If you happen to own a classic car it is more than likely that you also possess a family saloon or hatchback for your day to day use such as commuting to work or popping to the supermarket to do a weekly shop. Therefore, you may find it of interest to read that the number of second hand cars sold here in the UK in the first 6 months of 2025 have risen in comparison to the same period last year.

According to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of used cars sold in the UK in the first 6 months of this year amounted to 4,017,106 whereas for the same period in 2024 the number of second hand cars sold in the UK totalled 3,931,318. That is an increase of 2.2%.

In the second quarter of 2025 there were 1,996,116 used cars sold in the UK compared to 1,963,395 used cars sold in the same quarter in 2024. That is a rise of 1.7%.

The top 5 selling used cars in Q2 of 2025 in the UK were: –

1. Ford Fiesta 76,486
2. Vauxhall Corsa 62,905
3. Volkswagen Golf 58,144
4. Ford Focus 55,333
5. MINI 41,887

The most popular used car colours in the UK in Q2 of 2025 were: –

1. Black 420,410
2. Grey 362,400
3. White 319,278
4. Blue 319,139
5. Silver/Aluminium 273,062

Whilst writing about used car sales in the UK, we also thought we would briefly mention how new car registrations are going in the UK.

Again, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of new cars sold in the UK in July 2025 amounted to 140,154 whereas in July 2024 there were 147,517 of such vehicles sold. That is a fall of 5.0% that is a sizeable drop.

There were falls in new car sales to both the private and fleet sectors but a small rise in sales to the business sector in July 2025 when compared with July 2024.

Perhaps one of the reasons why new car sales have fallen and there has been a rise in the number of used cars sold is because some car buyers are still struggling financially.

Whilst writing, may we remind you that if your existing classic car insurance is shortly coming up for renewal or you are buying your first classic car and require insure for it why not get in contact with us at your earliest convenience. We provide access to a reputable panel of insurers and will do all that we can to help you obtain a competitive classic car insurance quotation.