The UK used car market saw 4.3% year-on-year growth during the third quarter of 2024.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 1,965,811 vehicles changed hands.
This included 53,423 EVs, representing a 57% increase, and the highest EV used market share yet at 2.7%.
There were also increases in used plug-in hybrid and conventional hybrid sales, by 29% and 35.8% respectively.
Used petrol car sales were up by 5.7%, while diesels were down by 3.9%.
According to the SMMT, used car transactions rose in every month this year between January and September, with the market up by 6% year-on-year during this period.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Growth in the used car sector is good news and driven by an outstanding range of desirable and, increasingly, zero emission vehicles to suit every budget.
“Maintaining this depends on a healthy new car market, particularly for EVs. Giving consumers the confidence to switch from their familiar petrol or diesel vehicles requires confidence and incentives otherwise many would-be new car buyers will sit on their hands, leading to a diminishing market that will inevitably limit used car availability and affordability.
“This will be to the cost of motorists, the economy and the environment – making a review of support for the transition and the regulation intended to deliver it, an urgent priority.”
The Ford Fiesta was the UK’s top-selling used car in Q3, ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa and the Volkswagen Golf.
