Why Are Used Audi Prices Rising? January 2025 Market Analysis

The UK used car market experienced a significant rebound in January 2025, with Audi models spearheading a notable rise in retail values after a weak end to the previous year. According to the latest data from Percayso Vehicle Intelligence, three-year-old used Audis saw the largest increase of any carmaker, with values climbing by 2.2% month-on-month.

A Strong Start to the Year

This positive performance marked a decisive U-turn for the market after two consecutive months of price falls. Overall, average retail values for used cars increased by 0.9% in January, equivalent to a rise of approximately £180, almost exactly mirroring the price drops recorded in December. This resurgence was driven by what automotive consultant Derren Martin described as a mixture of essential buying and pent-up consumer demand.

Brand Performance: Audi Takes the Lead

While Audi led the pack with its 2.2% increase, it was not alone in posting positive figures. Kia followed closely behind with a 1.8% rise in values for its three-year-old models. Other mainstream brands also enjoyed a strong January, with BMW, Skoda, Toyota, and Vauxhall all recording increases of 1% or more. This broad-based growth indicates a healthy and widespread recovery in consumer confidence and dealer activity.

Top 10 Rising Models: Audi Dominates

The German premium brand's dominance was further cemented by securing the top three positions in the table of highest-rising used car retail prices. The Audi Q3 Sportback led the way with a substantial price surge, underlining the question many buyers are asking: what is the best used SUV to buy in 2025? Average prices for three-year-old examples of this model rose by a remarkable 14.3% to £28,391.

January's Biggest Winners

The full list of top risers for three-year-old cars provides a clear picture of the market's preferences. Following the Audi Q3 Sportback, the Audi Q2 (2016-) saw a 13.6% increase, and the Audi Q5 (2020-) rose by 10.3%. Other notable performers included the ever-popular Volkswagen Golf diesel (up 9.9%) and the Kia XCeed (up 9.5%), demonstrating strength across different segments and fuel types.

Fuel Type Analysis

The data also revealed interesting trends when analysed by fuel type. Used diesel cars recorded the strongest growth in value, rising by 2% in January. Hybrid vehicles followed with a 1.4% increase. After a 2% fall in December, the electric vehicle (EV) market showed encouraging signs of stabilisation, which will be welcome news for dealers and consumers navigating the evolving electric vehicle landscape.

Market Outlook for February

The positive momentum from January is expected to continue into February. Derren Martin suggested that 'February tends to be better than January for prices,' indicating that dealers could see further opportunities to increase margins as demand builds ahead of the key plate-change month of March. This seasonal pattern is well-established in the UK market, with buyers often becoming more active as the new registration month approaches.

Biggest Fallers in January

While the market was broadly positive, some models did experience price corrections. The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid PHEV saw the largest decline, falling 14.1%, followed by the Audi A5 Coupe, which also dropped by 14.1%. Plug-in hybrid versions of premium SUVs, such as the Range Rover Evoque PHEV, featured prominently in the list of fallers, potentially indicating a shift in buyer preference or an adjustment in supply for these specific models.

This detailed analysis of January's market movements provides valuable insights for both car buyers and sellers, highlighting which segments are in highest demand and where the best value might currently be found.