The Volkswagen Golf was the most searched for used car in 2025, displacing the Ford Fiesta from the top spot, according to the latest Market View analysis from MOTORS & Cazoo.
It accounted for nearly 3% of online searches, followed by the Fiesta and Focus. The BMW 3 Series rose to number four while the Vauxhall Corsa placed fifth.
Lucy Tugby, Marketing Director of MOTORS & Cazoo, said: “2025 proved to be another year of stability for the used car market with demand holding up, despite the ongoing economic challenges faced by many buyers.
“Our Market View data for the year shows consistent levels of positive online engagement, with an encouraging increase in searches from Boxing Day and into the first week of January.”
The most viewed EV was the Tesla Model 3, accounting for over 8% of online EV searches in 2025, with the Nissan Leaf second and Jaguar I-Pace third, both unchanged from 2024.
The Tesla Model Y climbed from seventh to fourth place, while the Renault Zoe dropped one spot to fifth.
Ford remained the most popular brand for used car buyers in 2025, accounting for 11% of all searches, followed by VW, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
The average price of a used car in December was £18,102, up £511 since January.
Petrol was the only fuel type to end the year stronger than it started, rising £141 from £16,564 in January to £16,705 in December. While diesel dipped just £37 to £14,978.
EVs were down £1,104 from £25,246 to £24,142 and hybrids down £740 from £25,092 to £24,352.
Days to sell remained steady across Q4, averaging 31 in December compared to 29 in November and 32 in October.
Dealers maintained consistent stock levels throughout 2025 and followed seasonal trends with increases in the final month to an average of 58 units, two more than December 2024.
Restocking was evident among car supermarkets, up 10 units MoM to 225, and franchised dealers, up six units MoM to 69. Independent dealers held steady at 38 units.
