Electric cars remain the fastest-selling used vehicles
Electric cars held their position as the fastest-selling used vehicles for the third month in a row. New Auto Trader data shows used EVs sold in an average of 27 days in December. This is four days faster than December last year.
The wider used car market moved slower. The overall December average stood at 34 days, reflecting the usual seasonal slowdown for dealers.
Kia Niro EV
Kia Niro EV tops December sales speed
Electric models dominated December’s fastest-selling used cars list. The Kia Niro EV ranked first, selling in an average of 15 days. Several other EVs followed closely, including the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model Y, and Tesla Model 3.
This trend highlights strong buyer demand for used electric cars, especially practical models with proven reliability.
Middle-aged used cars drive demand
Most of the quickest-selling vehicles were aged between three and five years. Eight of the top ten models fell into this range.
Industry forecasts suggest this age group will face supply pressure. The impact of reduced new car registrations during the Covid-19 period continues to limit availability, especially for 5 to 7-year-old vehicles.
Why used EVs sell faster than the market average
Auto Trader data shows a clear gap between EVs and the wider used car market. Used EVs sold seven days faster than the overall average in December.
According to Auto Trader’s head of strategy and insights, Marc Palmer, middle-aged EVs offer buyers a balance of lower prices, lower running costs, and zero-emission driving. For retailers, these vehicles deliver stronger margins and faster stock turnover.
What retailers should expect in 2026
Supply constraints are set to increase next year, particularly for older used cars. Retailers who monitor data closely and diversify stock profiles will stay competitive as demand patterns shift.
Fastest-selling used cars in December
Data up to December 19
Kia Niro. SUV. Electric. 3 to 5 years. 15 days
Nissan Leaf. Hatchback. Electric. 3 to 5 years. 19.5 days
Tesla Model Y. SUV. Electric. 3 to 5 years. 20 days
Tesla Model 3. Saloon. Electric. 3 to 5 years. 21 days
Tesla Model Y. SUV. Electric. 1 to 3 years. 21 days
Kia Niro. SUV. Petrol hybrid. 3 to 5 years. 21 days
Toyota Corolla. Hatchback. Petrol hybrid. 3 to 5 years. 22 days
MG HS. SUV. Petrol. 3 to 5 years. 22 days
Mercedes-Benz EQA. SUV. Electric. 3 to 5 years. 23.5 days
Land Rover Range Rover Velar. SUV. Diesel. 5 to 10 years. 24 days
Slowest-selling used cars in December
Data up to December 19
Mini Hatch. Hatchback. Petrol. 3 to 5 years. 44 days
Mazda CX-30. SUV. Petrol. 3 to 5 years. 45 days
Ford Ka. Hatchback. Petrol. 10 to 15 years. 45 days
BMW 1 Series. Hatchback. Petrol. 1 to 3 years. 45.5 days
MG3. Hatchback. Petrol hybrid. Up to 1 year. 46 days
Vauxhall Mokka. SUV. Petrol. 1 to 3 years. 46.5 days
Toyota Aygo X. Hatchback. Petrol. 1 to 3 years. 50 days
Nissan Qashqai. SUV. Petrol hybrid. 1 to 3 years. 51.5 days
Nissan Qashqai. SUV. Petrol hybrid. Up to 1 year. 61 days
Volvo XC40. SUV. Petrol hybrid. 1 to 3 years. 62 days
