Average prices on the UK’s most popular used cars have rocketed by as much as 57% since 2019 amid surging demand.

A typical example of Britain’s best-selling used car – the Ford Fiesta – now costs £9,770, up 31% on its 2019 value, according to new research from AA Cars

Demand for some models is so strong that they are even appreciating with age, according to analysis by AA Cars. A three-year-old Mini Hatch now costs 57% more than a model of the same age cost in 2019. But a five year-old model currently costs 15% more than a three year-old car did in 2019, meaning it has gained in value despite getting two years older.

And Toyota Aygo owners who bought a three-year-old model in 2019 could find their car is now worth 11% more, while Volkswagen Golf owners have made a similar profit of 9.5%.

Highest average price rises between 2019 and 2021 (for a three-year-old car):

The analysis, of the 30 most searched for cars on the AA Cars platform, compared prices of three-, four- and five-year-old models in August 2019 and August 2021.

The most popular used car, the Ford Fiesta, now costs £9,770; up 31% on its 2019 value.

Average price increases for the 10 most popular cars listed on AA Cars (aged three to five):

The rises are the result of surging interest, as a result of pent-up demand following the lockdowns, and a shortage of new cars for sale.

James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars, said: “With the exception of houses and some classic cars, things rarely go up in value as they age.

“Yet price growth in the used car market is so strong that some in-demand models are appreciating even as they sit on the driveway. But even though average prices have risen sharply over the past two years, it is still possible to get a good deal on the second-hand market.”