New information exhibits when is one of the best time for getting a substitute automobile with costs falling steeply in a 12 months

Choosing the right time to purchase a used automobile could make an enormous distinction on the value (Picture: Getty)
In relation to shopping for a substitute automobile many individuals are conscious of the massive financial savings which are obtainable whenever you get one just a few months outdated in comparison with shopping for model new. Nonetheless there are additionally financial savings to be made in case you are searching for one thing a bit older – and in case you get it on the proper time these might be important.
Now specialists have recognized the “candy spot” for getting used vehicles, with costs for a similar automobile falling by as much as 28% in a 12 months. New information from AA Automobiles reveals many three and four-year-old fashions at the moment are markedly cheaper than a 12 months in the past, that means drivers searching for a more moderen used automobile might safe important financial savings.
Throughout three-year-old fashions on the AA Automobiles web site, the Peugeot 3008 tops the record, with common costs down 19.4% year-on-year. The Ford Kuga and Ford Ranger observe carefully behind, every falling by almost a fifth, 18.9% and 18.8% respectively.
Different notable reductions amongst three-year-olds embrace the Kia Niro, 15.2%, Hyundai Tucson, 14.9%, Volvo XC40, 14.7%, and Ford Focus, 14.4%. Amongst four-year-old fashions, the Toyota Prius stands out, with common costs falling from £15,685 at the beginning of 2025 to £11,280 by the tip of the 12 months – a considerable saving of 28.1%, or £4,405, Newspage experiences.
James Hosking, Managing Director of AA Automobiles, mentioned: “The used automobile market is providing some genuinely standout worth, significantly amongst three-year-old fashions the place returning finance and lease automobiles are boosting provide. Our newest information exhibits fashions such because the Peugeot 3008 at the moment are almost 20% cheaper 12 months on 12 months, giving patrons the prospect to safe a more moderen used automobile at a way more accessible worth level.
“4-year-old automobiles are additionally seeing important reductions. A Toyota Prius, for instance, is now greater than £4,000 cheaper than it was a 12 months in the past, whereas common fashions together with the Hyundai Tucson and Ford Ranger have recorded notable worth drops, saving patrons 1000’s in contrast with this time final 12 months.
“Pricing has develop into extra aggressive as inventory ranges enhance and patrons have extra alternative, translating into stronger negotiating energy than we now have seen for a while. Crucially, these reductions will not be restricted to 1 nook of the market – we’re seeing significant falls throughout household favourites, from sensible SUVs and crossovers to well-known hatchbacks.
Rohit Parmar-Mistry, Founder at Burton-on-Trent-based Pattrn Information, described three to four-years-old because the ‘candy spot’ for getting a more moderen used automobile.
He added: “Three and 4 years is the candy spot the place a automobile stops feeling ‘almost new’ available in the market, even when it nonetheless drives like one. That’s the reason the drops on fashions just like the 3008, Kuga and Ranger don’t shock me, and the Prius determine is an effective instance of how briskly sentiment can flip when a more moderen form, spec or gas economic system story lands.
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“Costs fall laborious round this age for just a few boring causes: an enormous wave of lease and firm vehicles hits the forecourts, the producer guarantee usually expires, and patrons begin pricing in tyres, brakes and the primary greater companies. Add greater finance charges and also you get extra sellers chasing fewer patrons.
“Recommendation: ignore month-to-month worth and have a look at complete value. Test service historical past, tyres and brakes, run an HPI test, and ask why it’s being offered. Whether it is hybrid, ask for battery well being and recall historical past.”


















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