Sell My Car Guide | The Best Time & Season to Sell My Car

Are you wondering, “when is the best season to sell my car?” or “when is the best time to sell a car?”

When it comes to selling your car, timing is everything. Choosing the best season to sell your car in the UK can make all the difference between a quick sale and a long wait.

Different seasons can have different effects on the demand for cars and the prices they fetch. Factors like weather, holidays, and new car releases can all impact how easily and profitably you can sell your car.

In this post, we’ll examine the pros and cons of different seasons for selling cars in the UK. With these insights, you can make the right choices for your situation and sell your car with confidence.

Should I Sell My Car in Spring (February to April)?

Spring is often considered the best season to sell your car in the UK. With the promise of warmer weather and longer days, people start to think about outdoor activities like road trips and weekend breaks. This can drive up demand for cars and create more competition among buyers.

In addition, many people get their tax refunds around this time, giving them extra money to spend on larger purchases like cars. However, bear in mind that spring is also when many people are putting their cars up for sale, so you’ll need to make yours stand out from the crowd to get the best price.

February is when early buyers start searching for deals ahead of the March plate change. March sees a spike in new car registrations, which means more part exchanges enter the used market. If your car is clean, well-maintained and realistically priced, you could benefit from that extra buyer interest.

April brings more stable weather, longer evenings, and school holidays, which all make viewings easier to arrange. And if you’re selling a reliable Suzuki or a Tesla EV, it’s a good time to get it listed.

Searches for used cars typically rise by over 15% between February and April. That kind of seasonal bump can make a real difference to the offers you get.

Why this bump? Because spring feels like a reset. And after months of winter wear and tear, many buyers are ready to upgrade before prices jump again.

Summer (May to August): Is This a Good Time to Sell My Car?

Summer can also be a good season for selling a car, especially if you have a convertible or sports car. People are more likely to want to buy cars that reflect the sunny weather and may be willing to pay a premium for a vehicle that matches their lifestyle.

However, remember that summer also brings holidays and travel plans, so the market may be more competitive if people save up for vacation expenses instead of putting money towards a new car.

Additionally, the heat and sun can be tough on cars, so you’ll need to make sure yours is in good condition and ready to handle the summer months.

June and July can work in your favour, especially if your car suits summer plans. Convertibles, coupes and well-kept family cars tend to draw attention when the sun’s out and people are planning getaways.

That said, August often slows down. Many buyers are away, and others are saving for holidays or back-to-school costs. Even so, a reliable hatchback or hybrid can still do well – especially if it’s ready to drive away.

And if your car’s in good shape with working air con and a recent service, don’t wait too long. Buyers still act on impulse when the right one shows up.

RELATED: 5 Signs That It’s Time to Sell Your Car

Autumn (September to November): Is This When I Should Sell My Car?

Autumn can be a decent time to sell your car in the UK, especially if it’s a high-end or luxury vehicle. With the new ‘number plates’ arrival in September, many buyers are looking for the latest models and may be more willing to buy a pre-owned car with low mileage and modern features.

Vehicle licensing statistics show that when the DVLA issues a new registration plate series, there is usually a peak in new vehicle registrations. For example, the new “72” plate was issued for the cars registered from the beginning of September 2022 to the end of February 2023.

Additionally, people often need to upgrade their cars before the colder months arrive, so there may be more demand for reliable vehicles. Just be aware that autumn can also be a time of financial strain, with back-to-school expenses and the holidays on the horizon.

September is a key month. Lots of new cars hit the road with fresh number plates, and that creates a wave of part exchanges. If your car has low mileage and strong spec, it may look like a smarter buy compared to a brand-new one.

Come October, buyer priorities start to shift. People want something solid and practical before winter sets in – especially larger family cars and reliable estates.

By November, the focus is more about staying safe and warm. SUVs, hybrids and anything with heated seats or good tyres often stand out more than cars with flashy upgrades.

If your car’s well looked after and ready for colder weather, don’t wait for the Christmas slowdown. Sell it before demand dips.

Should You Sell Your Car in Winter (December & January)?

Winter is usually considered the worst season to sell your car in the UK. With the cold weather, snow, and ice, driving can be more challenging and less appealing to buyers. Additionally, many people are saving money for Christmas gifts and events and may need extra funds for a new car.

However, if you sell in winter, ensure your car is in good condition and ready for the season’s challenges. Investing in winter tyres, a warm interior, and other features that make your car more comfortable and safe can give you an edge over other sellers.

December is quiet. Most people are spending on Christmas, but not on cars. But if you do need to sell, there’s less competition. A well-priced, ready-to-drive car can still attract attention.

January can pick up slightly. Some buyers are starting new jobs or upgrading after winter MOT failures. Reliable hatchbacks and winter-ready 4x4s usually do well – especially if they come with a fresh MOT or clean service history.

And if your car has working heating, good tyres, and starts first time, that reassurance matters. Practical buyers tend to move fast when they spot something worth the money.

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Best Time to Sell Different Types of Cars (By Month & Season)

What’s the Worst Month to Sell My Car?

December is usually one of the slowest months to sell a car in the UK. And it’s not just because of the cold.

Holiday Period

Most people are focused on Christmas shopping, travel, or end-of-year plans. That means car buying isn’t exactly top of mind.

Searches and buyer interest typically drop by 10–13% in the weeks before Christmas. And things don’t really pick up again until mid-January.

Weather Conditions

Let’s be honest, December weather can be bleak. Cold mornings, icy roads, and shorter days make people think twice about test driving or selling a car.

In fact, used car transactions dropped by more than 4% in December 2024 compared to November. It’s not the ideal time for viewings, especially if your car’s parked on the street or has a flat battery.

Financial Considerations

It’s also the end of the year. That’s when people look at their bank accounts and tighten their spending. And car buyers? They’re likely waiting for a clean financial slate in January.

Data shows the average three-year-old car lost around £260 in trade value during December 2024, which highlights how seasonal dips can impact prices.

That said, if your car’s in great condition and priced right, it can still sell – especially if it’s a winter-friendly vehicle like a 4×4 or SUV. Just don’t expect peak demand or quick offers.

And if you have to sell in December, get the best possible car selling experience with a car buying platform that has a vast network of partners looking for cars year-round.

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What is the Best Way to Sell My Car?

Regardless of the season when you decide to sell your car, you should think about two things: getting the most money for your car and doing it safely and reliably. That’s why using a car selling platform is considered a good idea:

• Access to the wide pool of reliable car buyers increases your chances of getting the best deal and finding a car buyer quickly.
• Selling a car through a platform is often convenient and user-friendly. Everything is done for you, saving time and effort compared to traditional methods such as classified ads or local listings.
• Sell my car platforms like Exchange My Car have a network of potential buyers who are always looking for cars that meet their specific criteria. This means your car is offered only to interested buyers actively searching for a car like yours.
• Reputable car selling platforms have measures to ensure secure transactions and protect buyers and sellers. They may provide features like identity verification and secure payment options, which can instil trust in the transaction process.
• Free valuation tools help determine the fair value of your car. These insights can be valuable in setting a competitive price and attracting potential buyers.

Last but not least, selling a car through a platform can save you time and money compared to traditional methods. You don’t have to deal with physical advertisements, arrange meetings with potential buyers, or negotiate prices extensively. The platform streamlines the process and facilitates communication between trusted car buyers and sellers.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Time to Sell Your Car

In conclusion, the best time to sell your car in the UK depends on various factors, including your target audience, the type of car you’re selling, and the current market conditions. By considering these factors and choosing the right time and season to sell, you can attract more buyers, sell your car more quickly, and get a better price. 

Whether you sell in the spring, summer, autumn, or winter, do your research, clean and maintain your car, and go to year-round car buying platforms like Exchange My Car. With Exchange My Car, you get multiple offers and free car collection from your doorstep.

And if you follow our tips and blogs, you can confidently sell your car and move on to your next driving adventure!