9:18 am, June 26, 2026
The used car market has exceeded seasonal expectations, despite a number of headwinds putting pressure on trade values.
That is according to new data from Solera Cap HPI, which has pointed to political turbulence, ongoing economic uncertainty and the distraction of the World Cup as potential headaches.
The firm has found that average trade values at the benchmark three-year, 60,000-mile point fell by 0.6% during June – equivalent to around £130.
While that not may not sound like good news for prices, the fall was ‘considerably gentler’ than the long-term June average of around 1.1%.
It marks the third month on the spin in which the market has outperformed seasonal norms, with experts hailing much needed stability after ‘several years of volatility’.
When it comes to sales, June has fallen in line with seasonal expectations, with average days to sell edging up from 33 days in May to 34 days.
Solera Cap HPI also found significant variation in performance by retailer type, with car supermarkets remaining the fastest-moving operators, averaging 29 days to sell stock. They are followed by franchised dealers at 31 days and independent retailers at 42 days.
Elsewhere, the sixth month of the year has been significant for battery electric vehicles, which have been the strongest-performing fuel type in both retail and wholesale channels.
Used BEVs have sold in an average of 29 days, making them the fastest-moving drivetrain in the market. At the same time, three-year-old BEV values increased by 0.8%, the second consecutive month of positive movement and one of the strongest performances seen since late 2024.
Commenting on the data, Jeremy Yea, senior valuations editor at Solera Cap HPI, said: ‘The used car market continues to show a level of resilience that is stronger than we would normally expect for this time of year.
‘Retail demand remains measured rather than buoyant, but consumers are still buying when vehicles are priced correctly and offer clear value.
‘What has become increasingly noticeable is the improving position of used electric vehicles. We’re seeing stronger retail demand, improving wholesale conversion rates and growing evidence that buyers are becoming more comfortable with EV ownership.
‘In some areas, demand is now beginning to outpace supply, which is helping support values.
‘That doesn’t mean every EV will perform equally well. The market remains highly selective and success still depends on factors such as age, range, specification and price point. However, the overall direction of travel is considerably more positive than it was six to 12 months ago.’
While BEVs continued to flourish, diesel remained the weakest-performing fuel type, with values declining by 1.4% at the three-year point. Older vehicles also faced greater pressure, reflecting increasing volumes of higher-mileage stock entering remarketing channels.
Looking ahead, Solera cap hpi expects July trade values to broadly follow traditional seasonal patterns, although demand for desirable three-to-five-year-old vehicles is expected to provide ongoing support.
