Older Used Cars Are Getting More Expensive — Despite Overall Prices Falling
Drivers looking for an affordable replacement car may still face rising prices, even as advertised prices across the wider used-car market fall year-on-year.
Autotrader’s October 2026 Retail Price Index, published on 9 November, shows that asking prices for cars aged 10–15 years increased by 4.6% compared with a year earlier, reaching an average of £7,290.
Cars over 15 years old also became more expensive, with average asking prices rising 3% to £5,294.
Across the overall used-car market, however, prices fell 1.8% year-on-year, with the average advertised price standing at £17,321. Prices were unchanged month-on-month on a like-for-like basis. plc.autotrader.co.uk
Why are older used cars getting more expensive?
Autotrader links the strength of older-car prices to demand for affordable petrol and diesel vehicles.
Its figures show a clear difference between age groups:
| Vehicle age | Average asking price | Annual price change |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | £32,019 | Down 3.5% |
| 1–3 years | £25,366 | Down 2.0% |
| 3–5 years | £19,939 | Down 2.3% |
| 5–10 years | £14,276 | Down 1.8% |
| 10–15 years | £7,290 | Up 4.6% |
| Over 15 years | £5,294 | Up 3.0% |
Source: Autotrader, October 2026 Retail Price Index. Changes are measured on a like-for-like basis. plc.autotrader.co.uk
These are advertised asking prices, rather than confirmed amounts paid. They also do not mean every older car has increased in value.
What does this mean if you’re buying?
For someone shopping on a limited budget, falling prices across the wider market may offer little comfort if the vehicles within reach are becoming more expensive.
The practical approach is to compare similar cars carefully. Age alone does not tell you whether a vehicle represents good value: mileage, servicing, condition and upcoming maintenance all matter.
Before committing, consider:
- Maintenance evidence: Look for service invoices and evidence of work completed, rather than relying only on the seller’s description.
- Upcoming costs: Ask about items such as tyres, brakes and any scheduled timing belt replacement applicable to the vehicle.
- Overall budget: Leave room for insurance, tax, servicing and unexpected repairs.
- Independent inspection: Consider having the car checked by a qualified professional, particularly if its condition or history raises questions.
A cheaper purchase can become expensive if significant maintenance is due soon.
Check the history behind the price
Review previous MOT results and recorded mileage, paying attention to repeated advisories and asking whether identified problems have been repaired.
Motor Bridge’s MOT Checker & Explainer helps you explore available MOT history and understand recorded defects. An MOT pass is a record of the test outcome at that time; it does not replace a mechanical inspection.
For other recorded concerns, explore our Vehicle History Checks page. Report coverage varies, but checks may include outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and theft records.
You can also use the Safety Recall Checker to check available recall-status information and find manufacturer support. A clear result does not guarantee that a vehicle is free from safety defects.
What if you’re selling an older car?
Compare your car with vehicles of a similar age, specification, mileage and condition before setting an asking price.
Documented servicing and repair invoices can help buyers understand how the vehicle has been maintained. Broad market averages are useful context, but they are not an individual valuation or a guarantee of what your car will sell for.
Motor Bridge’s advice: Judge the whole vehicle, including its history and likely running costs. A higher asking price does not guarantee better condition, and a low price deserves careful investigation.
Source: Autotrader’s October 2026 used-car price report, published 9 November 2026. Information checked on 10 November 2026. General information only; individual vehicle values and condition vary.
