MPVs and 4x4s) will sell for the best returns during the first half of the year. Market data factoring in all car body types indicates that February is the best month to sell overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’re likely to get the best price for your car when market demand is high and used car stock is low. However, other factors such as your car’s age and condition, and seasonality will also come into play.
The best time and mileage to sell your car depends on your priorities. However, selling before the 60,000-mile mark can help you avoid the steepest depreciation.
Many buyers will pay more cash, as lower-mileage cars are less prone to developing mechanical faults. Some cars may still be covered by the manufacturer's warranty at this point.
By the 8-10-year mark, the rate at which most cars depreciate slows significantly. So, if you have an older car with over 100,000 miles on the clock, when you decide to sell it will be less critical, as you can expect its value loss over the next 6-12 months to be fairly minimal.
- If you’re looking to maximise your profit, you should aim to sell your car in the first half of the year (especially January-March).
- February could be the best month overall for selling across all car types.
- August can also be a good time to sell - then resale values for most car types tend to taper off for the remainder of the year.
- December can be a great month to prepare your car for resale in the new year.
- If your car is relatively new, consider selling it before the next plate change (in March or September).
Please note: The sales pattern for SUVs differs from other car types. Prices tend to peak around November, although demand is also high around September.
Spring is often a great season to put your car on the market, as the weather is improving, and demand for a wide range of vehicles is high.
The time of year can impact sales for different car types in different ways, due to seasonality. Cars that are best enjoyed during milder weather, such as convertibles, are in high demand during spring, whereas SUVs and 4x4s that are equipped for colder weather sell more in autumn and winter.
If you want to sell your car quickly, consider using a car buying service or selling your car at a local dealership as opposed to selling privately. If you sell with webuyanycar, you’ll benefit from a guaranteed sale; we can buy your car regardless of its age or condition.
The best time to sell an electric car may be:
- Within 1-2 years (to get the best possible price).
- When the battery warranty is due to expire.
- After 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Ultimately, the right time to sell your electric car depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.