NEW YEAR, NEW CAR? 39% OF BRITS ARE CONSIDERING A NEW VEHICLE THIS YEAR, BUT CONFUSION OVER CAR FINANCE IS SET TO STALL DRIVERS’ PLANS

• 39% of UK drivers are considering changing cars in 2026, but over a quarter (28%) are confused on the best way to sell their current vehicle

• Over half (57%) of UK drivers don’t realise they can sell a car that’s still on finance, with four in 10 (40%) hesitant to explore it as a purchasing option due to confusion around the loan process

• For more information on how you can sell financed vehicles, visit Motorway’s dedicated guide

14th January 2026, UK: As Brits kick off 2026, money is firmly front of mind. New research from used-car marketplace Motorway reveals that 39% of Brits use the post-festive period to reassess their finances and set budgets for the year ahead. 

After a season of heavy spending, many are determined to start 2026 on the right foot, with 63% vowing to be more financially savvy. This renewed focus is particularly evident when it comes to discretionary spending (72%), household budgets (66%) and car-related costs (42%). 

For many, the Christmas and New Year period also brought increased time on the road, with drivers spending an average of eight hours behind the wheel during the festive period. As a result, many are reassessing whether their current vehicle still suits their needs, with 39% considering changing cars in 2026. 

However, despite an appetite for change, many people feel unable to take the next step, with over a quarter (28%) admitting they are unsure where to begin when selling their current car. In addition, confusion around car finance continues to hold people back, with more than half (57%) unaware that a vehicle can be sold while still on finance and before paying off the loan in full. 

This confusion also extends to key financial terms used in car finance. A third (32%) of car owners admit they don’t understand what ‘negative equity’ means – leaving many unsure about what they can actually do when it comes to selling a car that still has a finance plan attached. 

With average monthly car finance repayments now reaching £300, lack of clarity around the process is leaving many feeling stuck. Motorway’s research shows that of those who have purchased a car on finance, one in five (20%) feel trapped in their current loan agreement while over one in 10 (14%) don’t understand how selling a car works when finance is still outstanding.

To help people make smarter money decisions when it comes to selling their car, financial expert Clare Seal commented: “Buying a car using a Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Payment (PCP) is often criticised, but for many people, it’s a necessity – and it can be a smart financial choice. What’s often misunderstood is that you don’t need to wait until your finance is fully paid off to sell your car. Platforms like Motorway make the process straightforward and stress free.”

Selling a financed car with Motorway is quick and hassle-free. Once you have secured your settlement figure from your finance provider and got your instant valuation from Motorway, you’re free to list your car in Motorway’s daily auction, with over 7,500 verified dealers bidding to buy your car. The winning dealer clears the remaining finance directly with your lender and sends any surplus straight into your bank, making the whole process as easy as selling a car you own outright.  

Becky Wells, automotive expert at Motorway, commented: “We know that life’s transitional moments can be unpredictable, and complicated finances only add to the pressure. That’s why Motorway takes care of the admin when you’re selling your car, removing unnecessary stress from the process. The dealers we work with are experienced in buying vehicles that are still on finance, so if you’re considering selling a financed car in 2026, you can do so with complete confidence through Motorway.”

To find out more about selling your car hassle-free – even if it’s still on finance – visit Motorway: https://motorway.co.uk/sell-my-car/on-finance  

Notes to Editors

**Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motorway between 19th – 29th December, 2025 among 2,000 nationally representative UK adults who drive and have/own a car.

About Motorway 

Motorway is an online used car marketplace. We connect people selling their car directly with our network of more than 7,500 verified car dealers, matching each seller on our platform with the dealer who most wants to buy their car. We help car owners secure a great price online, in as little as 24 hours, with their car collected from home for free, while supporting our car dealer partners to easily acquire the best used car stock.