Almost 7 million used cars were bought in the UK in 2022. While this is lower than it has been in previous years, that’s still a huge amount of cars being bought, traded and financed, and that doesn’t include many private sellers.

Knowing which models are popular can help you decide on what your next car should or shouldn’t be. Do you go for something that most people have chosen, believing it to be a good model, or do you want something a little different, less common on the road? Here are the top ten most popular used cars in the UK.

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta has been one of the most popular cars in the UK for almost a decade. It regularly used to top the most bought new car list, so it’s little surprise to see it make an appearance on the used car list.

Why is it popular? The Fiesta is a great all-rounder, suitable for drivers with all amounts of experience. Just starting out on the road? The Fiesta’s smart handling and ease of driving is perfect. Been driving for a while? The Fiesta is a smooth drive that doesn’t tax the brain too much. It’s also a great small family car.

Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is similar to the Fiesta in many ways, competing at the top of the bestseller list for both new and used cars. It’s especially popular with new drivers, thanks to the low prices you can find for older generations of this model.

Why is it popular? Another all-rounder, while it may not excel in any areas specifically, it ticks all the right boxes for the majority of drivers in the UK.

Volkswagen Golf

When I was growing up, the Volkswagen Golf was the entry level car for petrolheads in training. They just seemed to be faster and quicker than the Fiestas and Corsas other new drivers chose. So it’s good to see the tradition is still growing strong with it being so popular on the used car market.

Why is it popular? The Golf is seen as a sportier option than the other hatchbacks on this list. The range of engines available can give it a real boost, but it’s also great for those who just want a good car to drive.

Ford Focus

The bigger sister of the Fiesta, the Ford Focus has everything that makes the smaller model a success and adds more space and engine options. If you have a young family, the bigger boot can be a real bonus.

Why is it popular? You could write exactly what you said for the Fiesta here. The Focus is a great all-rounder and has that extra size that makes it ideal for families who perhaps can’t afford a crossover SUV.

Vauxhall Astra

The Vauxhall Astra has a lot of the same qualities as the Corsa that make it an efficient all-rounder. It is also very popular as a company car and, in its most recent generation, has one of the most striking designs on the road.

Why is it popular? The Astra works great as a company car but also makes for a great family vehicle, because of the larger boot space.

MINI

It’s not surprising to see that the MINI is one of the most popular used cars. Can you call something a cult classic if everyone thinks the same? It is surely one of the most beloved cars of all-time in the UK, even if it’s now made by a German company!

Why is it popular? The MINI is one of the most iconic cars, but it’s not just about looks. It’s a really fun car to drive that will always put a smile on your face as you nip in and out of traffic.

BMW 3 Series

It’s not just family cars and small hatchbacks that are popular on the used car market. The BMW 3 Series has the class and performance that many drivers want in a car marketed at professionals.

Why is it popular? The 3 Series is a model for executives that doesn’t break the bank, so it makes for a great entrance into cars that make a statement without leaving too big a blot on your bank statement.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo has transformed over the last few years into one of the best small family cars on the road. Whereas it used to just be a smaller, less cool version of the Golf, its size and styling has improved to make it a real option for young families.

Why is it popular? A comfortable drive with lots of space in the boot has made this one of the most sought-after small family cars with drivers and reviewers alike.

Audi A3

Another executive/statement car, the Audi A3 has been designed for autobahns with no speed limit, so it’s a good choice for those who want to eat up motorways on long commutes or business trips. That Audi styling is also hard to beat.

Why is it popular? It’s a premium model without the premium price on the used market, and it has some excellent tech options as standard.

BMW 1 Series

More affordable than the 3 Series, what the BMW 1 Series lacks in size, it makes up for in a well-crafted compact design. It makes great use of space to create a spacious interior, and the range of engines let you choose between power, efficiency or somewhere in between.

Why is it popular? The BMW badge alone is enough to get attention, but the 1 Series has been built to a high standard for a long time now, and is generally cheaper than the 3 Series, Audi A3 and other executive cars on the second hand market.

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