{"id":4360,"date":"2023-07-03T09:46:12","date_gmt":"2023-07-03T08:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4360"},"modified":"2026-04-07T10:05:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:05:53","slug":"season-sell-my-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/season-sell-my-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Sell My Car Guide | The Best Time & Season to Sell My Car"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you wondering, \u201cwhen is the best season to sell my car?\u201d or \u201cwhen is the best time to sell a car?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to <\/span>selling your car<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this post, we\u2019ll examine the pros and cons of different seasons for <\/span>selling cars in the UK<\/span><\/a>. With these insights, you can make the right choices for your situation and sell your car with confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Should I Sell My Car in Spring (February to April)?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019ll need to make yours stand out from the crowd to get the best price.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

April brings more stable weather, longer evenings, and school holidays, which all make viewings easier to arrange. And if you\u2019re selling a <\/span>reliable Suzuki<\/span><\/a> or a Tesla EV, it\u2019s a good time to get it listed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Summer (May to August): Is This a Good Time to Sell My Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, the heat and sun can be tough on cars, so you\u2019ll need to make sure yours is in good condition and ready to handle the summer months.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s out and people are planning getaways.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u2013 especially if it\u2019s ready to drive away.<\/span><\/p>\n

And if your car\u2019s in good shape with working air con and a recent service, don\u2019t wait too long. Buyers still act on impulse when the right one shows up.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: When is the Best Time to Sell a Car?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Autumn (September to November): Is This When I Should Sell My Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Autumn can be a decent time to sell your car in the UK, especially if it\u2019s a high-end or luxury vehicle. With the new \u2018number plates\u2019 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vehicle licensing statistics<\/span><\/a> show that when the <\/span>DVLA<\/span><\/a> issues a new registration plate series, there is usually a peak in new vehicle registrations. For example, the new \u201c72\u201d plate was issued for the cars registered from the beginning of September 2022 to the end of February 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Come October, buyer priorities start to shift. People want something solid and practical before winter sets in \u2013 especially larger family cars and reliable estates.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your car\u2019s well looked after and ready for colder weather, don\u2019t wait for the Christmas slowdown. Sell it before demand dips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Should You Sell Your Car in Winter (December & January)?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, if you sell in winter, ensure your car is in good condition and ready for the season\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

December is quiet. Most people are spending on Christmas, but not on cars. But if you do need to sell, there\u2019s less competition. A well-priced, ready-to-drive car can still attract attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

January can pick up slightly. Some buyers are starting new jobs or upgrading after winter <\/span>MOT failures<\/span><\/a>. Reliable hatchbacks and winter-ready 4x4s usually do well \u2013 especially if they come with a fresh MOT or clean service history.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0What is a Cat A, Cat B, Cat S, or Cat N write-off car<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Time to Sell Different Types of Cars (By Month & Season)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Type of Car<\/b><\/td>\nBest Time to Sell<\/b><\/td>\nWhy It Works<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Convertibles<\/span><\/td>\nApril to June (Spring to early Summer)<\/span><\/td>\nWarmer weather makes open-top cars more appealing for weekend drives and holidays.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4x4s \/ SUVs<\/span><\/td>\nOctober to January (Autumn into Winter)<\/span><\/td>\nBuyers plan ahead for snow, ice, and tough road conditions.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hybrids & EVs<\/span><\/td>\nSpring and Summer<\/span><\/td>\nCommuters reassess fuel costs and want efficient options before petrol prices rise.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Family Cars<\/span><\/td>\nFeb\u2013March, Aug\u2013Sept<\/span><\/td>\nBuyers plan around school terms and summer travel.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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What\u2019s the Worst Month to Sell My Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n

December is usually one of the slowest months to sell a car in the UK. And it\u2019s not just because of the cold.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holiday Period<\/h3>\n

Most people are focused on Christmas shopping, travel, or end-of-year plans. That means car buying isn\u2019t exactly top of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Searches and buyer interest typically drop by 10\u201313% in the weeks before Christmas. And things don\u2019t really pick up again until mid-January.<\/span><\/p>\n

Weather Conditions<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, used car transactions dropped by more than 4% in December 2024 compared to November. It\u2019s not the ideal time for viewings, especially if your car\u2019s parked on the street or has a flat battery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Financial Considerations<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s also the end of the year. That\u2019s when people look at their bank accounts and tighten their spending. And car buyers? They\u2019re likely waiting for a clean financial slate in January.<\/span><\/p>\n

Data shows the average three-year-old car lost around \u00a3260 in trade value during December 2024, which highlights how seasonal dips can impact prices.<\/span><\/p>\n

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That said, if your car\u2019s in great condition and priced right, it can still sell \u2013 especially if it\u2019s a winter-friendly vehicle like a 4×4 or SUV. Just don\u2019t expect peak demand or quick offers.<\/span><\/p>\n

And if you have<\/em> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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