02-07-2025
UK used car market stable in June 2025 as hybrids lead
The UK used car market remained steady in June, supported by strong consumer demand, growing interest in alternatively fuelled vehicles, and stable dealer activity, according to the latest analysis from Percayso Vehicle Intelligence, MOTORS, and Auto Trader.
Retail values for popular three-year-old models dipped by just 0.94% last month, according to Percayso, highlighting a market holding firm despite seasonal fluctuations and broader economic caution. Automotive analyst Derren Martin attributed the resilience to 'low volumes of three-year-old cars due to reduced registrations in 2022' and sustained demand.
Hybrid models stood out in Percayso's findings, with values falling just 0.5%, making them the most stable fuel type. This compares to declines of 1.35% for petrol, 0.9% for diesel, and 0.8% for EVs. The data suggests that consumers are increasingly favouring hybrid vehicles as a transitional choice that balances affordability with environmental considerations.
Meanwhile, data from MOTORS indicated that used car sales volumes rose year-on-year, with average days to sell holding at 31. Dealer inventory levels increased, particularly among franchised dealers and car supermarkets, both up 11% year-on-year. Hybrid and electric vehicles also continued to gain ground, now accounting for 18% of dealer stock, with hybrids making up 11% and EVs 7%.
Despite rising stock, price sensitivity remains a factor. MOTORS reported that the average used car price in June stood at £17,167, slightly down month-on-month and 2.4% lower than in January. Lucy Tugby, Marketing Director at MOTORS, said that dealers 'fought hard to attract buyers with competitive prices,' while smart stocking strategies helped retailers maintain turnover.
Auto Trader echoed the sentiment of a healthy market, noting that used cars are currently selling in an average of just 29 days — faster than the same period last year (30 days) and in 2023 (32 days). The MG HS (petrol, under one year old) was June's fastest-selling car, taking just 15 days to leave forecourts — two weeks quicker than average.
While SUVs made up 60% of Auto Trader's top 10 fastest-selling models, convertibles and hatchbacks were the quickest-selling body types overall, both averaging 28 days to sell. Petrol remained the fastest-selling fuel type overall, averaging 28 days, followed closely by hybrids and diesels at 31 days. EVs, while still the slowest, improved to 32 days, down from 35 in May.
Notably, plug-in hybrid vehicles aged 3–5 years were the quickest to sell across all segments, averaging just 26 days on the market. 'Car buyers are still attracted by great value,' said Marc Palmer, Head of Strategy and Insight at Auto Trader. 'The speed at which used cars sell is a strong barometer of market health, and our data shows the market remains in robust shape heading into summer.'
Used cars aged 5–10 years also sold fastest across all age brackets, averaging just 27 days, while nearly new cars (under 12 months old) were the slowest, at 36 days. This suggests that value-driven buyers are targeting slightly older vehicles offering more attractive price points.
Across the board, analysts from all three platforms agree that hybrids, well-priced stock, and strong consumer interest are helping to maintain market momentum. While price competition is growing, and summer holidays may temporarily slow activity, the overall outlook remains one of stability in the used car sector.
"UK used car market stable in June 2025 as hybrids lead" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand.
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