The UK used car market recorded a second consecutive month of growth in February as consumer demand strengthened and pre registration activity eased.
New data from Brego’s latest Car Market Insight Report shows used car sales increased by 2.9% month on month in February, while total advert listings rose by 0.1%.
The figures suggest buyers returned to the market during the month, with dealer activity improving as the sector built on the rebound seen in January.
Demand conditions also strengthened. Average days to sale fell to 42 days in February, reflecting the increase in purchasing activity seen at the start of the year.
Footfall and enquiries up for Feb
Brego said dealer footfall and digital enquiries both improved during the month, supported by lower inflation, reduced fuel costs and slightly lower mortgage rates.
At the same time, pre registration activity declined. Pre reg volumes fell by 11.1% across the whole market in February, while pre reg EV volumes dropped by 26.2%, indicating reduced tactical registrations compared with January.
Electric vehicle supply continued to grow in the used market. EV advert volumes increased by 8.5% during February, while average EV prices fell by a further £583, following a £489 drop in January as older EV stock continued to enter the market.
The data also suggests a more varied pattern of consumer demand, with changes in both the fastest selling car and EV rankings. Brego said this may reflect tactical retail pricing and used car activity aimed at clearing older stock.
Speaking on the findings, Rupert Pontin, head of insight and communications at Brego, said:
“February was another encouraging month for the sector, with stronger used car sales and a more positive mood across the market.
“What stands out in the data is that demand appears to have broadened, with consumers showing more variety in their buying choices. That points to a healthier level of activity, even if trading conditions were still not equally strong for every dealer.”