February 19th, 2025 – The UK’s used car market has kicked into high gear, with sales accelerating significantly in February. According to Auto Trader, the country’s largest automotive marketplace, used cars are now selling 10 days faster than in January, with the average time to sell dropping from 39 days to 29 days. Leading the charge are two Kia models, the Ceed Estate and the Carens MPV, both taking an average of just 11 days to find new owners.
Kia Ceed Estate and Carens MPV Take the Top Spots
The Kia Ceed Estate (petrol, up to a year old) has once again proven its popularity, securing the top position among the fastest-selling used cars. With its sleek design, family-friendly practicality, and Kia’s renowned seven-year warranty, it’s no surprise the Ceed is flying off the forecourts nearly two weeks faster than the market average. Sharing the spotlight is the Kia Carens MPV (diesel, 5-10 years old), which also sells in an average of just 11 days, highlighting strong demand for practical and reliable multi-purpose vehicles.
Demand for Newer Used Cars on the Rise
An emerging trend in February’s data is the increasing popularity of nearly new used cars. Half of the top 10 fastest-selling models are under a year old, including the petrol-hybrid CUPRA Leon and the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE, both of which take just 14 days to sell. This shift reflects growing consumer preference for newer vehicles that offer modern technology, better fuel efficiency, and strong manufacturer warranties.
Across different age segments, the acceleration in sales is evident. Used cars aged 1-3 years now sell in 31 days, down from 43 in January, while those aged 3-5 years are the fastest-moving group, averaging just 27 days compared to 39 last month.
Used EVs Continue to Outpace Petrol Cars
Fuel type also plays a role in how quickly cars are selling. Used electric vehicles continue to perform well, selling in an average of 29 days—slightly faster than petrol models, which take 30 days. This aligns with broader market trends where increased consumer confidence in EVs, combined with better charging infrastructure, is contributing to their growing appeal.
At the Other End of the Spectrum
While some cars are selling at record speeds, others are lingering on forecourts for significantly longer. The slowest-selling model in February was the BMW i5 electric saloon (1-3 years old), taking a staggering 152 days to sell. Other slow movers include the Porsche 911 convertible (10-15 years old, 131.5 days) and the Audi Q8 e-tron (up to 1 year old, 117 days), suggesting that high-end luxury and performance models are facing weaker demand in the second-hand market.
Market Outlook: Stronger Sales Momentum into Spring
Richard Walker, Data & Insight Director at Auto Trader, commented on the latest findings:
“The speed in which used cars are selling is a good barometer of the underlying health of the used car market, and as we fast approach the end of the first quarter of 2025, it’s clear the seasonal slowdown is being left in the rear-view mirror.
The Ceed has been a staple of our fastest-selling used car lists over the last few years, and it’s not a surprise; it offers great styling and family practicality, and of course Kia’s industry-leading seven-year warranty. Car buyers are still attracted by great value and peace of mind, and the fact the Ceed exceeded the current national average by around two weeks really highlights just how popular it is amongst car buyers.”
With demand surging and sales picking up across all segments, the UK’s used car market is showing robust signs of recovery. As buyers continue to seek out nearly new models, fuel-efficient options, and strong value-for-money vehicles, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the second-hand automotive sector.
