The UK car market has revealed some intriguing trends over the past year, thanks to a comprehensive analysis of 8.2 million vehicles sold in the UK between April 2023 and April 2024.
This new research, commissioned by digital car finance lender Carmoola, in partnership with vehicle valuations specialist Brego, provides a fascinating glimpse into which cars are hot commodities and which ones are struggling to find new owners. Here’s a deeper dive into the findings.
The Fastest-Selling Cars In The UK
Leading the pack as the UK’s fastest-selling car is the Peugeot 208. Averaging just 22 days on the market, this popular model combines style, efficiency, and affordability, selling at an average price of £10,662. This feat is particularly impressive given that it is not the least expensive among the quick-sellers.
Hot on the Peugeot 208's heels is the Kia Sportage, which takes approximately 23 days to sell, at a higher average price of £16,962. The Vauxhall Astra, while being the most budget-friendly among the top ten at £6,680, ranks third, typically selling in 24 days. Other notable mentions include the Nissan Qashqai and the Ford Focus, both averaging around 25 days to sell.
Here’s a snapshot of the UK’s 10 fastest-selling cars:
The average selling time across these models is about 25 days, with an average price of £10,216.90, showcasing a variety of options for buyers looking for both value and quick availability.
The Slowest-Selling Cars
On the flip side, some cars have been languishing on forecourts for significantly longer periods. The Renault Captur tops this list, taking an average of 79 days to sell. Priced at £11,371, it seems to struggle despite being relatively affordable. Other models that face similar challenges include the Mazda 3 (77 days) and the Volkswagen Golf (74 days), which may come as a surprise given the Golf’s iconic status.
Here’s a look at the UK’s 10 slowest-selling cars:
The average selling time for these cars is about 72.5 days, with a higher average price of £19,200.60. The disparity suggests that while some cars may be priced higher, price alone isn't the sole factor affecting their sales performance.
Tips To Speed Up Car Sales
For those looking to sell their cars faster, experts offer several tips:
- First Impressions Count: Invest in a professional clean, including both the interior and exterior. A spotless car is far more appealing.
- Transparency and Trust: Provide a complete service history to reassure potential buyers about the car’s maintenance and reliability.
- Visual Appeal: Use high-quality photos and videos to showcase the car from various angles. Good lighting and a clean background can make a significant difference.
- Fix Minor Issues: Address any cosmetic issues such as small dents or scratches. This shows that the car has been well-maintained.
- Highlight Unique Selling Points: Emphasise any unique features or recent upgrades to set your car apart from similar models.
- Market Awareness: Research the current market value of similar cars and set a competitive price. Being realistic while allowing room for negotiation can attract serious buyers.
- Targeted Advertising: Use popular car selling platforms and share your listing on social media and local community groups to reach a broader audience.
Insights From Carmoola
Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola, emphasises the importance of standing out in a crowded market:
"Car buyers now have more information and choice than ever before, so attracting their attention and encouraging them to buy your vehicle is no easy task.
“While price will always be a major factor, there are budget cars that are hard to shift and higher-priced cars that fly off the forecourt, so highlighting the value of your model and catching someone’s eye is paramount."
