UK’s best-selling used cars of 2026 so far revealed as popular hatchback tops rankings
Car changing is a big deal
UK used car sales have reached their strongest third quarter since 2021, and electric car demand has continued to surge. Consumer writer Siobhan Doyle breaks down the latest figures and reveals which models are leading the second-hand market.
More than two million used cars were sold in the UK between July and September, with 2,030,619 transactions recorded, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It was the strongest third quarter since 2021.
The market has also enjoyed a positive start to the year, with 6,056,169 used car transactions recorded so far in 2026, up 0.3% compared to the same period last year. That’s the strongest first three quarters since 2019.
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What were the best-selling used cars in the third quarter of the year?
The Ford Fiesta remains on top of the list of best-selling used cars for 2026 so far, with 73,500 transactions recorded in the third quarter of the year. It’s followed by the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf, with over 60,000 and 56,000 transactions respectively.
Here are the top 10 used models in the third quarter of the year:
| Model | Number of sales |
|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta | 73,500 |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 60,088 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 56,243 |
| Ford Focus | 52,215 |
| Volkswagen Polo | 40,801 |
| Nissan Qashqai | 39,723 |
| BMW 3 Series | 37,099 |
| Mini Cooper | 36,892 |
| Vauxhall Astra | 34,924 |
| Audi A3 | 32,257 |
As the table above shows, hatchbacks remain Britain’s most popular used cars, making up eight of the top 10, while superminis account for 32% of sales in the third quarter, with 650,511 transactions.
SUVs are clearly popular in the new car market, and that is also starting to be reflected second-hand with sales up 8.5%.
Used EV sales continue to rise
The latest SMMT data shows that used electric car sales continued to grow strongly in the third quarter, rising by 23.2% to 97,625. EVs now make up 4.8% of the used car market, compared with 3.9% a year ago.
Sales on electric cars are also up 39.6% so far this year, with 295,524 used EVs being sold.
Hybrid cars also proved popular, with sales increasing by 25.9% to 135,204, giving them a 6.7% share of the market. However, plug-in hybrid sales fell by 13.3% to 20,911, accounting for just 1% of used car sales.
Petrol cars remain the most popular choice, with 1,148,576 sold during the third quarter, making up 56.6% of the market. Sales were almost unchanged compared with the same period last year.
Diesel sales continued to fall, down 5.3% to 623,354. Diesel cars now account for 30.7% of used car sales. This decline is likely due, in part, to rising diesel prices, which have reached as much as £2 per litre amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Overall, petrol and diesel cars still make up the vast majority of the used car market at 87.5%, although this is down from 89.5% a year ago as more buyers turn to electric and hybrid options.
What does this mean for the used car market?
The rise in used EV sales shows how important a healthy new car market is to the transition to electric motoring.
Greater investment in new models is giving second-hand buyers more choice as electric cars make their way onto the used market.
However, heavy discounting on new electric cars, partly as manufacturers seek to meet ZEV Mandate targets, risks putting pressure on used values and discouraging owners from changing their vehicles.
The SMMT says that reforming the mandate would help support a more sustainable transition and protect choice for motorists.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Long-term investment in new models is broadening choice for used car buyers, while growth in new EVs is driving a surge in second-hand uptake.
“To sustain this progress and make zero emission mobility possible for all motorists, the new car market must remain strong, underpinned by measures that boost EV demand – including affordable and widely accessible charging infrastructure and compelling fiscal incentives.
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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