THE UK's used car market grew by 2.2 per cent in 2025, reaching 7,807,872 transactions, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The increase marks three consecutive years of growth, as the new car market's ongoing recovery boosted supply to meet robust demand - particularly for electrified vehicles.

Demand for electrified vehicles accelerated significantly, driven by an ever-increasing choice of models and the potential for lower running costs.

Sales of used battery electric cars (BEVs) surged 45.7 per cent year-on-year to a record 274,815 transactions, whilst also achieving a record 3.5 per cent market share, up from 2.5 per cent in 2024.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales rose by 6.3 per cent to 88,032 units, while hybrids (HEVs) increased by 28.6 per cent to 407,531 units.

Combined, used electrified car transactions rose 30.9 per cent on 2024 to a record 770,378 units - accounting for almost one in 10 (9.9 per cent) purchases.

Petrol and diesel models, however, continued to dominate, comprising 89.9 per cent of used transactions.

Petrol remained the best-selling powertrain, rising 1.5 per cent to represent 56.7 per cent of the market, while diesel declined by -3.5 per cent, to account for 33.1 per cent of sales.

Colour preferences also remained consistent, with black retaining its position as the UK's favourite used car colour, chosen by nearly 1.7 million buyers (21.2 per cent). Grey followed with an 18.2 per cent share, while white climbed 6.3 per cent to overtake blue and secure third place with 16.0 per cent of sales. Together, the top three accounted for more than half (55.4 per cent) of all sales.

Among the least popular shades, 5,279 pink cars changed hands, while maroon slipped to last place with 4,697 transactions. Cream recorded the strongest growth, rising 10.6 per cent to 5,152 units, and green delivered the top 10's highest growth - up 9.1 per cent to 136,742 units.

Once again, superminis led the market, accounting for almost one in three (32.1 per cent) transactions. Lower medium models followed with a 26.9 per cent share, while dual purpose cars held third place, delivering the strongest growth of all segments - up 7.6 per cent to reach 16.8 per cent of transactions.

At the opposite end of the scale, luxury saloons represented just 0.5 per cent of the market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive,said: "A third year of used car sales growth underscores the market's resilience, with recovering new car demand revitalising choice and affordability - especially for EVs - in the used market. The record number of buyers making the switch signals growing confidence in zero and ultra-low emission motoring.

"Maintaining this momentum, however, and driving the fleet renewal needed to decarbonise our roads at pace, must start with ensuring a strong and sustainable new car market."