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The UK’s used car market has kicked off 2025 with its strongest January in years, as high demand and healthy pricing gave buyers and sellers plenty to smile about. Industry figures show record levels of consumer interest, brisk selling times, and stable prices across much of the market — a welcome sign after a few turbulent years.
January is traditionally a busy month for the used car sector, but this year’s activity surpassed expectations. Online searches and dealership visits surged compared with December, with many buyers eager to get ahead of potential price movements later in the year.
Dealers reported an unusually sharp rise in enquiries from the very first week of January, suggesting that pent-up demand from the quieter festive period played a role. Private sellers also saw more interest, with well-presented cars often attracting multiple offers.
The average time it took for a used car to find a buyer fell to its quickest January pace since before the pandemic. Popular models in the small hatchback, crossover, and family saloon categories often sold within a few weeks — and in some cases, days — of being listed.
Vehicles with good service histories, low mileage, and desirable features such as advanced safety systems or in-car tech were the fastest movers. This trend applied across both petrol and hybrid models, although certain electric vehicles also performed strongly in areas with good charging infrastructure.
After several years of volatile pricing, January brought welcome stability. The average asking price across the market showed only a minimal change compared with December, a sign that demand is keeping pace with supply.
While some segments, particularly older diesel cars, saw modest price drops, these were offset by continued strength in nearly-new vehicles and well-equipped mid-market models. For buyers, this meant more realistic pricing without a flood of bargain-basement deals — and for sellers, it meant achieving fair returns without lengthy negotiations.
Petrol cars remained the top choice for January buyers, accounting for the majority of sales. However, the share of electrified vehicles — hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and full EVs — continued to rise.
More affordable used EVs are entering the market as early adopters trade up to newer models. While battery condition and charging availability remain considerations for buyers, competitive pricing and lower running costs are making them a stronger proposition.
If you’re in the market for a used car in early 2025, the current conditions are favourable — but the most sought-after vehicles can still sell fast. To get the best outcome:
For private sellers and dealers alike, the brisk January market offered excellent opportunities. To make the most of the current demand:
With such a strong start to the year, many in the industry are optimistic for 2025 as a whole. The next few months will reveal whether demand remains at these elevated levels or steadies as supply continues to normalise.
Either way, January’s results have set the tone: the used car market is active, competitive, and offering opportunities for both sides of the transaction.