Selling a used car: the most & least popular makes and models of 2024

With second-hand car sales rocketing, we reveal which makes and models are proving most popular with motorists.

We are currently in the midst of a boom time for used cars sales, with transactions increasing by 6.5% during the first quarter of 2024.

According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), there were 1,967,923 sales during this period, which is the strongest start to a year since 2019.

In fact, the data found that month-on-month sales have increased steadily for 16 months, although they still remain 2.6% below pre-COVID-19 levels.

The most in-demand used cars

According to the sales data, the Ford Fiesta was the most sold car during this period, with 80,814 transactions.

In second and third place were the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Focus, with 66,821 and 60,058 sales respectively.

Source: Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (based on first-quarter sales)

Superminis were the most popular car type, recording 640,711 sales during this period.

Unsurprisingly, the figures also recorded a rise in numbers of battery electric vehicles entering the used-car market, with sales up by more than two-thirds and now accounting for 2.1% of all transactions.

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The fastest-selling used cars

Now we know the most sold cars for 2024, but what about the fastest-selling vehicles?

According to data from Auto Trader, the Peugeot 3008 is the most popular used car, with an average selling time of just 12 days.

The Mercedes-Benz also proved a winner with buyers, with two of its models finding a place in the top 10 quickest-selling motors. 

Source: Auto Trader (based on data from four weeks to 12 April)

As you can see, these cars are shifting in incredibly short periods, with only a few days between the top and 10th place model.

On a national level, the average selling time for all used cars is 26 days, which is one day faster than this time last year.

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The slowest-selling used cars

Not every second-hand car is snapped up so quickly. 

So, which ones are hanging around the longest, according to Auto Trader?

The Citroën C5X has the dubious honour of being the slowest seller, taking a whopping 139 days to change hands.

However, the Alfa Romeo Spider and DS AUTOMOBILES DS9 aren't far behind, on 133 and 132.5 days, respectively.

Frustratingly for sellers, the 10 slowest movers have all taken, on average, more than three months to attract a buyer.

Here are the 10 slowest-selling used cars based on the latest Auto Trader data.

Source: Auto Trader (based on data from four weeks to 12 April)

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A quick sale vs getting the best price

If you’re selling a used car, there are several things you need to consider, particularly which is more important to you ‒ selling quickly, or getting the highest possible price.

If price is your main priority, advertising your car privately through the likes of Auto Trader will likely be the best option.

As you are selling the car directly to its next driver, there is no middle man wanting to take a cut.

However, there are downsides to consider, especially if you’re looking for a quick sale.

In reality, selling your car privately can be a slow process ‒ if there aren’t any buyers looking for your particular model, or if your ad isn’t very eye-catching, it could be months before you manage to sell it.

What about car dealers?

By contrast, the fastest way to sell a car is trading it in when buying a new one

Car dealers are usually happy to take your old car off your hands and then sell it on.

The trouble is that this tends to fetch a pretty miserable price ‒ the dealer knows you’re desperate for a sale, and can play on that to get you to accept a lowball offer.

However, there is a middle ground that allows you to sell the car quickly, and get a respectable price.

Carbuying sites such as Motorway and Cazoo are a great option, since they connect you quickly with dealers who essentially compete to offer you the best price. 

Check out our guide to selling your car online to help work out which is going to be the best method for you.