Used Car Prices Autumn 2026: Are They Falling?
Only a little, and not for every car. In September 2026, the price of three-year-old cars fell 0.2%, according to the Cazana index, which described it as the first monthly fall of 2026. Three-year-old electric cars moved the other way and rose 1.6% that month. For buyers, that means no general bargain across the market. Diesel prices fell the most, while used electric cars are firming.
Key points
- Three-year-old cars fell 0.2% in September 2026, after a 0.5% rise in August.
- Three-year-old electric cars rose 1.6% in September and 9.1% over the previous few months.
- Cazoo’s average used car price in June 2026 was £17,471, still 1.7% above June 2025.
- Prices differ by seller type, so compare several listings for the same car.
- Check the MOT history and the DVLA record before you buy.
What the latest figures show
| Measure | Latest figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Three-year-old cars | Down 0.2% in September 2026, after up 0.5% in August | Cazana |
| Three-year-old electric cars | Up 1.6% in September, and up 9.1% over recent months | Cazana |
| Five- and ten-year-old cars | Up 0.2% in September | Cazana |
| Average used car price | £17,471 in June 2026: down 0.9% on May, up 1.7% on June 2025 | Cazoo |
| Cars over 10 years old | £7,574 in June 2026: up 9% on a year earlier | Cazoo |
| Average used electric car | £24,441 in June 2026: up 2.1% on May | Cazoo |
These two sources cover different months and measure things in different ways. Cazana’s report does not state its sample size, so treat both as signals of direction rather than exact prices. Cazoo’s figures also show the average used car price falling for six months in a row to June, a drop of 1.8% since January.
Why the picture is mixed
- Diesel is falling. Cazana said diesel cars dropped the most in price in September, although it did not give a percentage. Cazoo’s June data shows diesel at 30.4% of dealer listings, down 3.8% on a year earlier.
- Electric cars are firming. Electric cars made up 13% of dealers’ three-year-old stock in September, against 3% for diesel, according to Cazana. Cazoo says its share of used EV listings fell from a peak of 9.9% in March to 6.6% in June, while online interest kept rising. It says this points to demand outstripping supply.
- Seller type matters. In September, car supermarkets’ prices rose 1.7% and independent dealers’ prices fell 0.9%. Franchised dealers held their prices, per Cazana.
- Older cars are mixed. Cars over 10 years old are up 9% on a year earlier, but in June they had their first monthly fall of 2026.
What it means for you
- Do not assume prices will keep falling. Cazana gave no forecast for the final quarter of 2026. It said it would be worth watching whether the falls continue.
- Look at 76-plate cars with care. Cazana counted more than 2,500 cars with a 76 plate advertised by the end of September, and it noted that new-car offers and pre-registrations may tempt buyers. Compare these carefully with older used cars at a similar price.
- Compare at least three similar listings. The same model can be priced differently by different sellers, so line up cars of similar age, mileage and specification before you decide.
Before you buy: a practical checklist
- Check the MOT history. The MOT history service on GOV.UK uses the registration number. For cars it shows past test results and the mileage recorded at each test, going back to 2005. Ask the seller about any mileage that drops between tests or any long gaps.
- Check the tax and MOT status. The DVLA vehicle enquiry service shows the tax expiry, MOT expiry, year of manufacture, engine size, CO2 emissions and fuel type. Check that the fuel type matches the listing.
- Run a separate finance and write-off check. The MOT history covers test records only. It does not tell you about outstanding finance or write-off status, so you need a separate vehicle check for those.
- Ask the seller direct questions. Ask why they are selling, who the registered keeper is, and what paperwork they have, such as past service receipts.
- Test drive the car and, for older cars, consider an independent inspection. A short drive will not reveal every fault.
Common questions
Are used car prices going down?
The picture is mixed. Cazana’s index showed a small fall in September for three-year-old cars. Cazoo’s figures show the average price falling for six months in a row to June, but it was still above the June 2025 level.
Are used electric cars getting cheaper?
Not on the latest figures. Cazana recorded a 1.6% rise for three-year-old electric cars in September, and Cazoo’s average used EV price rose 2.1% in June.
Is now a good time to buy?
It depends on the car. One month of data does not show a clear trend, so compare prices on the specific car you want rather than waiting for a market turn.
Which dealer has the lowest prices?
The data shows how prices moved by seller type, not which seller is cheapest for a given car. Compare the listings directly.
Does the MOT history show finance?
No. It shows test records and mileage at each test. Run a separate check for finance and write-off status.
If you are looking at premium used cars
If you are looking for used sports and premium cars, rstmotorgroup.co.uk brings listings from private sellers and independent traders into one search, with filters for make, model and price. The site says it does not verify listing details, so use the checks above before you agree to buy.
All figures are as of October 2026. The Cazana data covers September 2026 and the Cazoo data covers June 2026.