The UK used car market 2025 is officially back on its feet, and then some. After years of post-pandemic recovery, sales have returned to pre-2020 levels. In just the first half of the year, over 4 million cars changed hands. Buyers are back, and the used car scene is thriving once again.
A total of 1.99 million transactions took place in the second quarter alone, marking the best Q2 performance since 2021. It’s now the tenth straight quarter of growth. Confidence is returning, fueled by new car availability, broader choices, and a growing appetite for electrified options.
Petrol remains king, but EVs are rising fast
Even with the electric buzz, petrol-powered vehicles still lead the charge. Over 1.1 million petrol cars found new owners in Q2. Diesel followed, though its share continued to slip with a 4.3% decline.
Still, electrification is making waves. Nearly 10% of used car transactions involved an electrified model. That’s a record high, and the pace is only picking up.
Electrified used cars break records
This quarter marked the highest ever for battery electric vehicles, with 68,721 units sold, a 40% jump from last year. Plug-in hybrids also saw solid growth, rising 10.3%. Meanwhile, traditional hybrids climbed a massive 27.7% to over 100,000 units.
These numbers show growing trust in second-hand electric tech. But future growth hinges on stronger support, including incentives and reliable charging infrastructure.
UK used car market 2025 powered by choice
Buyers want value, but also options. Superminis and lower-medium cars led the way, making up more than half the market. Dual-purpose vehicles also surged, growing by 6.7% year-over-year.
On the flip side, upper-medium and sports cars dropped. It seems practicality and efficiency are now driving the decision-making more than ever.
Color trends show bold moves and safe bets
As always, the UK has its favorite car colors. Black, grey, and white topped the charts once again. But more expressive shades gained traction too. Cream, green, and even pink recorded noticeable growth. Turquoise, gold, and silver, however, took a step back.
These small shifts hint at changing tastes among younger buyers and EV adopters looking for something fresh.
Performance, affordability, and availability collide
Unlike the uncertain supply chain issues of previous years, the 2025 market feels more stable. Cars are moving faster, and consumers have wider selections. Pair that with a growing pool of newer EVs entering the second-hand space, and the appeal is clear.
Affordability and tech now live side by side in many used cars. Buyers no longer have to choose one or the other.
Summary
The UK used car market 2025 has not only bounced back but is heading into a promising future. With nearly 4 million cars sold so far and electrified models gaining momentum, there’s a renewed energy across the sector. As infrastructure improves and buyers embrace newer tech, used car transactions could continue to grow, offering better choices for every kind of driver.
Disclaimer: All data and trends reflect UK market conditions as of the first half of 2025 and may change over time.
Source: SMMT
