Second-hand car sales grew by 2.2 per cent in 2025, with more drivers than ever investing in electric cars, according to new data.
In total, more than 7.8 million vehicles were sold in 2025, with the UK seeing its third consecutive year of growth in the second-hand market.
Used electric car transactions spiked by 45.7 per cent to almost 275,000 units as drivers are increasingly turning their backs on petrol and diesel cars.
The fresh research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also shows that used electrified car transactions rose 31 per cent compared to 2024 to a record 770,378 models.
Despite this, petrol and diesel models continue to dominate the used car market, making up just under nine in 10 second-hand vehicle purchases.
While used petrol car sales increased 1.5 per cent, diesel declined by 3.5 per cent, accounting for 33.1 per cent of the total market share.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “A third year of used car sales growth underscores the market’s resilience, with recovering new car demand revitalising choice and affordability – especially for EVs – in the used market.
“The record number of buyers making the switch signals growing confidence in zero and ultra-low emission motoring.
More than 7.8 million used car transactions were made in 2025
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“Maintaining this momentum, however, and driving the fleet renewal needed to decarbonise our roads at pace, must start with ensuring a strong and sustainable new car market.”
More than one million used car transactions took place in the South East of England, while Wales accounted for just 416,000 sales.
Black and grey remained the most popular car colours, with a combined total of over three million. Maroon was the least popular colour with just 4,697 transactions, followed by pink (5,279) and cream (5,152).
The Ford Fiesta remained at the top of the podium of the best-selling used cars, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and BMW 3 Series.
A record number of second-hand electric cars were sold in 2025
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PAPaul Barker, editor of Auto Express, said: “The 2.2 per cent rise in used car transactions to more than 7.8 million sales is an encouraging sign for both the car market and consumer confidence more broadly.
“A car is generally the second-largest purchase people make (after a home), and one that can be postponed in uncertain times, so three consecutive years of growth suggests buyers are feeling more confident about spending.”
Despite this, he acknowledged that more needed to be done to support the transition to electric vehicles, especially in the used car market.
Mr Barker suggested that drivers would be reassured with “targeted incentives” for second-hand EVs, as well as widespread battery health certificates.
The Ford Fiesta was the most popular second-hand car in the UK last year
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FORDThe 10 best-selling second-hand cars in 2025
- Ford Fiesta – 303,090
- Vauxhall Corsa – 247,853
- Volkswagen Golf – 226,082
- Ford Focus – 218,962
- BMW 3 Series – 157,343
- Mini – 154,527
- Volkswagen Polo – 153,583
- Vauxhall Astra – 149,410
- Nissan Qashqai – 145,207
- Audi A3 – 125,752
