Superminis remain the UK’s favourite class of used car despite the dwindling selection of models on the new market, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Of the 1,965,811 used cars sold across the UK between the start of July and the end of September, 637,865 were superminis. This is an increase of 5.0% compared with the same period last year.
The Ford Fiesta – the UK’s best-selling new car between 2009 and 2020, and axed last year – topped the used sales charts at 77,908 units, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa (64,681) and the Volkswagen Golf (59,380). The Mini (41,429) and Volkswagen Polo (38,751) superminis also feature in the top 10 best-sellers list.
Meanwhile, sales of electric cars surged to 53,423 units, an increase of 57.0% compared with the same period last year. That drove EVs to their largest market share yet of 2.7%, up from 1.8% in the same period in 2023.
A total of 1,123,387 used petrol-powered cars were sold during the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 5.0%, while diesels fell by 3.9% to 679,797 units.
In all, 5,897,129 used cars have been sold across the UK so far this year, an increase of 6.0% compared with the same point in 2023.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes 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.”
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