The best-selling used cars in 2026 so far
Car changing is a big deal
New data shows that the UK used car market has slowed after three years of growth, but small hatchbacks are still the nation’s favourite – and electric cars are catching up fast.
The UK’s used car market has hit a pause after more than two years of growth, slipping 0.2% in the first quarter of the year to 2,016,232 transactions, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The marginal decline ends a 12-quarter growth streak, with the weakest performance coming in March, when sales fell 2.3% against a particularly strong month in 2025.
Despite the slowdown, the shape of the market is clear: Britain’s favourite used cars are still compact hatchbacks, known in industry data as “superminis”.
Supermini sales dipped slightly by 1.0%, but at 648,229 units they remain the dominant force in the second-hand market, accounting for 32.2% of all transactions. In practical terms, roughly one in three used cars sold in the UK is a small hatchback.
The Ford Fiesta tops the list of best-selling used cars, with more than 76,000 transactions recorded in the first quarter of the year. It’s followed by the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf, with over 62,000 and 56,000 transactions respectively – both also hatchbacks.
Here are the top 10 used models sold in the first quarter of 2026:
| Model | Number of transactions |
|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta | 76,745 |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 62,201 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 56,236 |
| Ford Focus | 54,662 |
| Nissan Qashqai | 42,214 |
| Volkswagen Polo | 39,159 |
| BMW 3 Series | 37,621 |
| Mini | 37,438 |
| Vauxhall Astra | 35,340 |
| BMW 1 Series | 32,363 |
Electric cars gain ground in the used market
While petrol remains dominant overall, the SMMT data shows that the most striking shift is happening in electrified vehicles.
Electric car sales jumped 32% to 86,943 units, meaning 4.3% of all used car buyers went fully electric in Q1. Meanwhile, hybrids also rose sharply, climbing 27.6% to 128,039 units.
Combined, electrified vehicles now account for 11.7% of the used car market, a sign that newer low-emission models are steadily filtering through from the new car sector.
Petrol cars still lead with 1,147,969 sales, though slightly down year-on-year, while diesel continued its gradual decline, falling 6.7% to 629,987 units.
What’s driving the shift?
The SMMT says that the ageing UK car fleet is shaping buyer behaviour. The average vehicle on UK roads is now 9.7 years old, compared with eight years old in 2019, meaning many motorists are holding on to cars for longer.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said growing EV choice is now feeding through into the second-hand market, and that higher fuel prices – driven in part by geopolitical tensions in Iran – could further increase demand.
But to maintain this momentum, he said: “Every fiscal and policy lever must be pulled to ensure a healthy new car market that delivers zero emission vehicles that can in future flow through to the used market.”
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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