UK used car sales top two million in Q1 for first time since 2019

The UK’s used car market has roared into 2025 with its strongest first-quarter performance since before the pandemic, surpassing the two-million mark in a single quarter for the first time since 2019. According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 2,020,990 vehicles changed hands in Q1, a 2.7% year-on-year increase that marks the ninth consecutive quarter of growth.

This sustained rise in activity is being driven by a continued recovery in the new car market, which is boosting the supply of vehicles into the used sector. Smaller cars remained the most sought-after, with superminis and lower medium cars dominating transactions and together accounting for nearly 60% of all sales. Dual purpose vehicles also held strong, while specialist sports, executive, and MPV segments saw modest declines.

A key highlight of the quarter was the continued momentum in electrified vehicle sales, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) leading the charge. Used BEV transactions rose by a remarkable 58.5% to a record 65,850 units, pushing their market share to an all-time high of 3.3%. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also saw solid growth of 14%, while traditional hybrids increased by over 30%, underlining a broadening appeal for lower-emission vehicles among used car buyers.

Despite this progress, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles – petrol and diesel combined – still accounted for 90.5% of the market. Petrol sales rose slightly by 2.1% to more than 1.14 million units, while diesel continued its downward trend with a 3.1% decline. However, the combined market share for ICE vehicles slipped by 2.4 percentage points, reflecting the growing influence of electrified alternatives.

“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.”

He cautioned, however, that sustaining this shift will depend on continued growth in the new EV sector. “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.”

“Retail prices are rising, cars continue to sell at record speed, and consumer demand remains very robust,” said Plummer.

Plummer pointed to a significantly maturing used EV market highlighting a 54% increase in used electric stock over the past year, driven largely by ex-lease vehicles entering the market. “With supply only set to intensify, pressure on prices will continue, and with two in five used EVs already priced below £20,000, the second-hand market will become ever more attractive for buyers eager to make the switch.”