Top 10 most popular used cars in the UK
Top 10 most popular used cars in the UK

Top 10 most popular used cars in the UK

9th May 2025

The UK’s used car market began the year strongly, with 2,020,990 vehicles sold in the first quarter - marking the first time sales have exceeded two million in Q1 since before the pandemic, according to new data released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Sales were up 2.7% compared to the same period last year, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of growth as increased supply from the new car market continued to support demand.

Petrol continued to be the most popular fuel type, with sales increasing by 2.1% to 1,149,855 units, while diesel registrations declined by 3.1% to 679,739 units. Together, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles accounted for 90.5% of all used car transactions during the quarter.

However, their combined market share dropped by 2.4 percentage points compared to Q1 2024, reflecting a growing shift toward electrified vehicles.

Battery electric vehicles experienced the strongest growth, surging 58.5% to 65,850 units and achieving a record 3.3% share of the used car market.

Here are the most sold cars in 2025:

Top 10 used cars in 2025

Make and ModelUnits sold
Vauxhall Corsa8308
Nissan Qashqai7462
Volkswagen Golf6853
Ford Puma6631
Kia Sportage6456
Nissan Juke6297
MG HS5960
Hyundai Tucson5914
Volvo XC405731
Mercedes A-Class5409

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "The used car market has enjoyed its strongest start to a year since before the pandemic, with supply fuelled by a recovering new car market. Critically, more second-hand buyers are opting for electric vehicles, with greater choice and affordability enabling more people and businesses to switch.

"Sustaining and expanding this growth, however, depends on a healthy supply of EVs from the new car market – which in turn requires fiscal incentives alongside a nationally accessible and affordable charge point network so that everyone, whatever their budget or driving needs, can benefit from zero emission motoring."

The table highlights the top 10 used cars in Q1 2025.

Most popular car colours in 2025

Black remained the top choice among used car buyers for the 29th consecutive quarter, representing 21.2% of all sales. Grey and blue followed in second and third place, with sales rising by 6.3% and 1.2% respectively.

In contrast, former favourite silver, along with orange and gold, were the only colours in the top 20 to see declines, with sales dropping by 3.1%, 4.9%, and 5.1% respectively.

Here are the top 10 colours for used cars bought in the UK:

ColourNo. of transactions
Black427693
Grey365798
Blue324242
White321429
Silver/Aluminium277849
Red200989
Green34049
Orange15674
Yellow11168
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^

Cheaper than AA Price Promise^

  • Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
  • We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
  • Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
Buy now

*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.

You might also like

EVs are electrifying the UK’s used car market

EVs are electrifying the UK’s used car market

Used electric vehicle (EV) sales continued to grow in the second quarter of 2023, increasing by 81.8% to 30,645 units, representing 1.7% of the market.

When do new cars come out? Buying tips

When do new cars come out? Buying tips

In the UK, vehicle registration plates change twice a year, in March and in September,when the number plate age identifier is updated to reflect the year.

Tips and advice for buying a new car in the UK

Tips and advice for buying a new car in the UK

You're buying a new car and want to know what to look out for. You want advice on what to do once you've bought your new car. Learn more with RAC.

Buying a used electric car

Buying a used electric car

Here, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of used EVs, and how best to buy one.

Video

dealership handing over car keys

Buying a used car - the ultimate checklist

Buying a used car could save you a fortune, follow our guide and work through our used car buying checklist to make sure you know what to look for

Are these the flying cars of the future?

Are these the flying cars of the future?

Although they might have once been viewed as something only seen in sci-fi movies, could flying cars be seen in the skies in the UK in the near future?

Could self-healing asphalt end the UK’s pothole problem?

Could self-healing asphalt end the UK’s pothole problem?

Self-healing asphalt roads, created from biomass waste and developed with the aid of artificial intelligence, could be used to tackle the UK’s pothole crisis.

Car dashboard warning light symbols on a black background

Car dashboard symbols and meanings – warning lights guide

What do the car warning lights and symbols on your dashboard mean? Why do they come on? How urgent is the problem? And what you should do when you see them?

Falling asleep at the wheel - tips and advice to stay alert

Falling asleep at the wheel - tips and advice to stay alert

Falling asleep at the wheel is extremely dangerous. Avoid the risks of falling asleep at the wheel with this informative RAC drivers guide.

Driving etiquette - our guide to staying safe

Driving etiquette - our guide to staying safe

When we talk about driving etiquette, we’re referring to a collection of unwritten road rules. Here is the RAC Drive's guide to etiquette on UK roads.