The UK’s used car sector continued to expand in 2025, rising by 2.2% to a total of 7,807,872 transactions, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This marks the third year in a row of growth, helped by improving new‑car supply feeding strong second‑hand demand, especially for electrified models.
Interest in electrified vehicles accelerated sharply. Used battery‑electric car sales jumped 45.7% year‑on‑year, reaching a record 274,815 transactions and increasing their market share to 3.5%, up from 2.5% in 2024. Plug‑in hybrids grew 6.3% to 88,032 units, while conventional hybrids climbed 28.6% to 407,531.
Altogether, electrified used‑car sales rose 30.9% to 770,378, representing 9.9% of all purchases. Petrol and diesel vehicles still dominated, however, making up 89.9% of the market. Petrol remained the most popular choice, up 1.5% to 56.7% share, while diesel slipped 3.5% to 33.1%.
Top 10 used cars in 2025
Make and Model | Units sold |
|---|---|
303,090 | |
247,853 | |
226,082 | |
218,962 | |
157,343 | |
154,527 | |
153,583 | |
149,410 | |
145,207 | |
125,752 |
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, 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. 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.”
The table highlights the top 10 used cars in 2025, according to the SMMT.
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Most popular car colours in 2025
Here are the top 10 colours for used cars bought in the UK:
Colour | No. of transactions |
|---|---|
Black | 1,658,450 |
Grey | 1,422,380 |
White | 1,248,087 |
Blue | 1,242,750 |
Silver/Aluminium | 1,061,168 |
Red | 770,332 |
Green | 136,742 |
Orange | 60,083 |
Yellow | 43,444 |
Brown | 39,136 |
Source: SMMT, 2025 data
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Top 10 regions in the UK for used car sales
The latest SMMT data has revealed the UK for used car sales:
Region | Transactions in 2025 |
South East | 1,131,335 |
North West | 857,051 |
West Midlands | 806,032 |
East | 759,850 |
South West | 726,906 |
Yorkshire and Humberside | 639,503 |
East Midlands | 619,922 |
Scotland | 619,922 |
London | 590,305 |
Wales | 416,204 |
Source: SMMT
Used car sales by month in 2025
Here is the total sales of used cars month-by-month in 2025.
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
659,682 | 659,682 | 709,525 | 672,145 | 689,196 | 634,775 | 693,512 | 678,945 | 648,808 | 647,801 | 606,182 | 488,518 |
Source: SMMT
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