The 10 bestselling second-hand cars in the UK right now
The 10 bestselling second-hand cars in the UK right now are led by affordable, reliable superminis and family favourites, even as electric vehicles surge in popularity on the used market.
The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that the UK used car sector enjoyed another year of growth in 2025, with total transactions reaching 7,807,872, up 2.2% on 2024 and marking three consecutive years of expansion.
The rise reflects improving new car supply, which has trickled down to make more modern and affordable options available second-hand.
Electric driving momentum
A major driver of this momentum is electrified vehicles.
Used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) jumped 45.7% year-on-year to a record 274,815 units (3.5% market share), while hybrids and plug-in hybrids also saw strong gains, pushing combined electrified transactions up 30.9% to 770,378 – nearly one in ten used sales.
Despite the electric shift, petrol and diesel models still dominate, accounting for nearly 90% of transactions. Petrol held a 56.7% share, with diesel at 33.1%.
Superminis remain the go-to choice for many buyers seeking value, low running costs and easy urban driving.
The top 10 bestselling used cars
Here are the top 10 bestselling used cars in the UK for 2025 (full-year figures, the most current comprehensive ranking available):
- Ford Fiesta – 303,090 units
- Vauxhall Corsa – 247,853 units
- Volkswagen Golf – 226,082 units
- Ford Focus – 218,962 units
- BMW 3 Series – 157,343 units
- MINI MINI – 154,527 units
- Volkswagen Polo – 153,583 units
- Vauxhall Astra – 149,410 units
- Nissan Qashqai – 145,207 units
- Audi A3 – 125,752 units
The dominance of smaller hatchbacks highlights buyers’ priorities: affordability, fuel efficiency and ease of parking amid rising living costs. Meanwhile, the rapid growth in used EVs signals shifting attitudes, with greater confidence in battery tech and improving charging infrastructure.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes noted the market’s resilience and the key role of electrified models in driving future decarbonisation, especially as more battery-electric cars from recent new registrations enter the used sector.
