Used car dealers say buyer confidence key to 2026 sales
Used car dealers believe higher consumer confidence would be the single biggest boost to sales in 2026.
According to December’s Startline Used Car Tracker, 57% of dealers identified buyer confidence as the number one determining factor going into next year.
A further 50% said a stronger UK economy would be a key driver of used car sales.
Other factors included better motor finance availability (52%), improved stock supply (45%), and government support for electric car buyers (42%). Meanwhile, 30% said they wanted to see ZEV Mandate targets relaxed, better availability of staff (17%) and lower overheads (10%).
Personal finances
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “It’s unsurprising to see consumer confidence top these results. While the situation is now relatively stable, people have seen their personal finances come under huge pressure since the pandemic and many remain worried about future economic shocks.
“Other factors are also worth considering. The high score for motor finance availability probably reflects concerns about this area during recent months because of the FCA commission redress scheme, while many would like to finally see improvements around the longstanding issue of poor stock supply.
“It’s especially interesting to see so many wanting direct government support for the used electric car market. The grants made available for the new car market appear to have been relatively successful and to dealers, similar help for the used sector perhaps seems the obvious next step.”
