One in three dealers (33%) are worried about the impact of electrification on the used car sector, the lowest figure recorded in the Startline Used Car Tracker since October 2022.
Of the biggest challenges mentioned, the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) fell to fourth place in August.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “There has been extensive market feedback in the last few months about rising demand for EVs and this new figure underlines how the sector is beginning to show increasing maturity.
“Dealer attitudes towards electric cars were understandably affected by the collapse in residual values seen a few years ago but increasingly, it appears that memory is fading and EVs are being seen as an opportunity rather than a problem.”
The three most significant challenges named were finance availability (55%), cost of technology (45%), and stock availability (43%).
Burgess said: “Current concern over availability of motor finance is not the highest seen in our research – in November 2025, it reached 67% – but it is understandable dealers continue to feel some apprehension given its current profile.
“However, at Startline, we are continuing to lend at what might be considered normal levels and it is very much business-as-usual.”
Technology costs were added to this question only three months.
Burgess said: “The Tracker data shows 92% of our respondents report rising technology costs are outstripping inflation, with dealer management systems and advertising platforms the biggest worries.
“At a time when dealer profitability is often flatlining, this is clearly seen as a concern.”
While obtaining stock remained an issue, it was gradually trending downwards as the dramatic effects of the pandemic on vehicle supply eased.
Burgess added: “August’s figure for stock availability is 43%, which, while still relatively high, is well below the 69% recorded in 2023. While finding good stock is still sometimes difficult, it has become easier.”
