Used car sales remain brisk across the UK, with stock flying off forecourts in an average of just 29 days so far in May — one day faster than the same period in 2024, according to the latest data from Auto Trader.
While the overall speed of sale has dipped slightly compared to April’s 27-day average, the minor deceleration aligns with expected seasonal trends. Despite this, the data continues to point to a robust retail environment.
Hatchbacks lead, Corsa claims the crown
Hatchbacks have emerged as the UK’s fastest-selling body type in May, with an average sale time of 29 days. The Vauxhall Corsa leads the pack, taking just 15 days to sell, securing its position as the UK’s fastest-moving used model.
The petrol variant of the enduring hatchback — now over three decades into its lifecycle — continues to resonate strongly with buyers, cementing its status as a retail mainstay for dealers nationwide.
Fastest-selling used cars – May 2025
| Rank | Make | Model | Body Type | Fuel Type | Age Cohort | Median Days to Sell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vauxhall | Corsa | Hatchback | Petrol | Up to 1 Year | 15 |
| 2 | CUPRA | Formentor | SUV | Petrol | Up to 1 Year | 15.5 |
| 3 | Honda | Civic | Hatchback | Petrol | 3–5 Years | 17 |
| 4 | Vauxhall | Mokka | SUV | Petrol | Up to 1 Year | 17 |
| 5 | Mercedes-Benz | A-Class | Hatchback | Petrol | 1–3 Years | 17 |
| 6 | MG | MG ZS | SUV | Electric | Up to 1 Year | 17.5 |
| 7 | Ford | Explorer | SUV | Electric | Up to 1 Year | 17.5 |
| 8 | Mercedes-Benz | A-Class | Saloon | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | 3–5 Years | 17.5 |
| 9 | Renault | Kadjar | SUV | Petrol | 3–5 Years | 18 |
| 10 | Dacia | Duster | SUV | Diesel | 5–10 Years | 18.5 |
Convertibles back in demand as temperatures climb
Spring sunshine has triggered a resurgence in convertible demand. While soft tops didn’t make the top 10 fastest-sellers list, they’re now selling in an average of 32 days — three days faster than May last year. The trend, driven in part by April’s record sunshine, suggests dealers may benefit from adjusting stock profiles accordingly as summer approaches.
Fuel mix and age cohort trends highlight strategic opportunities
Petrol-powered cars continue to dominate forecourts, making up 60% of May’s top performers and averaging just 28 days to sell.
Diesel follows at 30 days, while hybrids and EVs lag slightly at 32 and 34 days respectively.
Interestingly, two fully electric models — the MG ZS and Ford Explorer — feature in the month’s top 10, underlining growing interest in well-priced, younger EV stock.
In terms of vehicle age, the 5-10-year bracket remains the most liquid segment, with stock in this range selling in just 27 days.
In contrast, nearly new vehicles (under one year old) are currently the slowest-selling cohort, averaging 34 days — despite making up half of the top 10 list.
Marc Palmer, Auto Trader’s head of strategy & insights, said: “We continue to see used cars sell at a rapid pace, which is a very good barometer of market health.
“Despite what’s been a turbulent few months from an economic and political perspective, consumer demand for used cars remains very robust.
“However, whether it’s hatchbacks, convertibles, young or old, there’s huge nuance in the market, so I’d really encourage retailers to analyse the data and insights available to ensure the most profitable sourcing and pricing strategy.”
Slowest-selling used cars – May 2025
| Rank | Make | Model | Body Type | Fuel Type | Age Cohort | Median Days to Sell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Nissan | Leaf | Hatchback | Electric | 1–3 Years | 48 |
| 9 | Land Rover | Range Rover | SUV | Diesel | 10–15 Years | 48.5 |
| 8 | Ford | Kuga | SUV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Up to 1 Year | 49 |
| 7 | Jaguar | I-PACE | SUV | Electric | Up to 1 Year | 49 |
| 6 | Volkswagen | Polo | Hatchback | Petrol | Up to 1 Year | 50 |
| 5 | BMW | iX | SUV | Electric | 1–3 Years | 52 |
| 4 | BMW | X5 | SUV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | 1–3 Years | 52.5 |
| 3 | Land Rover | Range Rover Sport | SUV | Diesel | 10–15 Years | 53 |
| 2 | Vauxhall | Corsa Electric | Hatchback | Electric | 1–3 Years | 53 |
| 1 | Volkswagen | Taigo | SUV | Petrol | Up to 1 Year | 62 |