Ford Fiesta Remains the UK’s Top Choice for Used Cars
The Ford Fiesta continues to hold its position as the top-selling used car in the UK, two years after its production ceased. In 2024, 303,090 units were sold, illustrating the vehicle’s enduring appeal. Recent statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicate that the Fiesta accounted for 3.9% of the total second-hand car sales in the UK.
Analysis of Used Car Sales in the UK
The continued success of the Ford Fiesta can be attributed to both its historical availability and the ongoing demand for compact, affordable hatchbacks. The Fiesta’s sales figures placed it ahead of its closest rival, the Vauxhall Corsa, with sales of 247,853. This was followed by:
- Volkswagen Golf: 226,082 units
- Ford Focus: 218,962 units
- BMW 3 Series: 157,343 units
- Mini Hatchback: 154,527 units
- Volkswagen Polo: 153,583 units
- Vauxhall Astra: 149,410 units
- Nissan Qashqai: 145,207 units
- Audi A3: 125,752 units
Shifts in the Market
The SMMT data indicates that hatchbacks dominate the used car market. Interestingly, the Nissan Qashqai, a crossover, was the only non-hatchback in the top ten, securing ninth place.
Despite a long-term decline in the sales of new petrol and diesel cars, they remain prevalent in the used car sector. In 2024, sales figures included:
- 4.4 million used petrol cars
- 2.6 million used diesel cars
- 407,531 hybrid cars
- 274,815 used electric vehicles (EVs)
Growth of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles, while still trailing behind petrol and diesel, experienced substantial growth. Sales of used EVs showcased a remarkable increase of 45.7% compared to the previous year, highlighting a shifting trend in consumer preferences. These sales represented a 3.5% market share, marking a record high for EVs.
The increasing presence of electric vehicles in the market signifies a transformation that is likely to continue in the coming years, as they become a more substantial proportion of both the used and new car markets.
