Auto Trader has revealed that the Mercedes-Benz GLB Class was the fastest-selling used car of 2024, taking a median of just 16 days to sell. The Mercedes-Benz A Class took silver, with an average of 16.5 days to sell.
These models sold almost two weeks faster than the average used car in 2024. At an average of 30 days, used cars were selling two days quicker than in 2023.
This trend has continued into 2025, with used cars currently selling in around 39 days (three days faster than the same period last year). January 2025 marks the fastest start to the year since Auto Trader’s records began in 2019.
Electric was the most popular fuel type last year, taking a median of just 29 days to sell, faster than petrol (30) and diesel (31).
Used EVs are selling in just 35 days, a day faster than January 2024, and nearly two weeks faster than January 2023 (52 days).
Richard Walker, Data & Insight director at Auto Trader, said: “Despite general tight belting at the moment, car buyers were still happy to indulge in premium used cars last year.
“Not only did Mercedes-Benz top the list, but most of 2024’s hottest used cars were pricier SUVs.
“We’ve entered January with real momentum, following a very positive market performance last year. Cars sold at a rapid pace, demand was very robust, and prices were stable.
“But 2024 really was the year of the used EV, especially for those ‘middle-aged’ models which have become more accessible than ever, helping demand rocket over the last 12 months or so. It shows that when the price is right, car buyers are more than happy to make the switch to electric.”
Fastest-selling used cars of 2024
| Rank | Make | Model | Body Type | Fuel Type | Age Cohort
(years) |
Avg. days to sell |
| 1 | Mercedes-Benz | GLB Class | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | up to 1 Year | 16 |
| 2 | Mercedes-Benz | A Class | Hatchback | Petrol | up to 1 Year | 16.5 |
| 3 | Peugeot | 3008 | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | up to 1 Year | 18 |
| 4 | Ford | Kuga | SUV | Diesel | 15 Years+ | 18 |
| 5 | MG | MG ZS | SUV | Petrol | up to 1 Year | 18 |
| 6 | Vauxhall | Grandland X | SUV | Petrol | 1 to 3 Years | 18.5 |
| 7 | Dacia | Duster | SUV | Diesel | 1 to 3 Years | 18.5 |
| 8 | MG | MG HS | SUV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | 3 to 5 Years | 18.5 |
| 9 | Mazda | MX-30 | SUV | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 19 |
| 10 | Polestar | Polestar 2 | Hatchback | Electric | 3 to 5 Years | 19.5 |
Source: Auto Trader
Slowest-selling used cars of 2024
| Rank | Make | Model | Body Type | Fuel Band | Age Cohort
(years) |
Average days to sell |
| 1 | Skoda | Enyaq | Coupe | Electric | up to 1 Year | 90 |
| 2 | Audi | Q5 | SUV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | up to 1 Year | 92 |
| 3 | Lexus | RX | SUV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | up to 1 Year | 93 |
| 4 | BMW | 5 Series | Estate | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | up to 1 Year | 96 |
| 5 | BMW | i5 | Saloon | Electric | up to 1 Year | 99 |
| 6 | Bentley | Continental | Coupe | Petrol | 10 to 15 Years | 100 |
| 7 | Peugeot | 408 | Hatchback | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | 1 to 3 Years | 110 |
| 8 | Citroen | C5 X | Hatchback | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | 1 to 3 Years | 110.5 |
| 9 | Lexus | RX | SUV | Petrol Hybrid | up to 1 Year | 114 |
| 10 | Hyundai | IONIQ 6 | Saloon | Electric | 1 to 3 Years | 125 |
Source: Auto Trader
