{"id":10236,"date":"2025-10-20T15:21:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T14:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=10236"},"modified":"2026-04-02T14:59:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:59:13","slug":"when-is-the-best-time-to-sell-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/when-is-the-best-time-to-sell-a-car\/","title":{"rendered":"When is the Best Time to Sell a Car? UK 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have made your decision to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/sell-my-car\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sell your car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so let\u2019s help you out with when is the right time to sell your car. It sounds simple, but getting into the UK car market could be daunting. You will even cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It all depends on buyer demand, and you should understand when to get into the market for a better price.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we will walk you through how timing affects a car&#8217;s value and which season can get you a good price for your car.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"135\" data-end=\"191\"><strong data-start=\"139\" data-end=\"191\">Key Takeaways: Best Time to Sell a Car in the UK<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Selling your car at the right time, in spring or early autumn, with low mileage, good condition, and the right selling method maximises value and ensures a quick, hassle-free sale.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"1050\">\n<li data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"320\">\n<p data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"320\"><strong data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"220\">Timing affects value:<\/strong> Sell before number plate changes (March &amp; September) or key age milestones to get a better price.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"438\">\n<p data-start=\"323\" data-end=\"438\"><strong data-start=\"323\" data-end=\"348\">Best seasons to sell:<\/strong> Spring (March\u2013May) and early autumn (September\u2013October) see the highest buyer activity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"439\" data-end=\"539\">\n<p data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"539\"><strong data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"467\">Car condition matters:<\/strong> Clean, well-maintained cars with a valid MOT attract stronger offers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"637\">\n<p data-start=\"542\" data-end=\"637\"><strong data-start=\"542\" data-end=\"569\">Mileage impacts resale:<\/strong> Cars under 60,000 miles usually sell faster and at higher prices.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"638\" data-end=\"755\">\n<p data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"755\"><strong data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"675\">Market trends influence demand:<\/strong> Fuel prices, new models, and ULEZ changes affect what buyers are looking for.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"883\">\n<p data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"883\"><strong data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"794\">Choose the right selling method:<\/strong> Private sales for maximum price; dealers or online services for speed and convenience<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\"><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Now is the Best Time to Sell Your Car\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              Sell your car as-is today for a better price. Get multiple instant offers, free collection, and fast payment with trusted UK buyers.\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">SELL MY CAR<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Timing Affects Car Value<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It sounds dramatic, but when it comes to selling your car, timing does affect your car\u2019s value. Your car is a depreciating asset, and the UK market has predictable waves of demand and supply. This directly influences buyers&#8217; willingness to pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1. The number plate effect:<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the UK, new registration number plates hugely affect the used car market. This happens every year in March and September. The dip comes when the new number plate cars hit showrooms. This suddenly floods the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/buying-a-used-vs-new-car-advantages-and-disadvantages\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">used car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> market with more supply, especially cars that are three years old and coming off finance deals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the peak comes in the month just before the new plates arrive (February and August) often see higher demand for used cars, as buyers look to grab a deal before the big trade-in rush. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Depreciation of a car<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depreciation is the steady fall in your car&#8217;s value over time. While it\u2019s always happening, timing can help you sidestep the sharpest drops. The valuation often sees sharp dips as a car crosses key age milestones (e.g., turning three years old, five years old, or ten years old). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can sell it in the months before a birthday, its perceived value is usually higher. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MOT clock also affects your value. Selling with an MOT certificate can get you a better price for your car. It adds value and peace of mind for the buyer. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>3. Supply and demand: Seasonal Swings<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supply and demand do play their role when selling a car. Buyers&#8217; demand is not constant, it changes with the weather and the school calendar. For example, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/best-convertible-cars\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">convertibles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are in demand for summer and SUVs for winter. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>4. Market trends<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuel prices, the launch of new car models, and shifts in government policies like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/ulez-checker\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ULEZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can all influence the demand for specific vehicles. For instance, when fuel prices rise, buyers may lean towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, while at other times, family SUVs might capture more attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Factors to Consider Before Selling<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you get your car to the market for sale, it is important to take a moment and identify your car\u2019s potential buyer. Get these things right, and you\u2019re set up for a fast, top-price sale.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1. Condition of a car<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A car is only worth what its condition dictates. Buyers will look for reasons to knock the price down, so you need to fix all issues. Because a well-maintained car with a proper MOT certificate is a perfect car for buyers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Age and mileage<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is what a buyer looks for. Age and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-much-does-mileage-affect-car-value\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mileage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are something that you can\u2019t change it and you must understand how they affect car\u2019s value. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the UK, the average driver typically covers about 10,000 to 12,000 miles each year, which sets the standard for buyers. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your car\u2019s mileage is well below this average, make sure to highlight that as a significant advantage. Conversely, if it is above average, the value tends to drop sharply afterwards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>3. Paperwork<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put yourself in a buyer&#8217;s position. What will you look for in a used car? Paperwork, buyers are looking for a car with organised and complete paperwork. You should prepare the V5C, a full service history book, and an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-mot-status\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MOT status<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These are things that buyers expect<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>4. Presentation of the car<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presentation matters while selling a car online. Photos are something that buyers first demand from you. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can either hire a professional valet or do a deep clean yourself, making sure to tidy up the interior and remove any personal items. When taking photos, use a high-quality camera in good lighting, ensuring the car is clean and the background is simple.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best Times to Sell a Car in the UK<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While selling a car, the right time of a year does matter. In the UK, there are clear patterns in buyer behaviour that can help you plan your sale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Spring (March to May):\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spring is typically the busiest time for car buyers. As the weather improves and summer is about to begin, more people are willing to get out. Families are planning for summer trips and holidays. These behaviours increase the demand for cars.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Early Autumn (September to October):<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After summer wraps up, many buyers start considering swapping out their older cars before the year ends. This time of year usually sees a consistent demand, especially for practical family vehicles and fuel-efficient options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s a simple table showing seasonal trends for quick reference:<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 270px;\" width=\"551\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Season<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Buyer<br \/>\nActivity<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Typical Car<br \/>\nTypes in Demand<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Price Trend<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spring (Mar\u2013May)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/safest-family-cars\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family cars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, small cars<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Summer (Jun\u2013Aug)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Convertibles, holiday vehicles<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stable<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autumn (Sep\u2013Oct)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family cars, SUVs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter (Nov\u2013Feb)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practical daily drivers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to Sell Your Car in the UK<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2Fyoung-women-selling-car-.png&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"young women selling car- best time to sell a car\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have decided to sell your car, it\u2019s time to decide what the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/best-way-to-sell-a-car\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best way to sell a car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. There are several options, each with its own pros and cons. Understanding them can help you pick the best route for your car and your situation. Here in this table, we have explained for your better understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 375px;\" width=\"559\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Selling Method<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Pros<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Ideal For<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Private Sale<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potentially highest price, full control over sale<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can take longer, requires managing viewings &amp; negotiations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sellers willing to invest time for maximum profit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Dealers \/ Trade-In<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick sale, minimal paperwork, safe transaction<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower price than private sale<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sellers prioritising speed &amp; convenience<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Online Car Buying Services<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast, simple, secure, instant valuations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offers may be below private sale value<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sellers wanting a hassle-free, quick sale<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I sell my car without an MOT in the UK?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, it is legal to sell a car without an MOT certificate, but it does not give a good value for it. Cars must be roadworthy to be driven, and most of the buyers expect a current MOT status. However, selling a car without an MOT will depreciate your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/free-car-valuation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">car\u2019s value<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by 10% to 20%. If you want a smooth sale, renew it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which car types are in demand in different seasons?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The demands for car depends on seasons and that\u2019s why buyers demand for different types for different seasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Spring &amp; Summer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Convertibles, small hatchbacks, and family cars are popular as people plan holidays or enjoy better weather.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Autumn:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> SUVs, practical family cars, and fuel-efficient vehicles are in demand as buyers prepare for winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Winter:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Demand is generally lower, but practical daily drivers with reliable performance and good safety features still sell steadily.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the best mileage to sell your car?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no ideal figure for that however, the lower mileage attracts more buyers. The typical annual average is often cited as around 7,000 to 10,000 miles in the UK. Also, the depreciation drops sharply when a car\u2019s mileage exceeds 60,000 miles and then 100,000 miles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the best season to sell your car in the UK?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spring (March\u2013May) and early autumn (September\u2013October) are usually the best times. During this period, buyer activity has been noticed to be higher, and you will be more likely to get a good price for your car.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the best and simplest strategy to sell your car quickly and hassle-free?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to sell your car fast, the simplest way is to use a trusted online car-buying service or sell it directly to a local dealership instead of going through private listings. With Exchange My Car, you\u2019re assured of a sale. We any buy a car no matter its age, mileage, or condition. It\u2019s completely free, with no hidden fees, includes free home collection, and offers a quick, hassle-free process from quote to payment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Verdict: When is the Best Time to Sell a Car<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selling your car in the UK could be daunting, taking more time and giving a lower price for your car.\u00a0 You have to understand when is the best time to sell and where to get a good price for it. Seasonal demand, mileage, and even the launch of new models can all affect what buyers are willing to pay. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you have made your decision to sell your car, so let\u2019s help you out with when is the right time to sell your car. It sounds simple, but getting into the UK car market could be daunting. You will even cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds. It all depends on buyer demand, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":7266,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[1549,239,1746,1548],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10236"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10236"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10236\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11475,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10236\/revisions\/11475"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}