Time to sell? Used EV and premium car prices surge as demand hits record highs
Thu, 18 Jun 2026
Got an EV or premium saloon to sell? The time is now to make some cash as new data shows demand for used electric cars and premium saloons is at unprecedentedly high levels.
Automotive data provider Cazana has revealed that the UK's used car market has gone from strength to strength in May.
In the past, there's traditionally a slowdown in used car sales as buyers make the most of the bank holidays. However, this year demand is strong, particularly for used EVs, as prolonged increases in fuel prices have persuaded buyers to make the switch.
Three-year old EVs are top models in demand
Cazana notes that the value of cars that are three years old when sold continues to climb, up 0.7%, or approximately £170, in May. Look more closely and EVs outperform that figure, up 1.2%.
What's more, EVs are the fastest-selling fuel type, finding new homes around 20 days quicker than diesels and 10 days faster than petrol cars on average.
Top-selling three-year old EV models include the MG4, taking 13 days on average to sell. A Cupra Born sits on a forecourt for 16 days on average, while a Tesla Model 3 takes 19 days to find a new owner.
Premium saloons doing the business
It's not just electric vehicles which are selling strongly, as the used car market in general is performing well. In particular, the value of three-year old performance saloons and estates were up 2.3% in May.
Just in time for summer, convertibles were up 1.6% as at least the vague idea of summer weather took hold.
In terms of brands, the strong value of three year old Volvos made the Swedish firm the top-value manufacturer, with its models up 2.8%, while Audi was up 2.2% and BMW 1.8%.
Used cars a sellers market
"The used car retail market in May continued to be strong, following a trend seen since the start of the year," says Cazana automotive specialist Derren Martin.
"For the second month in a row, we saw a surge in the sale of used EVs, with prices rising more than any other fuel type. Estates, saloons and hatchbacks continue to perform well for dealers, with demand outstripping supply, while SUVs also went up in price."
