Top 10 most popular used cars in the UK
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 Model | Units sold |
|---|---|
| Vauxhall Corsa | 8308 |
| Nissan Qashqai | 7462 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 6853 |
| Ford Puma | 6631 |
| Kia Sportage | 6456 |
| Nissan Juke | 6297 |
| MG HS | 5960 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 5914 |
| Volvo XC40 | 5731 |
| Mercedes A-Class | 5409 |
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.
- Car reviews – for new and used cars
- Buying a used car – the ultimate checklist
- Used car warranty – the complete guide
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:
| Colour | No. of transactions |
|---|---|
| Black | 427693 |
| Grey | 365798 |
| Blue | 324242 |
| White | 321429 |
| Silver/Aluminium | 277849 |
| Red | 200989 |
| Green | 34049 |
| Orange | 15674 |
| Yellow | 11168 |
RAC sale – up to 40% off*
• Standard 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
*97% of customers achieve max 40% saving on new Standard and Extra cover for 1 person. Ends 04/11/2025 10am. At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Standard cover.
You might also like
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
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
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
Here, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of used EVs, and how best to buy one.
Video
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?
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?
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.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D500%26quality%3D100%26crop%3D16%253A9%26gravity%3Dcenter&w=1920&q=75)
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 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
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.
Popular in Advice & Guides
1
Are headlights too bright? Everything you need to know about headlight glare
2
Lost driving licence – how to get a replacement
3
Car dashboard symbols and meanings – warning lights guide
4
What to do if your car breaks down
5
A complete guide to motorbike tax
6
How to check MOT history
7
MOT checklist and comprehensive guide
8
Cheapest cars to insure for new drivers 2025 - Top 10
9
Euro 7 emissions standard: what is it and when does it come into effect?
10