January used-car market highlights
The UK used-car market gathered momentum in January, with independent dealers leading performance on both speed of sale and pricing, according to the latest Motors & Cazoo Market View cited by Motor Trader.
Independent dealers
- Days to sell: 42 days on average, improving from 52 in December (the only sector to shorten time-to-sale month on month).
- Average price: £13,902, up 1.4% month on month (+£192) and 6.2% year on year (+£816).
- Listings: Motors reported a 14% year-on-year increase in independent stock advertised on its marketplace.
“The standout trend for the month was the strength shown by the independent sector,” said Lucy Tugby, marketing director of Motors & Cazoo, noting seasonal momentum as buyers returned after December.
Market-wide context
- Average price: £17,815 across the market, down 1.6% from December but up 1.3% versus January 2025.
- Inventory: Average stock fell to 54 vehicles per dealer from 58 in December, and was two units higher than a year earlier.
- Days to sell (all dealers): Increased to 35 from 31 month on month, underscoring independents’ outperformance.
Other retail segments
- Franchised dealers: Average advertised prices fell 1.5% year on year to £23,113.
- Car supermarkets: Prices declined 1.2% year on year to £16,919.
The annual declines at larger operations contrasted with independents’ gains, even as the overall market posted a modest year-on-year price increase.
Age profile trends
- Cars over five years old: average price up 4.7% year on year to £13,731.
- 10+ year vehicles: average price up 8.8% year on year to £7,375.
Stronger demand for older, value-focused stock likely supported independents’ faster turnover and pricing momentum.
Electrified vehicles
- Market share: EVs and hybrids reached a record 20% of dealer sales, up from 17.2% a year earlier.
- Used EV pricing: £23,423 on average, down 3% month on month (−£719) and 7.2% year on year (−£1,823).
- Hybrids averaged £24,129, leaving EVs priced below hybrids amid ongoing market recalibration.
The shift reflects changing supply, consumer expectations, and positioning of EVs relative to hybrids and ICE models in the secondhand market.
Bottom line
January showed a return to typical seasonal patterns: overall prices eased month on month and stock levels normalized, while independents stood out with quicker sales and firmer prices. Their broader participation on the Motors marketplace and focus on older, in-demand vehicles appear to be key drivers as dealers head deeper into Q1.
