The UK used car market grew by 2.8% in the third quarter to reach more than two million transactions.
It was the best third quarter since 2021, and marks an 11-quarter growth streak, driven by recovery in the new car market, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Petrol remained the best-selling fuel type in the quarter, with transactions rising 1.9% to 1,145,148 units, while diesel fell -2.8% to 658,664 units.
Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles accounted for 89.2% of all cars changing hands, a slight year-on-year fall.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake grow faster than any other powertrain – up 44.4% to 80,614 units, as one in 25 buyers make the switch for market share of 4%
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) transactions rose by 30% to 107,727 units, increasing market share to 5.3%, while plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales also grew, by 2% to 23,480 units, comprising 1.2% of the market.
Once again, superminis were the most popular used buy, up 1.8% to 649,859 units and accounting for nearly a third (32%) of transactions
Black and grey remained the best-selling used car colours, up 3.1% and 6.3%, with white (up 6.3%) overtaking blue to reach the top three.
The average age of the UK vehicle parc continues to increase, and currently stands at 9.5 years up from eight years in 2019.
SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said, “With used EV uptake at a record high, a robust used car market is essential for fleet renewal, and helps make electrified mobility more accessible for more motorists.
