Which Used Cars Are Most Likely to Drop in Value Next

While looking at vehicle history checks, listing trends, and buyer behaviour across the UK, some types of cars stand out as higher risk going forward. This does not mean they are bad cars necessarily, but it means timing and demand are changing.

Below we summarised the types of used cars we think are most likely to drop in value next, with real examples UK buyers are seeing right now.

Early Electric Cars With Limited Range

Early electric vehicles are still adjusting to a fast-moving market. While EV prices have already dropped, some models are likely to soften further.

Examples include:

• Nissan Leaf (2018–2020 40kWh models)

• BMW i3 with smaller battery packs

• Renault Zoe ZE40

These cars were strong sellers when new, but buyer expectations have shifted. A real-world range of 120–150 miles now feels quite limiting. Charging speeds are a bit slow compared to newer EVs. Battery warranties are also starting to expire.

Buyers now frequently run vehicle history checks to confirm battery age, ownership changes, and mileage consistency. Cars with unclear battery health or high mileage are sitting longer and selling for less.

Plug-In Hybrids That Do Not Suit Real Driving Habits

Plug-in hybrids were sold as a perfect compromise, but in reality, many owners never charged them properly. That is now affecting resale values.

Models under pressure include:

• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (older generations)

• BMW 330e and 530e used mainly for short trips

• Volvo XC60 T8 company car returns

Buyers are asking better questions: Was the car charged regularly? Is the battery still efficient? Does it suit their commute? When the answers are unclear, prices often go down.

PHEVs still make sense for the right buyer, but resale values are becoming more sensitive to usage history.

Large Diesel SUVs Losing Urban Appeal

Maybe not surprisingly - big diesel SUVs are no longer automatic bestsellers, especially in towns and cities.

Examples seeing slower demand include:

• Land Rover Discovery Sport diesel models

• BMW X5 30d older generations

• Audi Q7 diesel pre-2020

These cars are capable, comfortable, and excellent on long journeys. But many were used mainly for short trips. That creates concerns around DPF issues, emissions zones, and running costs.

Buyers browsing online listings often move on quickly once they see high tax bands or urban usage patterns. Longer selling times usually mean price reductions will follow.

High-Tech Cars With Ageing Infotainment

Technology dates faster than engines. Some cars that felt advanced just a few years ago are now feeling quite clunky.

Models affected include:

• Mercedes-Benz A-Class (early MBUX versions)

• Volkswagen Golf Mk8 with early software issues

• Older Tesla Model S infotainment systems

When smart screens lag, updates stop coming, or features feel rushed and unfinished - buyers hesitate. Repairs can be expensive. Software updates are not guaranteed. Cars heavily dependent on technology need to age well to hold value and some are just not doing that.

Cars With Rising Insurance Costs

Unsurprisingly, insurance has become a serious resale factor. Certain cars now come with unexpectedly high premiums.

Examples include:

• Ford Fiesta ST

• Hyundai i30 N

• Range Rover Evoque

Even standard versions of popular models are affected due to theft rates or repair costs. Buyers often discover this late in the process and walk away.

When deals collapse due to insurance, sellers usually have to lower prices. Over time, values adjust downward.

Models With Known Reliability Concerns

As everybody knows, reputation spreads quickly online. Once a model gains a reputation for issues, values suffer even if not every car is affected.

Examples often flagged include:

• Ford EcoBoost engines with coolant issues

• Early DSG gearboxes in older VW Group cars

• Some Vauxhall automatic transmissions

Vehicle history checks showing repeated repairs, MOT advisories, or short ownership cycles raise red flags. Unsurprisingly - buyers increasingly trust data over seller reassurance.

Confidence matters. Once it dips, prices usually follow.

Mild Hybrids That Offer Little Real Benefit

Mild hybrids sound appealing, but often confuse buyers.

Models affected include:

• Audi A4 TFSI MHEV

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class mild hybrid variants

• Ford Puma mild hybrid

Fuel savings are modest. Electric-only driving is not possible. Buyers expecting noticeable efficiency gains understandably feel underwhelmed.

As understanding improves, demand is shifting toward full hybrids like the Toyota Corolla or plug-in hybrids with meaningful electric range.

Cars Flooding Back From Fleet and PCP Deals

Supply impacts value as much as demand. Some models are facing pressure simply because too many similar cars are hitting the market at once.

Examples include:

• BMW 3 Series company cars

• Audi A6 ex-lease vehicles

• Mercedes E-Class diesel saloons

When hundreds of nearly identical cars appear with similar mileage and specs, buyers gain leverage. Sellers compete on price. Values soften even if the cars are otherwise solid.

Cars With Complicated Ownership Histories

History matters more than ever.

Cars likely to drop faster include those with:

• Multiple owners in a short time

• Previous Category S or N write-offs

• Gaps in MOT or service history

Even well-repaired cars struggle to match clean-history equivalents. Buyers want clarity and reassurance.

Running a full check through https://topcarcheck.co.uk helps buyers understand these risks before committing.

Performance Models Without Strong Enthusiast Demand

Some performance cars hold value exceptionally well. Others struggle.

Models seeing softer demand include:

• Entry-level performance trims without heritage

• Heavier performance SUVs

• Cars with high fuel and insurance costs

Without a loyal enthusiast base, values fluctuate with running costs and economic confidence.

Cars Most at Risk of Value Drops

How Buyers Can Reduce Depreciation Risk

Smart buyers think ahead.

That means:

• Choosing models with consistent long-term demand

• Avoiding unclear technology or drivetrain claims

• Checking insurance costs early

• Reviewing full vehicle history

• Thinking about resale before purchase

Cars with simple specs, clean histories, and broad appeal usually lose value more slowly.

Final Thoughts

Not every price drop is bad. Some create opportunities. Others just signal deeper problems. The difference lies in really understanding the market and the car’s past.

Depreciation is becoming more predictable again. Buyers who pay attention to history, ownership patterns, and real-world usability will make better decisions and lose less money over time.

A full vehicle history check remains one of the most effective tools for separating genuine value from hidden risk.