The UK's used car market has surged to its strongest third quarter since 2021, with a seismic shift towards electric vehicles creating golden opportunities for sellers. New data reveals the ten most sought-after secondhand models, with a familiar Ford hatchback leading the pack by a significant margin.
Electric Surge Powers Record Used Car Market
According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the used car market grew by 2.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2025. This increase pushed total transactions beyond the two million mark, a performance not seen in a Q3 period for four years.
The standout story, however, is the remarkable rise of secondhand electric vehicles (EVs). Sales of used EVs skyrocketed by 44.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. This surge means that more than 80,000 battery-powered cars found new owners over the summer months, equating to roughly one in every 25 motorists now opting for a used electric model.
Despite this electric boom, petrol models maintained their overall dominance, accounting for 1.15 million sales. Diesel vehicles continued their decline, falling by 2.8 per cent to fewer than 660,000 transactions. Collectively, used internal combustion engine cars still represented 89.2 per cent of the market.
Industry Leader Warns of Future Supply Threat
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, emphasised the critical role a healthy used car sector plays, particularly as consumer appetite for EVs grows. He stated that a robust market is "essential" for businesses facilitating this transition.
Mr Hawes issued a stark warning regarding future supply, however. He argued that overall consumer choice and affordability could be jeopardised if the government discontinues Employee Car Ownership Schemes. "A move that would stifle supply of the very latest vehicles into the used market and cut Exchequer revenue," he cautioned.
He concluded by calling for supportive fiscal policy: "Britain needs fiscal policy that promotes rather than prevents economic growth, social mobility and decarbonisation."
The Top 10 Best-Selling Used Cars of Q3 2025
The data pinpoints the models that are currently in highest demand, offering a clear guide for potential sellers. Topping the list was the perennially popular Ford Fiesta, which achieved an astonishing 78,062 sales.
The full ranking of the ten most popular used cars is as follows:
- Ford Fiesta - 78,062 sales
- Vauxhall Corsa - 64,585 sales
- Volkswagen Golf - 58,412 sales
- Ford Focus - 55,888 sales
- BMW 3 Series - 39,935 sales
- Volkswagen Polo - 39,706 sales
- Mini - 39,115 sales
- Vauxhall Astra - 38,462 sales
- Nissan Qashqai - 36,933 sales
- Audi A3 - 32,687 sales
This list demonstrates the enduring appeal of compact hatchbacks and family favourites, though the presence of premium brands like BMW and Audi highlights a diverse range of buyer budgets and preferences in the thriving secondhand sector.
