Fuel Crisis Accelerates Fall in Used Diesel Values

Soaring fuel prices are accelerating the decline in used diesel car values, with prices down 6.9% over the past 12 months, according to the latest data from Solera cap hpi.

Analysis of vehicles at three years and 30,000 miles shows a clear change in direction for diesel during 2026. While values were already falling, the decline has sharpened noticeably since March as rising pump prices have put greater pressure on demand.

The cumulative data show diesel increasingly separating from other fuel types during spring and summer, while hybrid and battery-electric vehicle values have moved in the opposite direction.

Rising Fuel Costs Trigger Sharp Drop in Used Diesel Car Prices

The gap reflects a growing focus on running costs among used car buyers as diesel prices have climbed to around 195p per litre, their highest level since July 2022. Diesel is now around 23p per litre more expensive than petrol, and filling an average-sized tank costs approximately £105. The RAC has warned that prices have already topped £2 per litre on some forecourts as supply disruptions continue.

Chris Plumb, head of current valuations at Solera cap hpi, said: “The change in diesel values has become much more pronounced since March. Over the past 12 months, values at three years and 30,000 miles have fallen by 6.9%, and the trajectory shows how quickly buyer sentiment towards running costs can feed through into used car prices.

“Diesel at around 195p a litre is difficult for buyers to ignore, particularly when they are comparing it with hybrid and electric alternatives. Retailers are seeing that reflected in demand, with diesel stock needing to be particularly desirable or competitively priced.

“Hybrid is proving much more resilient. For many buyers it offers lower fuel costs without requiring a change in how they use or refuel their car, and that is supporting demand and values.”

The latest monthly valuation data reinforces the trend. At three years and 60,000 miles, diesel values fell another 0.6% in October and have now been the weakest-performing fuel type for five consecutive months. Hybrid was the strongest performer, rising 0.5%, while BEVs increased by 0.3%.

There is also evidence that the difference is feeding through into dealer stock turn. During September, diesel cars took an average of 41 days to sell, compared with 32 days for hybrids and 33 days for BEVs.

Despite the pressure on diesel, Solera cap hpi said the wider used market remains relatively stable. Average values at three years and 60,000 miles fell just 0.3% in October, equivalent to a little over £90.

The figures suggest the fuel crisis is creating an increasingly divided used market, with buyers placing greater weight on day-to-day running costs and hybrids emerging as one of the main beneficiaries.

This chart shows the cumulative movement in values by fuel type over the past 12 months, based on vehicles at 3 years and 30,000 miles. The black line highlights the clear impact on diesel, while BEV and HEV values have increased:

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