The used car market grew by 4.3% between July and September, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A total of 1,965,811 vehicles were sold, reflecting an increase of 81,651 transactions compared to the same period in 2023, following growth in the new car sector.
In addition to this positive trend, a record 53,423 used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold, marking a 57.0% rise and the largest-ever market share of 2.7%, up from 1.8% in the same period last year. Sales of plug-in hybrids and hybrids also saw notable increases, rising 29.0% and 35.8%, respectively.
Meanwhile, 1,123,387 petrol vehicles (up 5.7%) and 679,797 diesel vehicles (down 3.9%) were sold, together accounting for 91.7% of the total market.
Here are the most sold cars in 2023:
Top 10 used cars in 2023
| Ford Fiesta | 308,017 |
|---|---|
| Vauxhall Corsa | 237,705 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 227,427 |
| Ford Focus | 223,417 |
| Vauxhall Astra | 160,736 |
| MINI | 158,298 |
| BMW 3 Series | 155,100 |
| Volkswagen Polo | 141,135 |
| Nissan Qashqai | 20,286 |
| Audi A3 | 118,805 |
The table highlights the top 10 used cars in 2023, showcasing popular models like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Volkswagen Golf, which lead in sales.
This suggests that these cars are among the best used cars to buy due to their strong market presence and widespread consumer preference.
Arguably, the Ford Fiesta, with its leading sales, stands out as one of the best second hand cars to buy.
Most popular car colours in 2023
When it comes to used cars bought in the UK, there were some changes when compared to 2022.
Here are the top 10 colours for used cars bought in the UK last year:
| Black | 1,549,954 |
|---|---|
| Grey | 1,231,314 |
| Blue | 1,181,741 |
| Silver | 1,111,539 |
| White | 1,071,042 |
| Red | 725,487 |
| Green | 119,795 |
| Orange | 56,262 |
| Yellow | 38,595 |
| Beige | 36,938 |
According to the SMMT data, bucking the grey trend in the new car market, black cars were the most popular used purchases, with more than 1.5 million buyers – totalling 21.4% of all used cars sold last year.
Grey, however, increased its ranking, displacing blue to take second place.
Further analysis of the used car market saw 4,870 buyers opting for pink, while 4,686 cream cars found new owners, and maroon represented 4,585 transactions.
Most popular fuel types in 2023
Sales of used electric vehicles (EVs) rose 90.9% to a record 118,973 units in 2023.
This represents a 1.6% share of the overall used car market. This is an increase from 0.9% in 2022.
According to the SMMT data, this rise in sales is in line with growth in the new car sector
Most popular fuel type for used cars:
- Petrol: 4,079,555
- Diesel: 2,747,911
- Hybrid: 221,859
- Electric: 118,973
- Plug-in Hybrid: 65,837
Although there was a significant rise in the sales of EVs, diesel and petrol remain the most popular amongst used car sales.
These types of vehicles represented 6,827,466 total units sold – 94.3% of the total market.
Following the release of the data, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “A healthy new car market is key to driving choice in the used sector and it’s great to see record numbers of second and third owners benefitting from the growing availability of electric vehicles.
“The demand is there, but to sustain it we must enable every motorist to make the switch. The upcoming Budget is a prime opportunity for government to do just that – halving VAT on new EVs, while making public charging as easy and affordable as plugging in at home, would ensure a faster and fairer transition for all, giving the UK a green economic boost.”
What do you make of the SMMT data? What do you look for in a used car? Leave your comments below.
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Most popular used cars in 2024 (Q3)
| Make | Number of transaction |
|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta | 77,908 |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 64,681 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 59,380 |
| Ford Focus | 57,327 |
| MINI | 41,429 |
| Vauxhall Astra | 40,938 |
| BMW 3 Series | 40,321 |
| Volkswagen Polo | 38,751 |
| Nissan Qashqai | 34,462 |
| BMW 1 Series | 32,869 |
The table highlights the top 10 used cars that have been sold in Q3 2024. Popular models like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, and Ford Focus, which lead in sales. Although there some data left to analyse, these are best second hand cars to buy according to customers.
Following the release of the latest 2024 data, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Growth in the used car sector is good news and driven by an outstanding range of desirable and, increasingly, zero emission vehicles to suit every budget.
"Maintaining this depends on a healthy new car market, particularly for EVs. Giving consumers the confidence to switch from their familiar petrol or diesel vehicles requires confidence and incentives otherwise many would-be new car buyers will sit on their hands, leading to a diminishing market that will inevitably limit used car availability and affordability.
"This will be to the cost of motorists, the economy and the environment – making a review of support for the transition and the regulation intended to deliver it, an urgent priority."
