Popular New And Used Cars, Colours and Data Trends of 2023

In 2023, the UK witnessed a surge in the used car market, indicating a robust 5.1% growth with a total of 7,242,692 transactions recorded across the nation, something second-hand motor trade dealers welcomed.

This growth trend persisted throughout the year, with four consecutive quarters of expansion reflecting a shift towards second-hand vehicle purchases.

Top 5 Used Cars in 2023

Ford Fiesta: 308,017

Vauxhall Corsa: 237,705

Volkswagen Golf: 227,427

Ford Focus: 223,417

Vauxhall Astra: 160,736

New data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) has shed some light on buyers’ preferences.

Black cars are the reigning champions in the used car segment, making up over 21.4% of total sales. Grey cars maintained their dominance, securing the top spot for the sixth consecutive year, while other colours like pink, cream, and maroon also found their niche among buyers.

A notable highlight was the remarkable surge in sales of used electric vehicles (EVs), which skyrocketed by over 90% to a record 118,973 units. Despite this impressive growth, diesel and petrol vehicles dominated the market, representing 94.3% of total sales.

Delving deeper into EV colour preferences, grey emerged as the undisputed favourite among private and motor trade drivers, commanding a market share of 26.8%. Monochrome colours, including black and white, maintained their stronghold, while blue saw a notable rise in popularity. Once again, colours like maroon, pink, and cream remained at the fringes of the market, catering to drivers seeking distinctive hues.

Interestingly, green, which is currently on trend, experienced a resurgence in demand, reaching its highest volume since 2005, signalling a potential shift towards eco-friendly colour choices. However, despite the rise of zero-emission vehicles, the preference for grey remained consistent across both conventional and electric cars. It is very unlikely either colour will impact the cost of your next insurance policy.