Used car values and buyer numbers at BCA continued to rise in April following a competitive first quarter.

Average values at BCA improved marginally, month-on-month

Average values improved marginally, month-on-month, rising to £7,792 in April up from the £7,781 recorded in March. Buyer numbers continued to rise at BCA and remain at record-high levels. Sale conversions remain in good health, ahead of seasonal norms and sold volumes held up well over the month.

Performance against price guide expectations experienced some pressure during April, and whilst price movements shifted more significantly than over the past few months, the April to May movement was better than many previous years and reflects a more seasonal easing of demand, and the effect of a very late Easter this year.

Anecdotal reports from BCA’s customers underline that while retail demand remains generally good, buying enough of the right stock remains a challenge in 2025 and often requires buyers to look outside their typical product profile to fill forecourt gaps.

Across Q1 2025, used car values averaged £7,777 at BCA, equivalent to 97.7% of guide price expectations across the board and significantly ahead of the same period in 2024 in terms of price performance and sold volumes.

BCA chief operating officer Stuart Pearson said: “April felt like another solid month across the used car sector with performance and volumes well ahead of the same period last year. Whilst the intensity in the market has eased from earlier in the year, the best stock remained well fought over and buyer engagement remains at record levels.

“With some seasonality now impacting, any vehicles in poorer condition, as well as some of the less-desirable repeat model vehicles, came under more pressure than we’ve seen for a while. What remains clear, is that there’s still a home for every vehicle and buyers continue to follow the decisive sellers that value stock competitively and are pragmatic with their expectations.”

BCA also the outlook for May remains upbeat.

Pearson closed: “Whilst navigating the May Bank holidays and the run towards the summer can put pressure on the market, there’s a level of optimism that suggests with a little extra focus, it should be very possible to maintain the momentum that the used car market is experiencing.”