If you’re monitoring the UK used car market, you might have noticed that it’s continuing to serve as a steady economic performer despite global ups and downs. According to industry expert Cox Automotive, the UK used car market is expected to deliver around 7.64 million units in 2025, reflecting impressive stability amid wider market uncertainties. But what’s proving the driving force and what trends should car buyers and retailers look out for?
UK Used Car Market Stability Forecast 2025
Cox Automotive predicts flat year-on-year performance, yet this figure remains 3.6% above the long-term average from 2001 to 2019. This indicates that the used car market continues to be dependable amid volatility elsewhere.
Notably, petrol and diesel car values have shown remarkable resilience. Cox’s latest report indicates that used petrol vehicles maintained an impressive 60% of their original cost new (OCN) from October 2023 to April 2025, marking significant stability compared to the 6% dip witnessed in the previous year. Hybrid values dropped by only 4%, and diesel by 7%, demonstrating sustained consumer appetite across vehicle types.
Supply constraints—a lingering hangover from pandemic-related slowdowns—have particularly impacted the availability of vehicles aged three to five years. Thankfully, these constraints are expected to ease in the latter half of 2025, providing retailers with increased stock and greater flexibility in pricing. Philip Nothard, insight director at Cox Automotive, explains, “Strategic stock selection and strong retail pricing will be crucial to sustaining profitability in a supply-constrained environment.”
Used EV Prices Dropping as Sales Surge
One of the standout trends in 2025 is the surge in used electric vehicle (EV) sales combined with steadily falling prices. According to Marketcheck, the average price of a used EV in the UK has dropped by over £7,400 in two years, from £30,441 in May 2023 to just £23,029 in May 2025. Meanwhile, sales volumes nearly tripled over the same period, leaping from around 7,000 units to almost 20,000 units sold monthly.
The sharp price decline has made electric vehicles significantly more accessible, attracting a wider demographic of buyers. January 2025 alone saw a whopping 64.6% jump in EV sales volumes as prices continued to decrease.
The message here is clear: if you’ve been considering an electric car but held off due to cost concerns, 2025 could be your year.
(For more details on EV pricing and availability, Auto Trader UK provides comprehensive market data.)
Top Chinese Car Brands in UK & Europe 2025
Have you noticed more Chinese car brands on UK roads recently? That’s because Chinese manufacturers have substantially expanded their presence across Europe. But who exactly are these key players?
- BYD Cars: A standout performer in 2025, BYD registrations skyrocketed nearly 400% year-on-year, almost matching Tesla’s sales volumes. BYD’s models, such as the Seal U, have rapidly gained popularity. (https://www.byd.com/uk)
- Jaecoo: Outperforming established brands like Honda, Jaecoo’s rise in Europe has been impressive, driven by models like the Jaecoo 7 SUV. (https://jaecoo.co.uk/)
- Omoda: Not far behind, Omoda’s distinctive style and tech-focused vehicles helped it overtake Mitsubishi in monthly sales. (https://omodaauto.co.uk/)
- Leapmotor & Chery: Though still growing, Leapmotor and Chery have made significant inroads. Chery’s European revival, partnering with Spain’s Ebro, has brought exciting new models that resonate with value-conscious buyers. (https://www.leapmotor.net/uk) (https://www.cheryinternational.com/)
Chinese car brands’ rapid ascent is partly due to their competitive pricing, impressive technology and savvy shift towards greener fuel sources that align perfectly with European consumers’ evolving preferences.
Conclusion
Overall, the UK’s used car market demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. Whether it’s traditional petrol and diesel vehicles maintaining strong residual values or the rapidly evolving landscape of affordable electric cars, 2025 looks set to provide ample opportunities for savvy buyers and retailers.
With supply constraints easing and new brands shaking up the market, it’s a fantastic time to explore your automotive options.
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