Overview
- Used car transactions reached 7,807,872 in 2025, up 2.2% year on year, marking a third consecutive annual increase, according to SMMT.
- Used battery‑electric car sales jumped 45.7% to a record 274,815, taking a 3.5% share, while total electrified volumes rose 30.9% to 770,378 (9.9% of the market).
- Consumer engagement rebounded in January 2026, with Autotrader reporting 86.3 million visits, up 24.7% month on month, and an average used price of £17,294.
- Fuel‑type pricing diverged: average used petrol prices rose to £15,039 (up 1.5% year on year) as used EV prices fell to £23,678 (down 7.2%) alongside a 33.1% rise in EV supply.
- Autotrader forecasts a tightening of mid‑age stock, with five‑ to six‑year‑old volumes down 25–30% in 2026 versus 2024 and up to a 35% drop for five‑ to seven‑year‑olds in 2027.