The numbers: older cars surging in 2026
The latest Cazoo Market View data, reported by Car Dealer Magazine on 1 June 2026, shows the average used car on the UK market was £17,655 in May — a 2.8% year-on-year rise. But the headline figure masks where the real movement is happening.
Cars aged over 10 years rose 1.3% month-on-month in May, reaching an average of £7,637 — and are now up 10.6% year-on-year. According to Cazoo, prices for these older cars have now increased for 10 consecutive months since May 2025.
Stock levels for 8-10 year old cars rose 8.3% year-on-year, which ordinarily might suppress prices — but buyer demand has absorbed the additional supply and kept values climbing. Auto Trader's parallel data, published 7 June 2026, recorded the average used car at £17,306 using 800,000 daily pricing observations — the strongest growth in nearly three years.
Why older cars are rising in value
There are two structural forces at work. First, supply is tightening. New car registrations fell sharply during 2020–2022 due to the pandemic and semiconductor shortages, which means the flow of 2-5 year old cars into the used market is lower than normal. The SMMT confirmed the UK car parc is now at an average age of 9.7 years — the oldest on record.
Second, buyers are being pushed down-market by high new car prices and a cost-of-living squeeze. Families and commuters who previously bought a 4-5 year old car are now buying a 10-12 year old car instead. That demand surge at the older end of the market is pushing prices up.
The result is a used car market where an 11-year-old family hatchback in good condition now regularly sells for £6,000–£9,000. Five years ago, many of those same cars would have struggled to break £3,500.
What it means if you're buying an older car
Higher prices change the risk calculation significantly. When a 12-year-old car with 90,000 miles was worth £2,000, a hidden £800 repair bill was painful but recoverable. Now that the same car is worth £6,000–£7,000, the stakes are much higher — and the case for a proper pre-purchase inspection is stronger than ever.
The most important checks on an older vehicle are:
- Timing belt/chain condition. A failed cambelt on a high-mileage engine can mean a write-off. Know whether it has been changed and when.
- Oil and coolant condition. Creamy oil or brown coolant can indicate head gasket failure — often a car-ending repair on an older engine.
- Brake, suspension, and tyre condition. These items wear hard on older vehicles and a full set of brakes and discs plus four new tyres can easily add £700+ to your first-year costs.
- Service history. A car with a documented service history is worth paying a premium for. Without it, you are guessing at every maintenance item's condition.
Motor Medics carries out independent pre-purchase inspections across Coventry, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Bedworth — we come to wherever the car is located. Book an inspection before you commit.
What it means if you're selling an older car
If you own a 2013–2016 vehicle in reasonable condition, now may be an unusually strong time to sell. Prices in that age bracket have risen consistently for nearly a year. A full service history, recent timing belt change, and fresh MOT will push your car into the upper end of its value range — and buyers are willing to pay for confidence.
Conversely, if you plan to hold onto your older car rather than sell, regular servicing becomes even more financially logical. A well-maintained 10-year-old car holds its value and avoids the major repair bills that suddenly-cheap-looking older vehicles often carry.
Motor Medics offers full and interim service packages with a full-service history stamp — maintaining the documentation that keeps your car's value high regardless of its age. Book a service at your home or workplace today.
Frequently asked questions
- Why are older used cars increasing in value in 2026?
- Supply is tightening as fewer new cars were registered during 2020–2022, reducing the flow of nearly-new cars into the second-hand market. Meanwhile, cost-conscious buyers are turning to older vehicles as new car prices remain elevated.
- Is it worth spending money on servicing a 10-year-old car?
- Yes — especially now. A car worth £7,000–£10,000 with a full service history commands a clear premium at resale and is far more reliable day-to-day than an equivalent car with an unknown history.
Local Service Areas: We provide expert vehicle servicing, diagnostics, and repairs for drivers across the West Midlands. Whether you need a garage in Coventry, Solihull, Kenilworth, Berkswell, Meriden, or Balsall Common, our workshop is easily accessible.
