The UK used car market saw 0.7% year-on-year growth in the second quarter of 2026, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A total of 2,009,318 vehicle transactions took place, in the first Q2 since 2021 during which the two million mark was surpassed.
The SMMT said the figure was only 1.2% below pre-pandemic levels, and helped offset a marginal drop in Q1 to take the overall market for the first half of 2026 to 0.2% growth, with 4,025,550 transactions.
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Q2 saw a 67% rise in used EV transactions, to 110,761 – the strongest quarterly growth for the fuel type since Q1 2024. The SMMT said demand peaked in months that saw big fuel price rises, and the growth was also set against relatively weak EV demand a year earlier amid VED changes.
Demand for used full hybrids increased by 31.2% during Q2, to 130,825 transactions, while plug-in hybrid transactions fell by 6.8%, to 22,856 transactions.
Petrol remains by far the most popular used car fuel type despite a 1.2% decline, to 1,121,243 transactions, while diesel was down by 7.2%, to 620,045 transactions, with this drop linked to weaker supply from the new car market.
Despite being out of production for several years, the Ford Fiesta remained the UK’s most popular used car in Q2, accounting for 73,570 transactions, ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa with 59,247 and the Volkswagen Golf with 55,786.
Growth ‘demonstrates sector resilience’
Mike Hawes, chief executive at the SMMT, said: “A return to growth is good news for motorists and the wider automotive sector, with sales of used EVs rising particularly strongly as more choice reaches more buyers.
“As the used market is where most people buy their cars, plentiful and affordable supply is vital, however, increasingly unrealistic targets in the new car market risk constraining that supply and pushing up costs. Urgent regulatory reform is needed to deliver a transition that works for every driver.”
Reacting to the SMMT data, Philip Nothard, insight director at Cox Automotive, said: “The modest growth we’ve seen in the used car market demonstrates the resilience of the sector. Encouragingly, we’re seeing no meaningful migration away from used vehicles towards an increasingly attractive new car market, and the underlying performance suggests the market is finding its natural level following several years of disruption.
“The rapid growth in used EV sales is a positive trend, but affordability remains the dominant influence on purchasing decisions, meaning the overall market outlook remains steady rather than transformational.”
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Used EV sales growth prompts servicing warning
Dave Brookfield, interim CEO at parts and training company LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “The continued growth of used plug-in sales would show that electric vehicles are becoming a firmly established part of the used-car market. As more vehicles change hands and move beyond dealer warranties, independent garages are investing in the skills, tools and equipment needed to service them, giving drivers greater choice over where they take their car.
“But there is still a capability gap to close. Unless the independent sector can build capacity quickly enough, demand for EV servicing and repair could begin to outpace the number of workshops equipped to meet it. Closing that gap is just as fundamental to the success of the UK’s transition to electric vehicles as the availability of charging infrastructure.
“Independent mechanics increasingly recognise that EV servicing will be central to the future of their businesses. But progress is being held back by concerns over access to vehicle data and the cost of investing in training, diagnostics and equipment. Garages need fair access to the information and tools required to compete, so motorists continue to benefit from local choice and competitive repair costs.”
Susan Wells, director of EV and Solar at green energy brand Hive, said: “A thriving used EV market is crucial to accelerating sustainable transport. We’re seeing strong growth this year, which signals genuine consumer confidence in EVs across all market segments and that they are successfully transitioning from early adopter territory into mainstream acceptance.
“However, this growth is dependent on having the right people in place. The government must prioritise investment in EV-related skills and training to support this growing sector. From technicians who can service electric vehicles to sales professionals who understand the technology, we need a workforce equipped for the electric future to sustain this momentum.
“Alongside this, we need investment in the expansion of public charging networks. Together, these are essential to ensure that accessible electric transport becomes a reality for all drivers, regardless of budget or location.”