Friday, 17th January 2025 – In a remarkable display of market dominance, Mercedes-Benz has claimed the top two spots on Auto Trader’s list of the fastest-selling used cars of 2024, with the GLB Class and A-Class leading the charge. According to the UK’s largest automotive platform, the GLB Class topped the rankings with an average sales time of just 16 days, while the A-Class closely followed, selling in an average of 16.5 days. Both models significantly outpaced the typical used car, which took an average of 30 days to sell last year, marking a notable shift in the speed of vehicle sales.
A Robust Start to 2025: A Year of Momentum
This fast-paced trend shows no signs of slowing down. As the new year begins, Auto Trader reports that January 2025 is on track to be the fastest start to a year since its records began in 2019, with used cars now selling in approximately 39 days—three days faster than at the same time last year. This acceleration in the pace of sales marks an encouraging recovery for the market and indicates a sustained demand for high-quality used vehicles.
The Year of the Used EV: Electric Vehicles Make Their Mark
The used electric vehicle (EV) market stood out as the undisputed star of 2024, with EVs selling faster than any other fuel type. In fact, electric cars took just 29 days to sell on average last year, beating out both petrol (30 days) and diesel (31 days) models. A closer look reveals even more impressive data: the average used EV sold four days faster in the second half of the year compared to the first.
The rise of ‘middle-aged’ electric cars—those aged 3-5 years—has been particularly noteworthy. These models sold at an astonishing pace, averaging just 23 days to find new owners. This was the fastest-selling segment across all fuel types, beating out similarly aged petrol and diesel vehicles, which typically took over 29 days to sell. The trend continued into January 2025, with ‘middle-aged’ electric cars continuing to sell more than a week faster than the overall market.
Price Parity Drives Demand: Electric Cars Become More Accessible
A key driver of this growth in EV sales is affordability. Used electric vehicles have reached price parity with their petrol counterparts, with 3-5-year-old EVs now priced on average at £19,386—only slightly more than the average petrol vehicle (£18,345). This price parity has made electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of buyers, fuelling their rapid sales.
The pricing gap between new and used electric vehicles, however, remains considerable. Nearly new EVs (those up to one year old) still come with a hefty price tag, averaging £37,032, which is nearly double the price of a 3-5-year-old model. This disparity in pricing has caused ‘nearly new’ EVs to sell slower, with some taking an average of 42 days to move off forecourts. Yet, this doesn’t diminish the fact that EVs remain the fastest-growing segment in the used car market.
A Positive Outlook for the Market
Richard Walker, Data & Insight Director at Auto Trader, noted that despite the challenging economic environment, there has been robust demand for premium used cars, with many of the top sellers being higher-end models. “Mercedes-Benz topped the list, but many of 2024’s fastest-selling used cars were premium SUVs,” he explained. “We’ve entered January with real momentum, following a very positive market performance last year. Demand has been robust, cars are selling faster, and prices have remained stable.”
He continued, “2024 really was the year of the used EV, particularly for middle-aged models, which have become more accessible than ever. This trend shows that when the price is right, car buyers are eager to make the switch to electric.”
A Glimpse into the Top Performers:
While Mercedes-Benz claimed the top spots, the broader market revealed a significant appetite for SUVs, hybrids, and EVs. The Peugeot 3008 and Ford Kuga were also among the fastest-selling models, highlighting the continued popularity of fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. The MG ZS and Vauxhall Grandland X rounded out the top five, offering more affordable options for those seeking rapid turnover and value.
On the flip side, slower sales were seen in certain segments, with premium models like the BMW i5 and Audi Q5 lagging behind, taking longer to sell, especially in the ‘nearly new’ category. This suggests that while buyers are moving quickly on high-demand vehicles, there remains some hesitation around more expensive options in uncertain times.
The Future is Electric
Looking ahead, the data clearly shows a continued shift towards electric vehicles. With ‘middle-aged’ electric models leading the charge and a rising number of consumers showing interest in affordable EV options, the future of the used car market looks electric. As prices for used EVs continue to align more closely with traditional fuel-powered vehicles, we can expect this trend to strengthen throughout 2025, as both demand and availability of electric vehicles grow.
In summary, 2024 was a landmark year for the used car market, with Mercedes-Benz taking the top spots and electric vehicles gaining unprecedented momentum. As we move into 2025, the market’s early performance suggests a year of continued growth, innovation, and electrification—driving the future of the UK’s automotive landscape.
