Read on to find out how the used car market shifted in Q2 2026 and which models were most in demand.
The Nissan Leaf is a good example. It remains the most searched-for EV on AA Cars, but its average price has fallen to just over £8,000. For someone who is curious about going electric but has previously been put off by the cost, the used market is becoming a much more realistic place to start.
Hybrids are following a different path. Their prices have been much steadier, which suggests buyers still value the flexibility they offer. You can cut fuel use without having to depend entirely on public charging, and that remains attractive to plenty of motorists.
Price is still one of the biggest factors for anyone buying a car. Petrol and diesel models have also become cheaper, and the Ford Fiesta remains the most searched-for conventional car despite production ending three years ago. That says a lot about how strongly drivers still value cars that are familiar, affordable, and economical to run.
The good news for buyers is that there is more choice at more accessible prices, whatever type of car they are considering. But a lower price does not automatically make a car the right buy. Age, condition, battery health, specification, and running costs can all make a big difference, so it is important to carry out a thorough inspection and check a car’s history before committing.
AA Cars Managing Director
Read bioPrices of the UK’s most popular used electric cars have fallen by 10% over the past year, according to the latest AA Cars Used Car Index.
The average price of the 20 most searched-for EVs on AA Cars stood at £13,940 in Q2 2026, down from £15,488 a year earlier. Prices also fell by 4.9% quarter-on-quarter, from £14,652 in Q1 2026.
The Nissan Leaf remained the most searched-for electric model, with its average price falling 17.3% year-on-year to £8,146 from £9,855.
Other notable annual EV price falls included the Jaguar I-Pace, which dropped by 14.4%, followed by the Tesla Model Y at 13.9% and the Peugeot e-2008 at 10.9%. The Tesla Model 3 was the second most-searched-for EV, with its average price falling 3.6% year-on-year to £18,030 in Q2 2026.
Over the quarter, the sharpest reductions were recorded by the MG ZS, whose average price fell by 25%, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq at 16.8% and the Tesla Model S at 11.6%.
The top 20 EV ranking also shows growing interest across a wider range of models, with the Tesla Model Y, Polestar 2, Volkswagen ID.4, and Mercedes-Benz EQA among the cars appearing prominently in Q2.
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Hybrid prices were more resilient. The average cost of the 10 most searched-for hybrids was £17,581 in Q2, up 0.5% year-on-year, although 1.0% lower than in Q1 2026. The Toyota Yaris remained the most searched-for hybrid, with its average price rising 1.2% year-on-year to £14,730.
The Lexus RX recorded the strongest annual increase among the top 10 hybrids, rising 30.4% to £26,073, although the average age of models listed fell significantly. The Honda Jazz rose 3.9% year-on-year, and the Toyota Corolla increased by 3.2%.
At the other end of the market, the Toyota Prius fell 10.2% year-on-year, followed by the Nissan Qashqai (-8.4%), Toyota RAV4 (-7.7%), and Kia Sportage (-7.0%). Quarter-on-quarter, the Toyota Auris rose 5.1%, and the Toyota Prius increased by 3.7%, while the Toyota RAV4 fell 4.6%.
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Dealer feedback to the IMDA shows that Q2 has been a mixed period for the independent sector. The market has been quieter than in previous years, with over-aged stock proving harder to move and vehicle preparation times increasing. While values have stabilised and fresh, well-priced vehicles continue to perform, rising overheads and tighter margins are creating pressure for many businesses.
Despite this, we’re seeing strong results from dealers who remain disciplined in their buying, focus on local stock sourcing, and invest consistently in social media, targeted marketing and customer database engagement. These approaches are delivering a steady flow of leads and, for some, their most profitable months in years.
Overall, Q2 has been a more challenging trading period, but independent dealers who remain selective, proactive and customer-focused are still finding opportunities in a demanding market.
Umesh Samani - IMDA Chairman
Across the 20 most searched-for petrol and diesel cars, average prices fell 5.3% year-on-year from £11,788 in Q2 2025 to £11,167 in Q2 2026, and 2.6% lower in Q2 versus Q1 (£11,463). Petrol models accounted for 19 of the top 20, with the Volkswagen Transporter the only diesel vehicle to make the ranking.
The Ford Fiesta remained the most searched-for petrol or diesel model on AA Cars, with its average price down 5.7% year-on-year to £7,946. The Volkswagen Transporter ranked eighth overall and was the most-searched-for diesel model, with its average price rising 4.7% to £30,287.
The Toyota Aygo recorded the largest annual fall among the combined top 20, down 12.8%, followed by the Honda Jazz (-10.9%), Nissan Micra (-9.6%), Peugeot 208 (-7.8%), and Nissan Qashqai (-7.5%). The Volkswagen Golf posted the strongest increase, up 10.1%, while the Vauxhall Astra rose 4.2%.
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