The fastest-selling, most popular used cars of 2024 (and what we’re seeing so far this year)
The last year has once again been a strong showing for the used car market. Used car sales have risen to circa. 7.6 million transactions (based on current forecasts), up from 7.24 million in 2023.
We have seen demand remain strong on our platform, up 6.1% vs 2023 with, the supply and demand dynamics of the year meaning that the overall Market Health for the year was a highly respectable 9.93%.
Last year also saw cars shifting at a faster rate than the year prior, with used cars taking a median of just 30 days to sell in 2024, vs 32 days in 2023. And none sold faster than the Mercedes GLB Class, which topped our annual list of the fastest-selling cars, taking a median of just 16.5 days to sell in 2024.
The GLB Class was joined on the list by a further seven SUV stable mates, demonstrating the continuing popularity of this body type. The list also included two electric vehicles (EVs) in the Polestar 2 and Mazda MX-30. A more granular view of the market reveals that electric was the hottest overall fuel type last year, with EVs taking a median of just 29 days to sell, faster than both its petrol (30) and diesel (31) counterparts. Highlighting the recent acceleration in demand for used electric, the average EV sold four days faster in the second half of the year than in the first.
An even deeper dive into Auto Trader’s data reveals that 3-5-year-old electric models sold at an even greater pace last year. In fact, EVs of this age group took just 23 days to sell, making it the fastest segment of the whole market. In contrast, a petrol car of the same age, took over 29 days to sell.
Despite SUVs topping the charts on speed of sale, the top ten most popular used cars on our platform, based on advert views, are all of the humble hatchback and saloon variety with mainstays such as the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 3 Series topping the list. These highly popular, well-known models look set to continue drawing the eyes of consumers in the years ahead, but, as we see the volume of used EVs on the market rise, we could see these traditional models supplanted by newer, electrified models.
The Volkswagen Golf remains the most popular used car on our platform
What are we seeing now?
The good news is that 2025 has started off strong. Demand remains robust with the current overall Market Health sitting at a positive 1.88%.
More reassuringly, we are seeing a particularly strong median days to sell with the month so far seeing vehicles shift in just 39 days. This is compared to 41 days in January 2024 and 42 days in 2023. The current top ten fastest-selling have a particularly strong showing of nearly new models, with seven under-one-year-old vehicles now on the list for the start of the year as well as two electric vehicles.
So all indications are pointing to a strong start to the year. But what do you think we can expect in the months ahead? Let us know in the comments.