Car supermarkets and franchised dealers started the year with stronger used car inventories than last January but saw vehicles sitting longer on forecourts according to the latest Market View from MOTORS.
For these dealers, the year got off to a slower start than in 2024 with the sold conversion rate down 11% and 13% respectively, while independents increased their sales by 1%. Overall January’s sales volumes were down 4% year-on-year (YoY).
The slow uptake was also reflected in an increase in days to sell, up month-on-month (MoM) from 33 to 35 days and YoY (30 days).
Stock levels across all dealer types averaged 51 cars, on a par with 50 units last January, but down MoM from 55 units, although this was the highest level recorded in 2024. Car supermarkets entered the year with 11% more stock than 2024 and franchised dealers were up 5%, whilst independent dealers were flat.
The average price of a used car on MOTORS in January was £17,619, up just 0.3% (£57) MoM, in line with the incremental movements seen throughout last year, and 1% up YoY from £17,461.
The biggest MoM price rise by model was the all-electric MG4 (1-2 years) which increased 9% to £24,319, while the biggest dip was the hybrid Hyundai Tucson (1-2 years) dropping 6% to £26,490.
The fastest selling used car in January was the Cupra Formentor (19 days), followed by the MG3 (20 days) Tesla Model 3 (21 days), MG ZS (21 days) and MG HS (23 days).
Ford was the most viewed car brand, accounting for 13% of online views, followed by Volkswagen (9%), Mercedes-Benz (8%), BMW (7%) and Audi (7%).
“January traditionally gets off to a slow start for the used car market as buyers contend with Christmas bill payments and families prepare for the new school term. However, this year was compounded by a succession of storms bringing high winds, flooding and snow to most of the country,” said Lucy Tugby, Marketing Director of MOTORS.
“As a result dealers saw their sales conversion drop, compared to the same period last year, with many now carrying over unsold stock into February.
“We have seen a solid growth in traffic during January which we anticipate will translate into showroom footfall over the coming weeks,” said Tugby.
