Topping Autotrader’s rankings as March’s fastest-selling used car is the MG ZS (petrol hybrid, up to one year old), which is leaving forecourts in just nine days on average.
Autotrader data reveals vehicles are selling in an average of 25 days so far this month – in line with the same period last year.
Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy and Insights at Autotrader, said: “March is holding firm with demand remaining strong as cars are leaving forecourts swiftly. What’s particularly encouraging for retailers is the continued appetite for driveway staples, with smaller, affordable models delivering some of the quickest turnarounds seen so far this year.
“As we move deeper into spring, getting the fundamentals right – from pricing accuracy and maintaining stability, to having the right mix of fuel types and age profiles – will be key to sustaining momentum.
“With stable pricing supporting consumer confidence, retailers who stay close to the data will be best placed to capitalise on the high levels of buyer engagement across the market.”
Compact SUVs and hatchbacks dominate the top 10, with many turning over in less than two weeks.
In fact, 80% of the fastest-selling used cars this month are under five years old, underlining a clear buyer preference for newer, value-led stock.
Three-to-five-year-old cars are now the fastest-selling age cohort, averaging 25 days to sell and ending the five-to-10-year-old category’s five month run as the quickest moving.
For the first time this year, petrol is the fastest-selling fuel type, matched only by full and mild hybrids. Both average just 24 days on forecourts.
Petrol-powered cars also dominate March’s top 10, accounting for 70% of the fastest sellers.
Standout performers include the Mazda2 (five to 10 years old), CUPRA Formentor (one to three years), and the ‘nearly new’ Vauxhall Corsa (up to one year old).
