Used electric and hybrid car prices fall for fourth quarter in a row

Prices of the UK’s most in-demand used electric and hybrid vehicles have fallen for the fourth straight quarter, according to the latest AA Cars Used Car Index.

The average cost of the top 20 most searched for EVs and hybrids on AA Cars dropped by 1.5% to £16,826 from £17,085 in the final three months of 2025. Prices were also down 9.3% year-on-year.The biggest fallers in the last quarter of 2025 include the Hyundai Ioniq (-18.7%), Hyundai Tucson (-6%) Nissan Qashqai (-5.9%) and Nissan Leaf (-5.5%).

Although average prices continued to fall in Q4, the pace of decline has slowed from the 3.7% drop seen in Q3 – and nearly half of the most-searched cars actually recorded price increases.

The Toyota Yaris (hybrid), which remains the most searched-for EV or hybrid on the AA Cars platform, increased in price by 3.7% over the past quarter, while the fully electric Tesla Model 3 and Renault Zoe saw average prices rise 0.5% and 1.4% respectively.

The biggest fallers among the top 20 over the past year, include the Nissan Leaf, which has plummeted 28.4% in value since the final quarter of 2024, with the Ford Puma (hybrid) and Renault Zoe are down 19.6% and 17.7% respectively.

Most searched-for EVs and hybrids in Q4 2025, with annual and quarterly price changes

While EV and hybrid prices are showing signs of stabilising, average prices for the 20 most popular used petrol and diesel cars fell at a faster rate in the final three months of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, down 5.4% to £10,968 in Q4 from £11,590 in Q3.

Ford Fiestas are proving highly sought after, since Ford ceased production in 2023. With second-hand prices falling 8.2% in Q4 compared to Q3, Fiestas were the most searched-for petrol car on the AA Cars platform in the final three months of 2025.

Other cars offering good value for money include the Hyundai i10, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and Nissan Micra, with average prices down 14.1%, 9.3% and 8.5% in the final three months of the year respectively.

The biggest fallers among the top 20 over the past year were the Nissan Micra (-18%), Ford Fiesta (-13.6%) and Renault Clio (-12.6%). The Volkswagen Golf is the only petrol car which saw a modest price rise in the past year, with average prices up 0.4% year-on-year.

Most searched-for petrol and diesel cars in Q4 2025, with annual and quarterly price changes

For buyers seeking value among the most searched-for 3, 4 and 5-year-old vehicles, several standouts emerged. Average prices for the Ford Ranger – the most popular 3-year-old – fell 18.8% over the past year and 3.3% in the last quarter, making it one of the strongest performers for affordability.

Three-year-old Range Rover Evoques saw a modest 1% rise in Q4, though they remain 14.2% cheaper than a year ago. Meanwhile, three-year-old Vauxhall Corsas dropped by nearly 5% in the final quarter.

Among four-year-old cars, the Vauxhall Corsa was the most in-demand make and model on the platform, with average prices falling 4.7% in Q4 and 9.5% year-on-year. For five-year-old cars, the Ford Fiesta topped searches, with prices down 5.6% in Q4 and 11.9% compared with last year.

Most searched-for 3, 4 and 5-year-old cars in Q4 2025, with annual and quarterly price changes

James Hosking, Managing Director of AA Cars, said: “EV and hybrid prices continued to soften in Q4, but the slowdown in the rate of decline suggests the market is beginning to stabilise after a year of sharp adjustments. Much of last year’s price reset was driven by a surge in ex-fleet EVs reaching the used market at the same time as manufacturers reduced new EV prices to stimulate demand. That created strong downward pressure across the board. By Q4, those forces were easing, and improved consumer confidence helped support values for many popular models.

“We’re also seeing signs that demand for electrified vehicles is becoming more resilient. With more models available at lower price points, buyers who were previously priced out of EV ownership are now actively entering the market. This helped nearly half of the most-searched-for electrified cars rise in value over the quarter, even as the overall average price continued to edge lower. As choice improves and charging anxiety continues to subside, this gradual stabilisation should continue.

“The recent Budget announcement on a future pay-per-mile tax for EVs adds a new variable to the outlook, and it remains to be seen how it will shape buyer sentiment – particularly for high-mileage drivers. It’s simply too early to know what effect this might have on future EV pricing, but clarity and consistency in how the policy is introduced will be important to help maintain consumer confidence in both the new and used markets.

“In contrast, petrol and diesel prices fell more sharply in Q4. Part of this reflects a seasonal surge in supply following the September plate change, which brings a higher volume of part-exchange and fleet returns into the used market. Buyers are also becoming more cost-conscious as running costs, insurance premiums and clean-air zone policies shape decision-making. Combined, these factors put more downward pressure on prices for traditionally fuelled cars than we saw in the electrified market.

“The overall trend points to a more affordable second-hand market across all fuel types, which is good news for motorists. For EVs in particular, stabilising prices and greater availability are lowering the barriers to entry and helping more drivers consider a switch. As always, buyers should take the time to research condition, running costs and history – and tools like the AA Cars History Check and AA Vehicle Inspection remain important for giving motorists confidence in their purchase.”