Skip advert
Advertisement

Used car market posts robust 2017 figures as EV sales surge

Over 8.1 million second-hand cars changed hands last year, with used electric car sales surging by 77 per cent

Dealer forecourt

The UK’s used car market remained in rude health last year, with 8.1 million second-hand models changing hands in 2017. That represents a drop of just 1.1 per cent on 2016 and is a marked contrast to the new car market, which was down 5.7 per cent over the same period.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The figures, released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and sourced from DVLA records, also show a huge increase in the popularity of used electric cars. These saw a 77.1 per cent increase in demand, with 10,199 second-hand EVs being bought in 2017.

• Best used cars to buy in 2017

And while vendors experienced a 5.1 per cent fall in sales in the final quarter, this wasn’t enough to stop 2017 being the second best year on record for used car sales, topped only by 2016.

In addition to the growing popularity of electric cars, sales of second-hand hybrids were up by 22.2 per cent in 2017. The market for used diesels, meanwhile, actually rose by 3.3 per cent in 2017, an opposite trend to last year’s new car sales figures, which showed a drop in diesel demand of roughly 17 per cent.

Used SUVs also rode high in 2017 with a 9.5 per cent increase in sales, while the popularity of superminis rose by 4.3 per cent. The news wasn’t all good though as, aside from a fractional increase (0.02 per cent) in the second-hand executive car market, all other used segments experienced a drop in popularity.

The South East of England saw the greatest proportion of used cars changing hands, with 1.2 million used cars sold there last year. Silver was the most popular colour on the second-hand market.

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT said: “While such healthy demand is reassuring, to keep it that way and accelerate renewal throughout the fleet – the fastest way to improve air quality – government must now restore confidence to the new car sector.

“Given the recent economic and fiscal uncertainty, particularly over diesel, consumers and businesses need clarity to encourage them to move out of their older vehicles and into newer, lower emission cars – whatever their fuel type.”

Now check out our 2017 Used Car Awards winners...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns
Emissions tests questioned

Dieselgate is back! Thousands of cars could be recalled as scandal returns

The DfT is currently investigating as many as 47 models across several brands that are suspected to use diesel defeat devices
News
14 Nov 2024
Car finance scandal firms given more time to process complaints by FCA
Finance contract, car key and calculator on desk

Car finance scandal firms given more time to process complaints by FCA

As much as £16 billion could be up for grabs for car finance customers affected by discretionary commission arrangements
News
14 Nov 2024
MOT failure rate is worse for vans than cars
MOT

MOT failure rate is worse for vans than cars

More than a third of light commercials failed their first MoT last year, new figures show
News
12 Nov 2024
Paris mayor says ‘non’ to through traffic with plans to fine drivers
Renault Zoe being driven in Paris

Paris mayor says ‘non’ to through traffic with plans to fine drivers

Drivers entering Paris city centre will have to prove residency or a valid destination to avoid a fine
News
5 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024