The UK used car market recorded a second consecutive positive month in February.
New data from Brego showed stronger sales activity, more buoyant consumer demand and easing pressure in pre-registration volumes.
According to Brego’s latest Car Market Insight Report, total advert listings increased by a nominal 0.1% in February, while used car sales rose by 2.9% month on month.
The data suggests consumers returned to buying mode during the month, with activity in the dealer environment improving as the market built on January’s rebound.
The report also points to improving demand conditions. Average days to sale fell to 42 days in February, reflecting the pick-up in demand that began at the start of the year. Dealer footfall and digital activity also improved through the month, supported by lower inflation, reduced fuel costs and slightly lower mortgage rates.
At the same time, pre-registration activity eased. Pre-reg volumes declined by 11.1% across the whole market in February, while pre-reg EV volumes fell by 26.2%, suggesting reduced tactical registration pressure compared with January.
EV availability continued to build in the used market. EV advert volumes increased by 8.5% during February, while average EV prices fell by a further £583, following a £489 drop in January, as older EV stock continued to enter the market.
The February data also suggests a more varied pattern of consumer demand, with significant changes in both the fastest-selling car and EV rankings, potentially supported by tactical retail pricing and used car sale activity aimed at shifting older stock.
Rupert Pontin, head of insight and communications at Brego, said: “February was another encouraging month for the sector, with stronger used car sales and a more positive mood across the market.
“What stands out in the data is that demand appears to have broadened, with consumers showing more variety in their buying choices. That points to a healthier level of activity, even if trading conditions were still not equally strong for every dealer.”
