Petrol, insurance premiums and energy are all costing more, and now the used car market has also increased. The top ten used cars bought in the UK have seen their prices rise between 30% to 53% over the last year.
Due to a shortage of new cars in the UK, if you are looking for a second-hand car, you should expect to pay over 30% more than you would have last year.
This is Money compared the ten most popular cars from last year to see how much their price had changed over the year. All ten cars were three years old with 30,000 miles driven.
10 – BMW 1 Series
The BMW 1 Series is one of the more premium cars on the list. However, it has seen a price increase of 30%. In 2021, over 122,840 BMW 1 Series were sold at an average price of £16,950. However, if you want to pick up one this year, you need to pay £5,150 more with the average price now sitting at £22,100. Having been sold in the UK since 2004, there are plenty of 1 Series that you can pick up to avoid the 30% price increase. A BMW 1 Series may be seen as a higher market car; however, our instructor Martin Clarke provides driving lessons in Luton in a BMW 1 Series, and it has helped many students pass fast and first time.
9 – Volkswagen Polo
The first Polo was released in 1975 and was the eighth best selling car in the UK in 2021. After 147,372 Polos were sold last year at an average of £10,130, you would need to find another £3,233 to buy one in 2022. While this car is a favourite amongst drivers, you will need to find an additional 32% to purchase one.
8 – Volkswagen Golf
Being an upgrade of the Polo, it is no surprise that the initial price is higher than that of the Polo. However, they have seen a 34% rise in price over the past year, taking the initial value from £12,443 to £16,575. Golfs are the fourth best selling car in the UK, and almost 250,000 were sold last year. Due to their high standards and ability to hold their value exceptionally well, it is no surprise that they have seen a price increase.
7- Audi A3
The Audi A3 has come seventh in the list, seeing a 34% price increase – similar to that of the Volkswagen Golf. At nearly £19,000, the Audi A3 is a premium family hatchback and has seen its price increase by £4,700. If you are planning on buying an Audi A3, you may also be considering a BMW 1 Series. Whilst an A3 and a 1 Series are similar, the Audi A3 is still cheaper even though it has seen a higher rise in price.
6 – Mini Hatchback
Whilst the Mini has been around since 1957, they have also been affected by the price increase. Before, the Mini hatchback would have cost you nearly £11,000. However, now you will need to pay £14,874 due to its 37% price rise. If you have recently passed your driving test and are looking for a new car, a Mini is a good option. Our director, Anthony Johnson, provides driving lessons in Milton Keynes in a Mini, and he has recently helped MK Dons footballer, Lewis Johnson, pass his test.
5 – Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is the best selling car in the UK after over 326,000 were sold last year. While it is no surprise that the Fiesta is the best selling second-hand car due to having the top spot since 2009, they will now cost you 39% more now compared to this time last year. When buying a Fiesta, you should expect to pay over £13,000 on average, but due to the car’s specifications, reliability and the ease at which they can be fixed, this is a good option for new drivers.
4 – BMW 3 Series
Much like the Ford Fiesta, the 3 Series has also seen a 39% increase in its price. What would have cost you £14,687 would now cost you over £20,000, after a staggering £5,681 price increase. Whilst the demand for a saloon car has declined, the BMW 3 Series has stayed strong and you will regularly see over 175,000 second-hand cars sold every year.
3 – Vauxhall Corsa
One of the best new cars for young drivers is the Vauxhall Corsa, due to it being cheaper and an excellent option for group 1 insurance. While its price has seen a 42% increase, it is still on average £8,550, and several learner drivers will learn in one. Our driving instructor in Lincoln, Chris Stark, believes that a Corsa is an excellent choice for a first car, saying, “Having taught several students to learn to drive in a Corsa, I would always recommend them to new drivers. They are easy to handle, cheaper than other options, and you can save yourself a lot on the insurance.”
2 – Ford Focus
Between 1999 and 2008, the Ford Focus was the most purchased new car in the UK. Due to its popularity, it is also the third best selling second-hand car in the UK, but due to its reliability, it will now cost you 50% more than it would have last year. With a new average price of £14,528, the Focus is still cheaper than its main competitor, the VW Golf, even if it is not as premium on the inside as some other models.
1 – Vauxhall Astra
The family favourite Vauxhall Astra has seen the highest percentage price increase at 53% over the past 12 months, now costing almost £11,000. This family favourite has seen its price skyrocket due to the shortage of new cars in the UK. Whilst it has seen a sharp price increase if you have a family this could be the perfect car for you to choose.
While all of these cars have seen a price increase on average, you will be able to find the same car for cheaper if you shop around. If you have any questions when it comes to buying a car, you can ask your driving instructor, who will provide you with more information. You can also see more on this story by visiting This is Money.
