Used car average age and mileage is rising as older ex-fleet and dealer part-exchanges “flush” through in higher volumes to the used market.

Autorola says it’s seeing the first real signs of older cars being replaced in higher volumes after the Covid pandemic and semiconductor shortage

Data from Autorola reveals the average age and mileage of used cars sold via its online remarketing portal reached a record high during Q3.

According to the remarketing specialist, it’s the first real sign of older cars being replaced in higher volumes after the Covid pandemic and semiconductor shortage forced fleets to extend replacement cycles. With the vehicle shortages abating – latest SMMT registration figures show larger fleet sales were up 40.8% on the back of the September new plate change – these vehicles are now starting to flood through to the used market.

As a result, the average age and mileage profile of diesels in Q3 rose to 51 months/39,139 miles from 50 months/37,676 miles in Q2. Meanwhile, petrols rose to 45 months/26,473 miles from 44 months/25,130 miles.

Hybrids also experienced a rise in Q3 to 32 months/21,633 miles from 31 months/18,281 miles in Q2, while EVs rose to 31 months/19,899 miles from 28 months/17,277 miles.

The effect on average used prices is mixed, with ICE vehicle bearing up better.

Used diesel prices fell by just 1.5% (£276) from Q2 to Q3 to £17,580 and used petrol prices dropped by 1.8% (£272) to £14,703.

Used EV prices saw the biggest price fall of 9.5% (£2,124) to £20,067, while hybrids fell by 5.4% (£1,295) to £22,246.

“With new car supply and sales continuing to improve it was only a matter of time before we saw the older cars reach the second-hand market in higher numbers,” explained Jon Mitchell, Autorola’s group sales director.

“The strong September new car plate market has made a big contribution to this trend. It looks likely to continue until replacement cycles are more into line with what we have been used to.”