# Vauxhall Ampera — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Vauxhall Ampera on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/vauxhall-ampera

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2014
- **Ideal trim**: Electron
- **Target mileage**: 60,000–90,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £7,000

## Why this model

The Vauxhall Ampera was a pioneering plug-in hybrid, essentially a rebadged Chevrolet Volt. It offers a decent electric range for its age (around 30-40 miles in real-world driving) before a petrol engine kicks in to extend the range. This makes it a great choice if you do a lot of shorter journeys and can charge at home, as you'll rarely use petrol. It's comfortable, well-equipped, and for a car of its age, still feels quite modern in its drivetrain concept. Plus, being a pre-2017 car with very low CO2 emissions, it benefits from £0 road tax.

## What you should pay

Used Amperas have already taken their biggest depreciation hit, making them excellent value for money now. Prices are quite stable for well-maintained examples, especially the higher trim levels which don't command a huge premium over the base models. You're looking at a sweet spot where you get a lot of technology and efficiency for a relatively low outlay.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Electron' trim is definitely the one to go for. It was the top-spec model and often doesn't cost much more than the 'Positiv' on the used market. You get some lovely extras like full leather upholstery, a built-in sat-nav, a rear-view camera, and front/rear parking sensors, which really enhance the driving experience without breaking the bank. It's the best value for features per pound spent.

## What to check before you buy

- Battery degradation (reduced electric range)
- 12V auxiliary battery issues
- Range extender engine issues (less common if well-maintained)
- Charging port malfunctions

## Running costs

Running costs can be very low if you charge regularly. Home charging on a standard tariff (around 34p/kWh) would cost about 17p per mile for electric driving. If you're on a smart tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 7.5p/kWh overnight), that drops to a fantastic 3.7p per mile! When the petrol engine kicks in, expect around 17p per mile at current fuel prices (£1.50/litre). Road tax is £0 as it's a pre-2017 car with very low CO2 emissions. Insurance is moderate, typically in groups 20-25.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Plug-in Hybrid
- **Horsepower**: 150 hp (combined)
- **Mpg**: 30-40 miles electric range, then 35-40 mpg petrol
- **Reliability Score**: Good for its age, but check battery health
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2011)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Positiv | £33,995 | £6,000 | 17-inch alloy wheels; Heated front seats; Climate control |
| Electron | £35,495 | £7,000 | All Positiv features plus:; Full leather upholstery; Satellite navigation |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £7,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £6,000 | 14.3% |
| 2028 | £5,200 | 13.3% |
| 2029 | £4,500 | 13.5% |
| 2030 | £4,000 | 11.1% |

The Ampera has already gone through its steepest depreciation curve. Buying one now means you're getting it at a point where its value loss will be much slower, making it a smart purchase for long-term ownership. You're essentially buying a lot of car for a relatively small amount, and it should hold its value reasonably well from this point onwards.

Total value lost since new: 42.8%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Toyota Prius Plug-in (2012-2016)
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2014-2017)
- Nissan Leaf (2015-2017)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.