More than two million used cars were sold in the UK in the first quarter of 2025, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
It has reported that 2,020,990 used cars were sold from January to March.
This is the first time sales have topped two million in the first quarter since before the pandemic and a 2.7% uplift on the same period last year.
Meanwhile, used car sales volumes have now increased for nine consecutive quarters.
Petrol remained the best-selling fuel type, rising 2.1% to 1,149,855 units, while diesel experienced a 3.1% decline to 679,739 units. Between them they made up 90.5% of all used transactions in the quarter.
Hybrid sales were up 30.2% to 98,830 units, while 23,540 plug-ins changed hands, up 14% on the same period last year, and electric car sales surged by 58.5% to 65,850 units and a record 3.3% share of all transactions.
Strong start
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The used car market has enjoyed its strongest start to a year since before the pandemic, with supply fuelled by a recovering new car market. Critically, more second-hand buyers are opting for electric vehicles, with greater choice and affordability enabling more people and businesses to switch.
“Sustaining and expanding this growth, however, depends on a healthy supply of EVs from the new car market – which in turn requires fiscal incentives alongside a nationally accessible and affordable charge point network so that everyone, whatever their budget or driving needs, can benefit from zero emission motoring.”
