Used buyer demand for diesels remains strong and is likely to continue for in future years, according to Cox Automotive.

Cox Automotive reveals a strong end to the year for the used car market

The firm’s Philip Nothard said: “Our data shows that the downward trend in the new car market for diesel has yet to fully filter through to the used car market, despite the media negativity and Government push for consumers to buy alternative fuels. For used cars, we believe diesel will remain a top player in the market for a considerable number of years to come.”

His comments come as Cox Automotive reports a rise in used car prices in December despite the month’s adverse weather conditions.

Figures obtained from Manheim’s online and physical auction lanes reveal that average sale prices surged 2.1% in December (a 4.4% uplift on 2016) to £6,639. Average mileage across vehicles sold saw a minor 0.8% decrease in November to 58,331.

Nothard said the uplift in pricing could be partially attributed to falling volumes, which saw a 41% decrease against November (8.6% decrease year on year), driven by a drop in part-exchange (down 44.5%) and ex-fleet (down 36.8%) volumes.

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