BMW tops the list of Scotland’s most sold used cars
June 23, 2025 by Carwow staff
Car changing is a big deal
Carwow’s Sell My Car data shows Scots favour BMW and VW, with dealers in Edinburgh and Glasgow demanding premium German engineering.
Scottish drivers are showing a love for premium German engineering, as new research from Carwow, the online car-changing marketplace, reveals that BMW and Volkswagen are the most in-demand car brands among dealers in Edinburgh and Glasgow on its Sell My Car platform.
In Edinburgh, 14% of used cars that receive an offer to buy are BMW, followed by Volkswagen at 12%. In Glasgow, 13% of used cars receiving offers are also BMW, which is exactly in line with the UK average. If you own one of these cars, there’s strong buyer interest with car dealers from all over the UK actively looking to purchase quality cars – creating a prime opportunity for private sellers.
The insights come from Carwow’s Sell My Car service, which analysed thousands of listings submitted by Edinburgh and Glasgow-based sellers. Through the platform, drivers can list their cars and receive bids from over 5,500 trusted dealers nationwide in daily online auctions.
The data highlights a clear demand in both Edinburgh and Glasgow for premium vehicles – cars that suit Edinburgh’s blend of historic cobbled streets and modern infrastructure, while still offering comfort and long-distance reliability. In Glasgow, where tight parking spots, and famously unpredictable weather play a big part in daily driving, it’s no surprise that compact, stylish and reliable cars dominate buyer interest. BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Ford top the list of most-offered makes in the cities.
Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is uniquely prominent in Glasgow compared to Edinburgh. However, estate-type vehicles, including most SUVs, are notably less popular in Glasgow compared to these compact models, with offers 6.3% below the national average (21.8% vs. 28.1%).
When it comes to specific models, the Volkswagen Golf takes the top spot in both cities, closely followed by the BMW 1 Series and Ford Fiesta—proving that compact yet high-quality hatchbacks remain a firm favourite among Scottish motorists.
The Scottish capital’s most offered-on used cars:
- Volkswagen Golf – petrol, black
- BMW 1 Series – petrol, black
- Volkswagen Polo – petrol, grey
- Ford Fiesta – petrol, red
- BMW X3 – diesel, black
Striking colours
Colour preferences in Edinburgh stand out from the national trend. While black remains the most frequently listed colour, Edinburgh sellers are significantly more likely to list red cars than the UK average.
In fact, the share of red cars receiving offers in Edinburgh is 3.4% higher than the national figure (11.0% vs. 7.6%). Whereas black cars receive fewer offers than average, sitting 3.7% below the national rate (19.1% vs. 22.8%).
This reflects a subtle but distinct local taste for bolder colour choices compared to other regions.
In Glasgow, white cars are notably popular, receiving a share of offers 4.3% above the UK average (22.9% vs. 18.6%). The most offered-on cars in Glasgow share similarities with Edinburgh, featuring the same popular models.
However, Glasgow distinctly favours these vehicles in white, contrasting Edinburgh’s black and red palette.
Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at Carwow, said: “Scottish sellers are listing a great mix of cars, from practical city runarounds to premium models like the BMW X3 and Volkswagen Golf. It’s especially interesting to see a local trend toward red cars in Edinburgh and white cars in Glasgow – proof that drivers in both cities aren’t afraid to stand out. With strong buyer demand, it’s a great time for Scottish motorists to get competitive offers.”
More than three million drivers used Carwow to value their cars last year, with many securing sales for around £1,000 more than through part exchange at a dealership. With demand remaining high, Edinburgh car owners are well-positioned to take advantage of serious bidding power from dealers across the UK.
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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