The best time to sell your car will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you’re after a quick sale - or prefer to bide your time to get the best price for your car.
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.
Get a free valuation
Tracking your car’s 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
Used car prices in the UK rose sharply during a six-month period in 2021, increasing by almost 30% (or around £5,500 for a typical three-year old car).
Due to lingering supply chain issues and high consumer demand, used prices remained close to this peak until late 2023.
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.
Factors to consider when selling your car
-
Depreciation
Cars tend to experience the highest rate of depreciation (age-related value loss) during their first year of life, when they typically lose 15-30% of their initial market value. At the three-year mark, many cars will have lost around half of their original value.
-
Condition
If you want to maximise your car’s resale value, you should make every effort to preserve its condition:
- 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.
-
Mileage
The higher your car’s mileage, the lower its resale value is likely to be. Many used buyers will favour a mileage below 7,500 per year.
If you’ve clocked up more than 10,000 miles per year, your car can be considered ‘high mileage’. Some consumers will be reluctant to buy a higher mileage car, as it is more likely to develop faults.
Many used car buyers consider a mileage under 70,000 to be optimal. If your mileage enters the six-figure range, you’re likely to notice a larger decline in value.
-
Seasonality
Demand for many cars fluctuates as the seasons change. For instance, convertibles are easiest to sell (and fetch the best prices) during the spring and summer, whilst 4x4, SUVs and MPVs are better equipped for the snow, wind and rain, meaning they sell best during the colder months.
-
Plate changes
New numberplates 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 in advance of this is always advised.
-
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.
Changes in personal circumstances
Sometimes, it isn’t feasible to wait for the optimal market conditions, as a change in your circumstances necessitates a quick sale. You may consider selling your car to adapt to life events such as:
- A growing family: You could trade in your sports car for a roomier saloon or SUV in preparation for a new family arrival.
- Moving house: If you move from the countryside to the big city, it might be worth swapping your heavy SUV for a more economical city car.
- A new job: If you’re lucky enough to land a job with a company car perk, you may be able to choose a new motor for the commute.
- Hanging up your keys: If your reactions are getting slower with age, you may decide to hang up your keys and stop driving.
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 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 eight years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Ultimately, the right time to sell your electric car depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.