Used car prices rise in January

Used car prices increased by 0.8% in January, compared with December last year, according to What Car? used car valuation figures.

Of all sectors, 4x4s represented the best bargains, dropping 0.7% in price, while coupes made the biggest gains in value with a 4% rise.

Average prices for petrol models rose 1.1%, while diesel versions went up by 0.5%.

Across all cars, one-year-old models fell in price by 1.7% against January 2012 figures, while three-year-old cars dropped in value by an average of 0.3%. Five-year-old models bucked the trend with a 1.7% increase in average value.

Retained values for one-year-old models were up by an average 0.3% at 68.9% while three-year-old cars rose 0.1% to 52.3%. Five-year-old vehicles increased their retained value by 0.2% to 37.4%.

4x4s were worth the most after one year, with an average 78.4% retained value, with MPVs holding on to the least value at 62.8%.

After three years, 4x4s retained the most value at 60.7%, but luxury cars were bottom of the pile with a 44.3% average retained value.

What Car? Used Car Valuations

Used bargains

Luxury car suffering steep depreciation:
Audi A8 3.0 TDI Quattro SE LWB Auto
'09/58, 57,000 miles, £15,990
Jardine Motors

4x4s suffer biggest fall in prices in January:
Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4 2.2 CRTD Limited 7st
'08/08, 54,000 miles, £11,995
Mellons Hyundai

Browse What Car? Approved Used cars for sale >>

By Rory White