Robust overall demand in 2024: 978 million cross platform visits to Auto Trader in 2024, up 7% year-on-year, continuing the trend of positive growth (+14% YoY growth recorded in 2023).
Used EV demand rockets: demand for used EVs increased 51% on Auto Trader in 2024.
Electric fastest selling used cars: In 2024, EVs were the fastest-selling fuel type on retailer forecourts, taking an average of 29 days to sell vs 30 for petrol and 31 for diesel. 3–5-year-old EVs was the fastest selling segment of the whole retail market, taking an average of just 23 days to sell.
Black cars most popular: for the fourth year in a row, black was the most viewed car colour on Auto Trader in 2024, with over 600 million views. Grey was second with 467 million.
Fiesta, forever: the Fiesta was once again the most advertised car on Auto Trader last year, with circa 106,000 listings. The Volkswagen Golf came in second with 94,000 listings, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa, with 90,000 adverts.

2024 was another significant year for the used car market; prices were stable, cars sold at a record pace, and demand was exceptionally strong, as reflected in the near billion visits to our marketplace. All this against an uncertain economic and political backdrop. With car buyer confidence remaining positive, I’m sure 2025 will be another strong year for used car sales.

Key spokesperson

Ian Plummer

Commercial Director

CONNECT

“2024 also marked a significant step forward in the electric vehicle transition. Last year demand for used EVs surged 51% on Auto Trader, and they sold faster than any other fuel type. With a growing number of used electric models aged around 3-5 years old at price parity with petrol equivalents, affordability is clearly the tipping point for car buyers. Combined with more choice and greater availability, the case for switching has never been more compelling.

“Knowing that affordability of EVs is the most significant barrier to people making the switch, we would urge the government to financially support the sale of both new and used EVs which could be achieved by support on the upfront cost, underwriting finance on the cars as has been mooted, or by removing additional tax and running cost charges. At this point in the transition, we need to offer more positives of making the switch, not create more barriers to entry.”