When is the best time to sell a car?

Are you unsure whether to keep or sell your vehicle?  

As cars get older, they lose value and can eventually become difficult (and expensive) to keep on the road, so deciding when to sell your current model is essential. 

Whether it is because your life is changing, your car running costs are mounting up, or you are thinking of making the switch to electric – there are many reasons that could mean it is the best time to sell your car. 

Read our latest buying and selling guide to learn more. 

When should I sell my car? 

Throughout our lives we will likely have multiple vehicles, but knowing the best time to sell yours is key to maximising your money as well as getting the most out of your current car. 

Tax and insurance costs 

Rising running costs can make certain vehicles less attractive to buyers. 

Higher Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates and fuel costs can have a dramatic effect, making it worth considering a sale before demand weakens. 

Road tax (VED) 

Car tax can become a significant ownership cost as cars age. While some older vehicles attract lower rates because of their emissions or historic vehicle status, most cars registered from 2001 to 2017 are taxed based on their CO2 emissions.  

Larger petrol and diesel models often fall into the highest tax bands, meaning owners can pay several hundred pounds each year to keep them on the road. 

Changes to VED rates over time have also increased the cost of taxing many vehicles. As a result, drivers considering selling a higher-emission car may find demand begins to weaken as prospective buyers' factor in the ongoing tax burden. 

Fuel costs 

The price of petrol and diesel is also an important consideration, particularly for cars with larger engines, older technology or poorer fuel economy.  

As vehicles age, they can become less efficient, meaning owners spend more money filling up compared to newer petrol, hybrid or electric alternatives. 

When fuel prices increase, buyers often place a greater emphasis on miles per gallon (mpg), making thirsty SUVs, performance cars, and older diesel models less attractive.  

Therefore, selling before rising running costs significantly affect demand could help you secure a better price for your car. 

Your circumstances are changing 

In some cases, life events often dictate when it makes sense to sell a car.  

You may be moving home, growing your family, retiring, reducing your mileage, changing jobs or simply finding that you no longer need a second car. 

Selling the vehicle before it becomes surplus to requirements can prevent unnecessary running costs and the impact of depreciation. 

If your circumstances are changing, then it is important to give yourself plenty of time to sell your vehicle. This is because you may not get the price you want for it, if you are desperate to sell. 

Always think ahead for future needs for your vehicle. Will your current one meet your requirements? 

Number plate change  

The twice-yearly number plate changes in the UK (March and September) tends to make a vehicle's age more obvious, which can affect resale values. 

For newer cars, buyers often place a premium on having the latest registration, so a six-month difference can be worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds on more expensive models. 

However, after a few years, a higher priority is put on mileage, service history, ownership, and overall condition of the vehicle. 

Read more: Car registration years – the complete number plate guide 

Seasonality  

Depending on the type of vehicle you have, the time of year you sell can impact the final figure you could receive. 

This is because demand typically rises when a vehicle suits the season. 

For example, camper vans and convertibles tend to be most desirable in spring and summer, when buyers are planning holidays, road trips, and days out in their vehicle.  

The opposite is often true for 4x4s and vehicles more suited for all-roading.  

Demand usually increases during autumn and winter when drivers are thinking about poor weather, muddy conditions, and the need for extra traction on the UK's many country lanes.  

Good trade in or purchase offer 

Dealers and car-buying services regularly adjust the prices they are willing to pay based on market conditions and economic climate.  

If you've received a particularly competitive offer, it may be worth acting while it remains available.  

A strong valuation today may not necessarily be repeated weeks or months later. 

This could also be coupled with a deal for a new vehicle that makes the trade in even more worthwhile. 

Before a major repair or service is needed 

If your car is approaching a costly maintenance milestone, it can make financial sense to sell before the work needs carrying out.  

Major repairs such as a clutch replacement, timing belt change, dual-mass flywheel repair, DPF replacement or a full set of tyres can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds.  

While having the work completed may make the car easier to sell, you may not recover the full cost in the vehicle's resale value. 

You must weigh up the cost of servicing or repairing over the value of the car. 

However, it is important to note that regular servicing is the best way to keep your car’s value at its highest. 

Find a car service near you today. You can also read more in our handy car service checklist. 

Before it hits a mileage milestone 

Mileage remains one of the biggest factors affecting a car's value.  

Buyers often view figures such as 30,000, 60,000, 100,000 and 150,000 miles as psychological thresholds, with values frequently dropping once a vehicle passes them.  

However, depending on the make, model, and age of a vehicle, that threshold can vary dramatically.  

Selling before it hits one of these points could help preserve more of the car's resale value. 

• What are the most popular cars in the UK?
• How to cancel road tax and get a DVLA refund
• Selling your car privately – our step-by-step guide

Car warranty set to expire 

A car that still benefits from a manufacturer's warranty can be much more attractive to potential buyers.  

The remaining cover provides reassurance that unexpected faults may be repaired at little or no cost, reducing the risk associated with buying a used vehicle.  

As a result, cars with warranty cover remaining can often command a premium. 

New model release 

When a manufacturer launches an all-new version of a car, people may choose to upgrade.  

This leaves a large pool of older vehicles that will have a lesser value than more up to date versions. 

Buyers may favour the newer design, technology and efficiency improvements, which can place downward pressure on used prices.  

Selling before a replacement model reaches showrooms can help minimise this effect. 

If you have a popular car, try to stay up to date with the latest developments about the next generation. 

READ: Tips for buying a new car 

Making the switch to EVs 

As seen in the latest SMMT data, there are more people choosing electric vehicles (EVs) than ever before. 

As a result, for many drivers, the best time to sell a car is when they're ready to make the move to an electric vehicle.  

Rising petrol and diesel prices, increasing environmental concerns and a growing choice of EVs are encouraging more motorists to consider making the switch.  

Selling your current car while it still holds strong value can provide a larger deposit towards a new electric model, reducing monthly finance costs and making the transition more affordable.  

With electric cars now offering longer ranges, faster charging and lower running costs than ever before, many drivers see switching before their existing vehicle becomes older or less desirable as a smart financial decision. 

• Road tax explained – rates, bands, and rules
• Car registration years – our number plate guide
• Are the most popular cars in the UK getting bigger?

How to make your car last longer 

You don’t have to always look to get a new vehicle once your car reaches one of the above milestones.  

Regular car servicing and keeping your vehicle in the best condition possible can significantly extend its lifespan. 

Here are some easy steps to take to make this a reality: 

• Service your car regularly and follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule
• Check and top up fluids such as engine oil, coolant, and windscreen wash
• Keep your tyres properly inflated to reduce wear and improve fuel economy
• Replace your tyres when advised to do so
• Fix small problems early before they become expensive repairs
• Drive smoothly and avoid potholes (where possible) to reduce excess wear on your brakes, engine components or suspension. 
• Keep the car clean
• Protect the paintwork
• Replace worn parts promptly
• Keep a full service history to show the car has been well maintained
• Don't constantly overload the vehicle
• Investigate warning lights immediately
• Use quality fuel and the correct oil recommended by the manufacturer
• Park carefully to avoid dents, scratches and kerb damage
• Store the car properly if it won't be used for an extended period

The best thing to do is to speak to our mobile mechanics and book in a service as soon as possible. 

Read more: What are the most popular used cars in the UK?