Millions of used cars are sold each year, making the UK used-car market a significant part of the automotive industry. For many drivers, a brand-new model simply isn’t realistic - and for others, it's unnecessary. Buying used offers a cheaper and more flexible route to ownership, often letting motorists pick up higher-spec cars and newer tech for a fraction of the cost of new.
According to RAC data published on August 12, 2026, the UK used car market grew in the second quarter (April, May and June), with sales up 0.7% to 2,009,318 vehicles, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It notes that "used battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales continued to surge in the second quarter" with "hybrid electric vehicles also enjoying significant growth."
Most Popular Colour for Used Cars 2026
RAC reveals that monochrome colours still led the used car market, reflecting the same trend seen in new car sales. More than 1.1 million used cars sold during the quarter were black, grey or white (1,134,536). Demand for all three rose year-on-year, with sales of black up 0.7%, grey up 4.1% and white up 4.7%. Together, these shades made up 56.5% of all used car transactions.
Blue stayed the fourth most popular colour despite a 1.1% fall in sales, while silver remained fifth even though transactions dropped 6.4% compared with the same period last year.
Most Popular Used Cars Q2 2026
Here are the most popular used cars bought in the UK in April, May, and June of 2026, according to SMMT data:
- Ford Fiesta - 73,570
- Vauxhall Corsa - 59,247
- Volkswagen Golf - 55,786
- Ford Focus - 52,283
- Volkswagen Polo - 38,972
- MINI - 38,694
- Nissan Qashqai - 38,333
- BMW 3 Series - 38,104
- Vauxhall Astra - 33,935
- Audi A3 - 32,614
Most Popular Used Car in Q1 2026
Here are the UK’s best-selling used cars in the first three months of 2026, according to SMMT:
- Ford Fiesta - 76,745
- Vauxhall Corsa - 62,201
- Volkswagen Golf - 56,236
- Ford Focus - 54,662
- Nissan Qashqai - 42,214
- Volkswagen Polo - 39,159
- BMW 3 Series - 37,621
- Mini - 37,438
- Vauxhall Astra - 35,340
- BMW 1 Series - 32,363
MOT Requirements for New and Used Cars
Car experts at Cinch explain: "If you’ve just bought a brand-new car, you don’t need to worry about getting an MOT for it until three years after the car’s registration date. When the car is three years old, it will need its first MOT test." However, "if you’ve bought a used car, you’ll need to ensure it has a valid MOT." It’s important to check the car’s service history to make sure it’s been regularly maintained and has consistently passed its MOT tests.
The car experts further warn: "You can get a hefty fine, penalty points, and even a driving ban for driving a car without an MOT. The only time it’s legal to drive a car without an MOT is if you’re driving it to or from a pre-booked MOT or car repair appointment. If you miss your MOT, you are not allowed to drive your car - unless you are on your way to a pre-booked MOT test or a repair appointment at a garage." You also can’t legally leave the vehicle parked on the road. Cinch further warn that driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, penalty points and, in some cases, a driving ban. On top of that, once your MOT expires, your insurance may be invalid, meaning you might not be covered if you have an accident while driving.
