According to recent statistics by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), two million second hand cars were sold between April and June 2018 in the UK. A total volume of 2,039,429 used cars showcased a decline of 0.4% compared to 2017. This is contrasted to the new car market, which has decreased by 5.5%. So far in 2018, over 4.1 million second hand cars have been sold.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes has a positive attitude. “It’s great to see the used car sector remain in robust health as motorists take advantage of the high-tech model filtering down from the new sector – including some of the latest low emission diesel and alternatively fuelled vehicles.”
However, he did give a note of warning. “With used sales so closely reflecting the new car market, some cooling is expected over the coming months. Given fleet renewal is the fastest way to improve air quality and reduce CO2, we need greater business and consumer confidence to keep both markets moving.”
The most popular used cars are in the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric car sectors. Around 27,000 were sold in three months, rising to over 5000, compared to 2017. Interestingly, diesel car sales increased by 3.2% and petrol cars dropped by 3.3.%.
The most popular type of used car was the supermini, accounting for 32.6% of total sales. Small and medium-sized family vehicles and SUVs were also popular. Executive car sales increased as well.
In terms of colour, black second hand cars were the most popular. Silver came second, while blue came in third place. The following second hand cars are among those that sold highly:
- Ford Fiesta
- Ford Focus
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Volkswagen Golf
- Vauxhall Astra
- BMW 3 Series
- Mini
- Volkswagen Polo
- Renault Clio
- Audi A3
