Farewell Fiesta, Goodbye Golf – Brits break-up with their cars ahead of plate change
August 06, 2025 by Carwow staff
Car changing is a big deal
New data from Carwow reveals the second-hand cars that UK car dealers are snapping up fastest from private sellers, with some of the country’s most recognisable models topping the list.
The data, pulled from Carwow’s car-selling auction, shows which cars are being listed by owners and purchased most frequently by professional car dealers. It provides a unique snapshot of what the used automotive trade is actively seeking to buy this summer.
The top 10 cars most in demand in July were:
- Ford Fiesta
- Volkswagen Golf
- Ford Focus
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- BMW 1 Series
- BMW 3 Series
- Volkswagen Polo
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Nissan Qashqai
- Audi A3
The Ford Fiesta – one of the UK’s most-loved cars – led the charge selling for an average of £6,432, The Volkswagen Golf, followed closely behind, with hundreds of units sold to car dealers in July at an average price of £11,782, typically around 8 years old with just over 63,000 miles on the clock.
Premium models such as the Mercedes A-Class (£11,861), BMW 3 Series (£11,208), and Audi A3 (£10,863) also featured in the top 10, showing that drivers are parting ways with higher-end vehicles – and that dealers are keen to stock them due to their strong buyer appeal and brand reputation.
“This might be considered a ‘summer break-up’, but these are still highly sellable cars with years of value left in them,” said Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at Carwow. “Dealers are actively competing for well-maintained, mid-life vehicles and as such, these cars represent the pulse of the UK used car market. They’re reliable, familiar, and still in demand.”
The trend reflects a well-established seasonal uptick in car listings during summer. August is historically one of the busiest months for second-hand car activity and Carwow expects to see strong levels of dealer purchasing and private listings over the coming weeks – especially as sellers race to secure a strong price before the new ’75’ plates hit the roads.
Previous Carwow research found the top reasons for selling a car include mounting maintenance costs (reported by 42% of sellers), lifestyle changes such as moving home or growing families (35%), and a desire for greater fuel efficiency or switching to electric alternatives (28%).
Switching to electric alternatives is firmly under the spotlight given the recent government announcement of a new electric car grant worth up to £3,750 on eligible new EVs under £37,000. This incentive is designed to boost uptake as the country approaches its revised 2030 deadline to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
“When potential buyers see a grant worth thousands available, it’s a clear signal: now is the time to switch,” added Reid. “That means many drivers are considering listing combustion vehicles – including premium hatches and older SUVs. For those looking to sell, it’s a valuable opportunity to cash in on their current car and put more money towards their next ride, whether that’s electric, hybrid or simply newer.”
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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