The UK’s used car market hit a record high last year, with 8.2 million vehicles changing hands, an increase of 7.3% according to figures released by the SMMT.
Superminis were the best-selling body type, accounting for a third of all used car sales, while the number of transactions involving city cars grew by 11.5%. SUV sales rose by 17%.
In line with new car registrations, the Ford Fiesta topped the used car sales charts, with 381,519 units changing hands last year, followed by the Ford Focus (374,590) and Vauxhall Corsa (352,899).
The South East sold the most cars, with 1,222,600 transactions taking place – 14.9% of all used cars changing hands in 2016 – and significantly more than second-placed North West (850,792).
Meanwhile, sales of second-hand alternatively fuelled vehicles rose by 32.5%, while diesels increased by 11.4% and petrol sales grew by 4.7%.
“On the back of a record 2016 for UK new car registrations, it’s further good news that our used car market is in such good health. Strong demand is testament to the quality, reliability and appeal of cars on sale today, with used buyers enjoying more choice, more low emission, safety and connected technology than ever,” said Mike Hawes. “Providing economic conditions remain stable and interest rates low, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t see growth in this sector continue in 2017.”
