Cash-strapped Britons could still save thousands of pounds on second-hand petrol, diesel and electric cars this September, in what has emerged as one of the best months for drivers to enter the used car market. The launch of new '76' number plates, pressure on dealers to hit targets and impressive car finance deals combine to make September one of the best times to secure a deal, with over 600,000 transactions expected this month.
With just days left until the end of the month, those hoping to refresh their driveway this autumn may need to act fast. New number plate changes hit the market twice per year, with '76 plates' fitted to brand new models from September 1. The launch of registration plates tends to create a surge in demand for new models, which creates a knock-on effect across the whole car market.
Dealers look to shift older stock
AA Cars explains that some dealers will be looking to move on older stock, which can become less desirable following a plate change. This could lead to dealers offering cut-price deals for consumers, sometimes on almost brand new models registered in the past year.
Jamie Muir, AA Cars spokesperson, said: "It means there can be bargains to be had during plate-change months, as well as immediately before and after them. Dealers may be looking to shift existing stock ahead of the change, while a busy month for new car sales can also bring an influx of part-exchanges onto forecourts."
Specialists at Insider Car Deals have warned that motorists willing to negotiate should be able to haggle thousands of pounds off vehicles this September. They suggested buyers may save over £12,800 on a new Audi A5 Saloon PHEV, more than £9,400 on a Vauxhall Frontera Electric and more than £8,800 on the BMW iX2.
September prices drop
AutoTrader has previously explained that September was among the best months to buy a used car, with data showing a clear drop-off in prices. Last September, used car retail prices dropped by 0.1%. Electric car costs were down 4% last year, with plug-in hybrid costs down 2.5%. Prices were also down 0.3% in 2024 and 1.2% in 2023. Second-hand fees decreased in each of the past 13 years, except for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that September used car sales averaged 629,836 transactions between 2020 and 2025. The numbers placed the month well above the overall monthly average of 618,000 sales. In recent years, September used car transactions have been on the up, with 562,350 models sold in 2022, followed by 597,590 in 2023, 627,678 in 2024 and 648,808 in 2025.
However, September is by no means the busiest time of the year, with peak demand coming over the summer. Over the past five years, May saw the highest number of sales with a five-year average of 673,389 transactions, followed by July (665,126), August (657,049) and April (656,610).
Timing and research key
Matas Buzelus, motoring expert at vehicle history specialists carVertical, said: "Many people assume the best cars and prices will be available when everybody else is shopping. Our figures suggest the opposite may be true. Spring was the busiest period, while late summer and early autumn were markedly quieter. A buyer who can be flexible about timing may find September gives them a better chance to assess several suitable cars instead of feeling forced to take the first one that looks right."
Although AA Cars warns that there is "no set script for securing the best deal", motorists desperate to cash in on the discounts could take advantage of cheaper prices by taking their time and doing their research. AA Cars' Jamie Muir added: "Timing can be key. Dealers have monthly targets, and if you time your purchase towards the end of the month, you may be able to negotiate more effectively with a dealer who is racing to hit their target before month-end. Flexibility can also work in your favour, whether that means being willing to consider a slightly older car or a pre-facelift version of the model you're after. This can save you significant money compared with buying a slightly newer version."
Experts at carVertical warn that an attractive lower price could conceal accident damage, inconsistent mileage or expensive mechanical problems. Price comparison experts Compare the Market have urged buyers to ensure they have thoroughly inspected the car before finalising a deal, explaining road users should check for mismatched paint, tyre wear and paperwork as well as consider securing an independent mechanical inspection where possible.
Michael Golson, motoring expert at online car retailer Cazoo, said: "When choosing which car to buy, it's worth taking a step back from 'flashy' options. High-end trim levels, oversized alloy wheels, and sports packages might look impressive on the drive, but they often mask high ongoing ownership costs and steeper depreciation curves. Instead, focus on the long-term fundamentals. Reliability and running costs really matter."
Value retention and next steps
Although price cuts can help motorists secure a good deal upfront, motorists will tend to prefer a car that holds its value better longer-term to protect their investment. Motorpoint, one of the UK's leading used car retailers with 22 stores nationwide, explained that the UK car-buying market tends to prefer premium brands. They said that Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Land Rover are likely safer bets for motorists worried about losing value after a purchase. Meanwhile, SUVs and 4x4s are usually in greater demand on the used car market than traditional body styles like saloons and estates, which means they will likely hold their price better.
Cazoo said the BMW i3, Volkswagen Golf Mk7, Audi TT, Volvo XC90 and Skoda Octavia Mk3 are five cars that have held their value best so far in 2026. AA Cars stressed that almost all mainstream cars lose value from new, but suggested that the rate of depreciation starts to slow when cars reach three to five years old.
Sam Wilson at Compare the Market stressed that private sellers can usually offer a better price, but road users must take full responsibility for checking the car. Meanwhile, dealers regularly have fresh used inventory and tend to check vehicles before they hit forecourts. Customers can usually secure warranties on used car sales, which will allow for some extra protection. Cazoo made clear that drivers have the right to return a faulty car within 30 days if anything is wrong.
Ben Welham, motoring expert at online new and used car marketplace cinch, explained: "Part-exchanging is often the easier option, as drivers can get a free instant valuation online and know exactly how much they have available to put towards their next car." Motorpoint urged road users to "widen their search", with Cazoo encouraging road users to cast a wide net instead of limiting themselves to only local forecourts.
Motorists on the lookout for a new vehicle will certainly be able to secure a deal this September. However, Tim Rodie, CEO of Motorpoint, stressed that road users shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket in the next week if the right deal doesn't present itself. He explained: "But I wouldn't assume every used car will automatically be cheaper in September. Prices are still driven by demand for individual models, as well as age, mileage, condition and specification, so compare several like-for-like cars before deciding whether you're genuinely getting good value."
