Average retail prices for three-year-old vehicles remained level month-on-month in October 2026, delivering a big boost for fleet and leasing managers evaluating their Q4 defleet strategies.

The figures mark a second consecutive month of relative market stability following a minimal 0.2% average drop recorded in September, according to automotive data specialist Cazana.

For the leasing sector, this stability signals notable market strength for end-of-contract returns, with year-to-date retail prices for the crucial three-year cohort now sitting 4.7% higher than at the start of 2026. Three-year-old stock volumes have also continued to increase, reflecting normal seasonal defleet patterns.

Average price stability at the three-year mark has been heavily supported by a resurgent electric vehicle market. Average EV values rose by 2% (c. £400) in October. Without this fuel type propping up the market, average overall prices would have dropped by 0.3%. And, for the seventh consecutive month, EVs saw the highest percentage increase of any fuel type.

Used EV values have climbed 3.6% (over £700) over the last two months and are up over 11% year to date. That’s a hugely significant £2,400 rise, driven by consumers reacting to more reasonable pricing and high pump costs. However, petrol cars fell by 0.3%, hybrids dropped 0.5% and diesel vehicles declined by 0.6%.

While current remarketing values are robust, Cazana warns of a significant spike in pre-registration activity that could adversely affect used car values. By the end of September, over 2,500 76-plate vehicles were advertised on retail sites, but by the end of October, this figure jumped to over 13,000.

Volvo led the pre-reg volumes with c.1,440 units, followed by Vauxhall (c.1,100) and Audi (c.825), while new entrants BYD (almost 500) and Geely (c. 250) also entered the top 20 list for pre-registrations.

Cazana’s analysis suggests manufacturers are chasing non-demand-led volume in the new car market.

The fastest-selling cars in October represented three different fuel types: the Cupra Leon Hybrid (15 days), Mercedes-Benz EQC (18 days), and Ford Puma petrol (18 days).

Broader brand performance showed Mini as the standout performer, with prices rising by an average of 2%, ahead of Toyota (1.7%) and Kia (1.5%). At the other end of the scale, Land Rover fell by 2.3%, while Audi dropped by 0.8%. In the Chinese market segment, MG retail prices rose by around 1%, while BYD fell by 1%, and Geely and Jaecoo posted small declines. Hatchbacks saw prices rise by 0.6%, while MPVs rose more (+0.7%) and SUVs fell by 0.6%.

Derren Martin, automotive expert at Cazana, said: “The used car retail market in October looked stable, which is hugely reassuring for the time of year, with volumes increasing from plate-change activity in September and October. Electric vehicles remain the most sought-after, and a 2% price increase is significant.

“Land Rover is one to watch, and they never seem far from the news headlines, with relatively significant price drops for their cars on retail forecourts.”

He added: “Pre-registration activity is certainly back with a bang, and it is interesting to see Volvo and Audi in the top three, plus some new brands quickly realising they can increase volumes by using this channel, which can, of course, damage used car values and future forecast residuals.

“It will be interesting to see if pricing stability continues in the final two months of 2026, particularly as used car demand usually slows at this time of year, and there will no doubt continue to be enticing new car offers and pre-registration activity from traditional and new brands.”