The UK’s secondhand car market is evolving rapidly, with electric vehicle (EV) sales soaring over the summer months. Recent data reveals a remarkable 44.4% increase in used electric vehicle transactions during the third quarter of 2025, as consumers increasingly shift away from petrol and diesel cars. Over 80,000 used EVs changed hands in just three months, making up a significant portion of the market.
Overall, the used car market expanded by 2.8% to more than two million sales in Q3, marking the strongest third quarter since 2021. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), traditional petrol cars still dominate, with 1.15 million secondhand sales. However, diesel cars continued to decline, falling 2.8% to under 660,000 sales. In total, internal combustion engine vehicles accounted for 89.2% of all used car transactions.
Mike Hawes, SMMT’s chief executive, emphasized the importance of a healthy used car market for businesses and consumers alike, especially as demand for electric cars grows. He warned that scrapping the Employee Car Ownership Schemes could restrict the supply of the latest vehicles in the secondhand market and reduce government revenue. “Britain needs fiscal policies that encourage economic growth, social mobility, and carbon reduction,” Hawes said.
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When it comes to the most popular used cars, the Ford Fiesta leads the pack with an impressive 78,062 sales, reflecting its enduring reliability and appeal. The top ten bestselling models for Q3 2025 are:
- Ford Fiesta – 78,062
- Vauxhall Corsa – 64,585
- Volkswagen Golf – 58,412
- Ford Focus – 55,888
- BMW 3 Series – 39,935
- Volkswagen Polo – 39,706
- Mini – 39,115
- Vauxhall Astra – 38,462
- Nissan Qashqai – 36,933
- Audi A3 – 32,687
As the UK moves closer to a low-emission future, both petrol and diesel vehicles remain key players in the used car sector, while electric vehicles gain momentum and reshape consumer choices.