Over the past few years, the used vehicle market has seen some big changes, with prices shifting due to various economic factors. While many expected the market to settle post-pandemic, supply and demand continue to drive frustrating price fluctuations. If you’ve been in the market for a secondhand vehicle, you may have noticed costs creeping up.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the current trends in the used vehicle market, why prices are rising, and what this means for buyers and businesses in 2025.
Why are used vehicle prices going up?
The prices of used vehicles are on the rise. Starting back in late 2024 and projected to continue through 2025, used vehicles including cars, trucks and vans have been more expensive. Autorola, the online vehicle remarketing specialist, says that in 2022, only 1.61 million new cars were registered, compared to 2.31 in 2019, pre-Covid. This is a difference of around 700,000. These numbers are partly influenced by the pandemic, which saw fewer people buying new vehicles.
Vans and trucks are not excluded from this price increase. In February 2025, The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders reported that the sale of new vans was down by a colossal 20%. This is said to be because of ‘weakened business confidence’, as companies are showing increasing signs of wanting to buy used trucks and vans to avoid long-term financial agreements.
So, why does this matter?
- The amount of used vehicles available is lower, shrinking the secondhand market.
- Because of concerns over expensive financial agreements, more businesses are turning to used vans and trucks, resulting in more buyers than usual.
Combined, these situations are creating increased competition and driving up prices for everyday drivers and businesses alike.
How do these price increases affect businesses?
With the rising costs of used vehicles, some businesses may feel the pinch. Any that rely on their vehicle fleets, such as those in the logistics, trade, and delivery industries, will potentially be affected by this increase in secondhand vehicle prices.
Spending more on vehicles or not being able to afford new or replacement vehicles can have a knock-on effect throughout the rest of operation and on the business’s bottom line.
What should you do now?
The numbers and predictions may seem worrying, but don’t worry; it’s not all doom and gloom. Specifically in the van market, there are projections of prices possibly stabilising later on in the year. Until then, it’s time to strategise.
1. Act now
We don’t advise rushing, but we do advise that if you’ve been considering purchasing a used vehicle then now is the time to do it. Ensure you do your research, but plan on making your decision sooner rather than later.
Buying used vans and trucks from a dealership like Norfolk Truck & Van ensures that you’re buying from a business with a solid, trusted reputation. With us, you won’t be rushing into a bad deal that could come back to bite you. Our highly experienced team are here to help.
2. Search wider
With fewer vehicles available, it may be time to broaden your horizons. Search further afield and you could come across a wider range of models and maybe even a better deal, even if it requires a little travelling to get there. We have depots in Norwich, Ipswich, and London, covering East Anglia and much of the South West, so you can still turn to our trustworthy teams no matter where you are in these regions.
3. Check the records
As the demand is high, there’s always the risk of paying too much for a vehicle that may not be in the best condition. It’s essential that you check the used vehicle’s history and maintenance records to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
A reputable dealer like Norfolk Truck & Van provides you with these records, leaving you feeling confident with your new vehicle. We also perform full inspections and maintenance services on these vehicles before you buy, ensuring a vehicle of top quality. There is no chance of you driving away with hidden costs just waiting to happen – we are fully transparent about the vehicle you’re buying.
4. Monitor the market
If you’re not ready to buy but know you’d like to this year, keep an eye on the used vehicle market. Prices fluctuate depending on demand and availability, which can change quickly and regularly. Keep an eye on dealership websites such as ours as well as motor news outlets to stay on top of the ebb and flow of the used vehicle market.
Used trucks and vans from NTV
No matter the volatility of the market, we are here for you. We promise to always have competitive prices that don’t take advantage of you, and we offer friendly, reliable support to all of our customers and those enquiring. All of our secondhand vehicles are inspected and maintained to the very best standard, with some of them even coming from our own fleet.
We strive to have a constantly evolving range of excellent used trucks and vans available from one of our three main depots. To see what we have and enquire about pricing, visit our used vehicle page, or get in touch with our knowledgeable depot teams to discuss what you’re looking for.
For the Norfolk depot, call 01603 253 300. For the Suffolk depot, call 01473 834 200. For the London depot, call 0208 804 1266. Alternatively, use our online enquiry form and a member of the depot’s team will get in touch.