Higher consumer confidence would be biggest boost for used cars in 2026, according to the December Startline Used Car Tracker which questioned 300 consumers and 60 dealers.
While 57% of dealers say higher consumer confidence would help used car market prospects in 2026, 52% want improved motor finance availability, 50% want a general improvement in economic conditions and 45% hope for better stock supply.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “It’s unsurprising to see consumer confidence top these results. While the situation is now relatively stable, people have seen their personal finances come under huge pressure since the pandemic and many remain worried about future economic shocks.
“Other factors are also worth considering. The high score for motor finance availability probably reflects concerns about this area during recent months because of the FCA commission redress scheme, while many would like to finally see improvements around the longstanding issue of poor stock supply.
“It’s especially interesting to see so many wanting direct government support for the used electric car market. The grants made available for the new car market appear to have been relatively successful and to dealers, similar help for the used sector perhaps seems the obvious next step.”
Other factors mentioned in the research include direct government support for used electric car buyers (42%), loosening of the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate targets (30%), better availability of staff (17%) and lower overheads (10%).
