Growing new car sales flush older used cars into the market

THE average age and mileage of used cars reached a record high during Q3, reports remarketing firm Autorola. Data from its online portal indicated that the improved supply of new cars flushed older ex-fleet and dealer part exchanges into the used market.

Autorola said this was the first real sign of older cars being replaced in higher volumes since replacement cycles increased during the covid pandemic. The September new plate change helped contribute to these higher volumes, it added.

The average age and mileage profile of diesels in Q3 rose to 51 months/39,139 miles from 50 months/37,676 miles in Q2, while petrols rose to 45 months/26,473 miles from 44 months/25,130 miles.

Hybrids also experienced a rise in Q3 to 32 months/21,633 miles from 31 months/18,281 miles in Q2, while EVs rose to 31 months/19,899 miles from 28 months/17,277 miles.

Despite the rise in average age and mileage prices and the usual summer seasonal slowdown in Q3, ICE prices in particular have remained healthy, added Autorola.

Used diesel prices fell by just 1.5% (£276) from Q2 to Q3 to £17,580 and used petrol prices dropped by 1.8% (£272) to £14,703. Used EV prices saw the biggest price fall of 9.5% (£2,124) to £20,067, while hybrids fell by 5.4% (£1,295) to £22,246.

With new car supply and sales continuing to improve it was only a matter of time before we saw the older cars reach the second-hand market in higher numbers. The strong September new car plate market has made a big contribution to this trend. It looks likely to continue until replacement cycles are more into line with what we have been used to.

Jon Mitchell, Autorola’s group sales director - main picture Tweet