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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Sam Barker

See how much most popular second-hand cars have risen in price in just one year

Second-hand car prices rose by a stonking 9.2% in just one year, according to experts at the AA.

Brits are used to thinking that cars steadily lose their value as soon as they leave the dealership - and that has been true in the past.

But now increases in the cost of materials and energy, as well as problems with suppy chains, mean the cost of new cars is rising.

That is causing a knock-on impact on the price of older vehicles, as car buyers increasingly look to the second-hand market.

The AA's new Used Car Index shows that the average used car price rose 9.2% in the 12 months to the third quarter of this year.

The Ford Fiesta topped the list of popular used cars (Ford)

The Ford Fiesta was the most popular model in the last three months, receiving the highest number of searches from drivers.

The Fiesta saw its average price rise by 9.7% , from £9,906 in 2021 to £10,867 this year.

The average price of a Fiat 500, the fifth most-popular car, rose fastest at 19% in a year, while the average price of a used Volkswagen Polo rose 18.9%.

This is the AA's top ten most popular used cars - and how much they're now selling for.

1. Ford Fiesta

This middle-of-the-road vehicle cost £9,906 a year ago, and is around £10,867 on average now - a 9.7% increase.

2. Ford Focus

Another Ford classic now goes for around £12,749 second hand, compared to £11,391 in 2021, an increase of 11.9%.

The VW Golf has been made since 1974 - and has changed a lot since then (VW)

3. Volkswagen Golf

The ever-popular VW Golf costs £19,195 on average second hand, and that's up 8.1% from £17,762 a year ago.

4. Volkswagen Polo

A more affordable Volkswagen - in Volkswagen terms - this car still trades for around £13,385 when used, up 18.9% in just one year.

5. Fiat 500

This stylish city car goes for around £9,763 now, up 19% from £8,202 last year.

The Fiat 500 rose in price by 19% in one year (Fiat)

6. Nissan Qashqai

The roomy Nissan model sells for around £14,623 on the second-hand market, up 6.2% from £13,767 a year ago - the second-smallest increase on the list.

7. Vauxhall Corsa

The nippy Vauxhall Corsa is being sold for around £9,243 used, up 10.5% from £8,365 last year.

Vauxhall Corsas are rising in price quickly on the second-hand market (Vauxhall)

8. Toyota Yaris

You can pick up the reliable Yaris for £14,383 - a whopping 30.2% increase on last year's £11,051.

9. Mercedes C Class

The first saloon to make the list, this Merc sells for £21,400 on average, up 4.2% from 2021 - the smallest increase on the list.

10. Audi A3

In final place is the Audi A3, which you can buy for £19,202 used. The same car in 2021 would cost you £17,103.

The Audi A3 is one of the most popular second-hand cars (Audi)

The AA said electric vehicles got 9.4% of searches by fuel type, while 21.4% of searches were for hybrids.

Nearly half (47.2%) of searches were for petrol cars, and 22.1% for diesel.

AA Cars chief executive James Fairclough said: “The shortage of new cars for sale has led more drivers to look to the second-hand, rather than new, car market, while also limiting the flow of nearly-new vehicles with low mileage onto the used market.

“Make sure you do your research beforehand and consider comparing prices outside your local area, as there can be significant variation in prices around the country.

"You should also consider getting an independent pre-sale inspection of any car you’re seriously considering buying, as this can help ensure there are no hidden mechanical problems that could prove costly down the line.”

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