The UK used car market grew by 1.7% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that there were 1.99 million transactions, representing the best Q2 performance seen since 2021.
The market has now grown for ten consecutive quarters, which the SMMT said had brought it within 1% of pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2025. The organisation said the growth was driven by ongoing recovery in the new car market.
Petrol used car transactions were up by 1.5% year-on-year in Q2, while diesels were down by 4.3% – between them the fuels still account for 90.1% of the market.
Hybrids were up by 27.7%, to take 5% of sales, while plug-in hybrid were up by 10.3% for a 1.2% market share.
EVs saw the strongest growth, with sales up by 40%, but they still only accounted for 3.4% of the overall market.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Surpassing the four million half-year milestone for the first time since 2019 shows the UK’s used car market is building back momentum.
“That’s good news for the industry and for motorists who benefit from more choice and affordability across a range of higher tech, cleaner vehicles, notably in the emerging electric vehicle sector.
“To maintain this trajectory, a thriving new car market must be delivered across the segments, along with accelerated investment into the charging network to give every driver the ability to switch.”
Reacting to the figures, Cox Automotive insight director Philip Nothard said: “As is often the case during periods of economic uncertainty, the UK used car market has seen a rise in popularity, offering drivers a more cost-effective alternative to new vehicles.
“Today’s data confirms this trend. Q2 2025 marked the strongest quarter since 2021, when supply issues in the new car market pushed consumers toward used options, and it was 3.8% above the average for 2001–2009.”
