Best-selling used vehicles of 2025: Ford Fiesta takes high spot regardless of being axed
Almost eight million used cars were sold in the UK last year, as the second hand auto market continues to flourish.
The used car market grew 2.2 per cent in 2025, with 7,807,872 purchases taking place – marking the third consecutive year of growth.
Electric vehicles helped push the growth, with sales of used battery models rising 45.7 per cent annually.
The record 274,815 EV transactions also brought used electric vehicles to a record 3.5 per cent market share, up from 2.5 per cent in 2024.
But that figure pales in significance compared to the number one seller – a much missed petrol hatchback – as we explain below.
The used car market grew by 2.2% in 2025, with 7,807,872 purchases taking place – marking the third consecutive year of growth. But what cars were most popular? Scroll down to find out
The surging appetite for used cars has been put down to continued need for affordable motoring, greater choice of models and the potential for lower running costs.
Total used electrified car transactions – which includes all-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid – rose 30.9 per cent on 2024, to a record 770,378 units in 2025.
This means electrified models now account for almost one in 10 used car purchases.
But despite this uplift in used electric demand, petrol and diesel still reign supreme, accounting for almost 89.9 per cent of second hand car purchases.
Petrol remained the best-selling powertrain last year, rising 1.5 per cent to capture 56.7 per cent of the used car market.
Diesel on the other hand declined by 3.5 per cent to account for 33.1 per cent sales.
Superminis were once again the most popular body shape, making up almost one in three purchases.
Colour preferences also remained consistent, with black retaining its position as the UK’s favourite used car colour – nearly 1.7mllion buyers bought the traditional colour.
Electric vehicles were pushing the used car growth, with sales of used battery models surging 45.7% y-o-y
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: ‘A third year of used car sales growth underscores the market’s resilience, with recovering new car demand revitalising choice and affordability – especially for EVs – in the used market.
‘The record number of buyers making the switch signals growing confidence in zero and ultra-low emission motoring.
‘Maintaining this momentum, however, and driving the fleet renewal needed to decarbonise our roads at pace, must start with ensuring a strong and sustainable new car market.’
Chris Knapman, editorial director at CarGurus UK, said: ‘While sales of used electric cars grew in 2025, the figures show that demand still lags far behind other fuel types.
‘Combined with the ever-increasing variety of new models filtering into the used supply chain, this means it is possible to find some amazing deals on second-hand electric cars right now.’
The best-selling used cars in the UK in 2025? VW takes two spots out of the top 10
Best-selling used cars 2025
10. Audi A3
125,752 used Audi A3 cars were bought last year by motorists in the UK.
A cheaper way into the German marque, A3 models are stylish, practical and great to drive.
9. Nissan Qashqai
The SUV that started the mainstream SUV obsession: The Nissan Qashqai was purchased 145,207 times in 2025, making it the ninth most popular model.
Clearly, the original SUV is still going strong.
The Nissan Qashqai, the first mainstream SUV, was the 9th best-selling used car in th UK in 2025
8. Vauxhall Astra
The first Vauxhall model to make the best-selling used car list, the Astra is an affordable small family car.
And it’s proven popular as a second hand buy with 149,410 sold last year.
7. Volkswagen Polo
A premium small car that is a great buy for young drivers or siblings sharing a motor; the Polo has always been a popular small car.
In 2025, 153,583 used Polos were purchased.
6. Mini
154,527 Minis were bought used in 2025, placing the small car at number six on the best-sellers list.
The BMW-owned British brand will always be sought after and continues to the overall success of superminis.
5. BMW 3 Series
157,343 3 Series were shifted on the used market last year, putting the 3 Series bang in the middle of the best-sellers.
The mid-size saloon car is both sporty and functional.
Ford has two cars in the top 10. The Focus came in 4th with 218,962 used versions being purchased last year
4. Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has been discontinued, but that hasn’t stopped people buying used versions.
It just fell short of taking a top three spot, but thanks to 218,962 used Focus models being bought it did take fourth place.
3. Volkswagen Golf
The second VW car to be placed in the used car best-seller list, the Golf is more popular than its Polo sibling. 226,082 were sold last year.
With more practicality and a bit more presence, this car is a huge hit with a variety of buyers.
2. Vauxhall Corsa
The Corsa hatchback – a favourite among young drivers – was snapped up 247,853 times last year, making it the second most popular used car.
Low running costs, enough space for a weekend getaway and a good buy when you’re on a budget.
Yet again the Ford Fiesta is the best-selling used car in the UK two years after it was axed from the American car giant’s line up
1. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is the UK’s best-selling used car with 303,090 transactions taking place last year – more than all used EVs combined.
It’s not a surprise to see it top the used sales charts yet again, but it does show that a lot of buyers will miss the now-culled new version.
