The UK’s used car market has continued to record growth, up 0.5% in Q3 as 2,030,619 vehicles changed hands, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The market has grown 0.3% to 6,056,169 transactions year to date, marking the best first three quarters since 2019. The performance is the strongest Q3 since 2021.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Another quarter of growth means Britain’s used car market remains on course for its best year since the Covid-19 pandemic. Long-term investment in new models is broadening choice for used car buyers, while growth in new EVs is driving a surge in second-hand uptake.
“To sustain this progress and make zero emission mobility possible for all motorists, the new car market must remain strong, underpinned by measures that boost EV demand – including affordable and widely accessible charging infrastructure and compelling fiscal incentives.”
Demand for battery electric cars rose 23.2% to 97,625 units as sustained investment in new vehicle models filtered through, providing buyers with greater choice.
Around one in 20 used car buyers (4.8%) chose an EV, up from 3.9% in the same period last year.
Used battery electric car transactions have risen 39.6% to 295,524 units year to date.
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales rose 25.9% to 135,204 units, increasing market share to 6.7%, up from 5.3% a year ago.
Plug-in hybrid transactions fell by -13.3% to 20,911 units, accounting for 1.0% of overall demand.
Petrol remained the most popular fuel type, with 1,148,576 vehicles (56.6% of the market) changing hands – just 271 fewer than in the same period last year.
Diesel sales saw a -5.3% decline to 623,354 units and a 30.7% share, reflecting reduced supply from the new market.
Non-electrified vehicles comprised almost nine in 10 (87.5%) used car sales, compared with 89.5% in Q3 2025.
