8:24 am, September 17, 2026
The Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-5 emerged as two of the strongest used cars for potential dealer margins in August, according to new Dealer Auction data.
The firm’s latest Retail Margin Monitor found that the petrol Qashqai and diesel CX-5 both broke into the top five models retailing for less than £10,000 during the month.
Land Rover models also continued their recent strong performance, but Dealer Auction said the arrival of the two mainstream SUVs among the leading models was a ‘notable’ development.
The Qashqai enjoyed an especially strong August, with the hybrid version also entering the top 10 models retailing for more than £10,000.
It achieved the strongest retail rating and fastest days to sale within that higher-value ranking, according to Dealer Auction.
Marketplace director Kieran TeeBoon said: ‘These latest results are a really positive sign for the used car market, showing strong buyer and seller activity, rising demand and continued confidence in used vehicle stock.
‘The Retail Margin Monitor is a market indicator showing the potential spread between wholesale purchase price and retail market value across a volume of vehicles and the trends the platform sees, and it’s great to see the Qashqai and CX-5 making their mark.’
He added: ‘These movers and shakers are a clear indication that the market remains resilient, with dealers continuing to show a strong appetite for quality stock and confidence in the months ahead.’
More than 10,000 additional bids
Dealer Auction also reported strong activity across its platform during August, with the total number of bids increasing by more than 10,000 compared with the previous month.
The total potential retail value of vehicles sold through the marketplace stood at £49.7m, while Dealer Auction said sales volumes and average sold prices also increased.
Among brands with models retailing below £10,000, BMW returned to the top three during August.
Mini also recorded its first top-three finish of 2026.
At the more expensive end of the market, Volvo secured a second consecutive month among the top three brands for vehicles retailing above £10,000.
TeeBoon said the results demonstrated the opportunities available across different areas of the used market.
‘It’s particularly positive to see strong performances from established favourites alongside emerging models,’ he said.
‘The hybrid Qashqai’s performance is also an interesting development, combining the strongest retail rating with the fastest days to sale in the over-£10k model rankings.
‘Alongside Mini’s first top-three brand finish of the year, August demonstrates just how dynamic the used car market continues to be.
‘With sales volumes and average sold prices also rising, it will be fascinating to see whether this momentum continues into the autumn.’
Top 10 models by retail margin for cars retailing below £10,000 – August 2026
- Land Rover Discovery Sport (diesel) – £4,275 average retail margin; 34 days to sell; Auto Trader Retail Rating: 66
- Range Rover Evoque (diesel) – £4,225; 38 days; Retail Rating: 55
- Mazda CX-5 (diesel) – £3,200; 25 days; Retail Rating: 85
- Nissan Qashqai (petrol) – £2,850; 27 days; Retail Rating: 78
- BMW 3 Series (diesel) – £2,800; 37 days; Retail Rating: 48
- Vauxhall Mokka X (petrol) – £2,790; 34 days; Retail Rating: 65
- Ford Kuga (diesel) – £2,700; 34 days; Retail Rating: 63
- Nissan Qashqai (diesel) – £2,635; 33 days; Retail Rating: 65
- Mini Hatch (petrol) – £2,630; 32 days; Retail Rating: 74
- Nissan Juke (petrol) – £2,625; 32 days; Retail Rating: 66
Top 10 makes by retail margin for cars retailing below £10,000 – August 2026
- Land Rover – £3,900 average retail margin
- BMW – £2,850
- Mini – £2,750
- Audi – £2,725
- Volvo – £2,675
- Mercedes-Benz – £2,600
- Nissan – £2,575
- Mazda – £2,550
- Citroen – £2,430
- Renault – £2,425