Summary
The UK used-car market showed stability and modest growth in 2025, supported by resilient demand and broadly steady prices. Autotrader estimates total transactions at 7.8 million, with platform retail sales up 2% year on year. Despite falling average prices for EVs, electric models continued to sell faster than petrol and diesel cars, and December closed with solid momentum.
Key figures
- Total used-car transactions (2025): 7.8 million
- Autotrader platform retail sales: +2% vs 2024
- December sales volumes: +4% year on year
- Full-year site traffic: ~982 million visits; Q4 matched 2024 highs
Pricing trends
- Average prices (Retail Price Index): -0.2% in 2025
- December average price: £17,018 (flat year on year; -1% month on month)
- Market characterized by price stability after prior volatility
Fuel-type dynamics
- Petrol average price (Dec): £14,877 (+1.5% YoY)
- Diesel average price (Dec): £14,025 (+2.5% YoY)
- EV average price (Dec): £24,029 (-7.4% YoY)
- Average time to sell (Dec): EVs 30 days vs market average and petrol at 35 days
Supply and channel mix
- Ongoing stock constraints, especially 3–5-year-old cars; shortfall of about 1.8 million vs 2019
- Independent retailers increased share of 1–5-year-old cars; franchised share fell to 68% (from 70% in 2024)
- Sales volumes: franchised -0.5%; independents +4% (approx.)
Buyer activity and demand
Consumer interest remained strong, with near-billion annual visits supporting sales performance. Autotrader views steady demand and stable pricing as the market’s foundation entering 2026.
Implications for retailers
- Focus on a data-led approach to align stock and pricing with fast-moving trends
- Monitor EV pricing vs. demand, given faster turn and lower values
- Navigate tight supply in late-model stock by optimizing sourcing and channel strategy
