Used Car Sales Up 0.5% in Q3 as Used EVs Jump 23%

The UK's second-hand car market has kept ticking along. 📈

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), published on 9 November 2026, show 2,030,619 used cars changed hands between July and September. That's up 0.5% on the same period last year.

It's modest growth, but steady. Here's what's behind it, and what it means if you're buying a used car on finance.

The headline numbers

So far in 2026, 6,056,169 used cars have been sold, up 0.3% year to date.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the market "remains on course for its best year since the Covid-19 pandemic".

That's a good sign for buyers. A busy market usually means more choice on forecourts and more competition between dealers.

Used EVs keep climbing ⚡

The standout figure is electric. Used battery electric car (BEV) sales rose 23.2% to 97,625 in the quarter.

They now make up just under 5% of the used market, up from 3.9% a year ago. Year to date, used BEV sales are up almost 40%.

Part of the reason is supply. The big wave of new EVs registered two or three years ago is now coming back as ex-lease and ex-fleet cars, often at much lower prices than new.

Hybrids grow, plug-ins slip

Hybrid (HEV) sales jumped 25.9% to 135,204, giving them a 6.7% share.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) went the other way, falling 13.3% to 20,911 in the quarter.

Meanwhile, petrol remains king at 56.6% of the market, while diesel dropped 5.3% to a 30.7% share. Petrol and diesel together now account for 87.5% of used sales, down from 89.5% a year earlier.

SUVs and superminis lead the way

Superminis are still the most popular type, with 650,511 sales and a 32% share.

SUVs posted the fastest growth of any segment, up 8.5% to 368,428. Lower-medium cars, think family hatchbacks, slipped slightly.

And if you like a colourful car, you're in the minority. Black was the top colour at 21.2%, with black, grey and white making up more than half of all sales. 🖤

What this means for finance buyers

A few practical takeaways if you're shopping for a used car on finance this winter:

More used EVs means more choice – and often keener prices than a year ago
Hybrids are in demand, so good examples may hold their value well
A steady market helps lenders feel confident about residual values on used PCP deals
Interest rates are higher after the Bank of England's recent rise to 4%, so comparing APRs matters more than ever

💡 Rising used EV numbers also mean more cars that qualify for lower running costs, which can help your overall monthly budget, not just the finance payment.

Should you wait or buy now?

There's no perfect moment, but late autumn and winter can be a good time to buy. Dealers often want to hit year-end targets, and forecourts are well stocked.

The key is to focus on the total cost, not just the monthly figure. Look at the APR, the deposit, the term and any final payment together.

Need help finding the right deal?

Whether you're after a used EV, a hybrid or a trusty petrol supermini, We Finance Your Asset can help you find finance that suits your budget. We work with drivers across Reading, Berkshire and the rest of the UK. 🚗

Get in touch and we'll talk you through your options, with no pressure.