Latest figures from Cap HPI show the used car market remained buoyant throughout December 2019 despite uncertainty from the late election.

Derren Martin, head of valuations UK at Cap HPI

The results showed the strongest December for used values since 2012, with average values at three-years, 60,000 miles falling just -0.2%, or a mere £50, according to Cap HPI. The firm also commented that 2020 is likely to see a stable or even strong used car market, at least initially.

City cars and superminis increased in average value by around £50, while petrol lower price-point cars remained popular. Value drops over the last 12-months have made them more saleable than ever, Cap HPI argued. Some examples of cars that have received an uplift this month are the Citroen C1, Fiat 500 and Škoda Citigo.

Lower medium (C-sector) sized cars performed well in December, including Audi A3 petrol variants and the Toyota Auris. Small SUV models saw values at that one-year point remain level on average, and at three-years-old move up slightly to reflect strong retail demand in an unusually active market for the time of year.

Commenting on the month, Derren Martin, head of valuations UK at Cap HPI said: “This is the strongest December since Live was introduced back in 2012, mainly due to the realignment in the summer, an inconsistent new car market and steady consumer demand.”

He continued that in 2020, “Volumes are unlikely to increase to any great degree, and there is even the potential for the delay of company cars being returned into the used market, as drivers wait for new tax rules in April, where there is zero benefit-in-kind for zero-emissions cars. Battery supply issues could exacerbate and extend this.”

According to Cap HPI, January has averaged a small drop, of 0.5% over the last five years, with the market then strengthening further during February, except for in 2019.

Martin concluded: “As has occurred in December, and throughout an interesting and difficult 2019, many cars value movements varied from the overall market. A focus on the detail within cap hpi trade and retail valuations is more important than ever, as due to the amount of data we receive and analyse from a variety of sources, our accuracy in our Live products is second to none. Whatever 2020 may bring, we will be purely reflecting what the market shows us.”