Startline research found that 62% of dealers say an improved economy would provide the biggest boost for used car sales in 2025.
The January Startline Used Car Tracker surveyed 329 consumers and 58 dealers.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Pretty much every indicator showed that there was a downturn in both the general economy and consumer confidence towards the end of 2024, and that appears to have weighed heavily on these results.
“Dealers seem concerned that this negative mood could be a drag on the used car market and really want to see some form of uptick for the New Year that changes the outlook.
“Other factors mentioned in the research are perhaps unsurprising. Concern over stock availability is now really a given, as are concerns over skilled staffing and premises costs.
According to Startline’s research, 50% would like to see direct government support for used EV buyers, 48% want to see an improvement in consumer confidence, and 38% want to see a loosening of the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate targets.
Burgess said: “The Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate is also very much a live subject and we hope to see the current Government consultation have a positive outcome, which is something that could at least in part serve to lift market sentiment.”
Better stock supply was also mentioned (36%), followed by improved motor finance availability (31%), a reduction in business overheads such as rates and staffing (19%), and better availability of skilled staff (16%).
