THE UK's used car market was flat during the first quarter of the year, down just 0.2 per cent as 2,016,232 vehicles changed hands, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The performance ended a 12-quarter growth streak, reflecting a subdued March where transactions fell 2.3 per cent. This is in comparison to an exceptionally high performance in March 2025, the only March exceeding 700,000 sales since 2017.

Petrol remained the best-selling fuel type, despite transactions falling 0.6 per cent to 1,147,969 units, while diesel demand experienced a 6.7 per cent decline to 629,987 units, reflecting reduced supply from the new car market.

Following the trend in the new car market, black and grey remained the best-selling colours, up 0.4 per cent and 2.8 per cent, with white back in the top three after 3.1 per cent growth to overtake blue.

Cream recorded the strongest growth, up 11.7 per cent, although volumes were small at 1,399 transactions, and pink recorded the steepest decline, down -17.8 per cent to 1,214 units. Maroon was the least popular, with just 1,108 cars changing hands.

Given used vehicles are the most accessible route into motoring for many consumers, conditions that stimulate fleet renewal are key. The average age of the UK vehicle parc now stands at a new high of 9.7 years - up from eight years in 2019 - so a healthy new car market is crucial for generating second-hand supply, notably with the latest electric models.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executivesaid: "The UK's used car market remained flat in the first quarter, held back by weakness in March in comparison with a very strong performance in 2025. Better news is the record demand for used electric vehicles, as growing choice from manufacturers feeds through into the second-hand market. High fuel prices, given the conflict in Iran, may increase demand even further, but to maintain this momentum, 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."