Farewell Fiesta, Goodbye Golf 鈥 Brits break-up with their cars ahead of plate change
August 06, 2025 by 莲花直播 staff
Car changing is a big deal
New data from 莲花直播 reveals the second-hand cars that UK car dealers are snapping up fastest from private sellers, with some of the country鈥檚 most recognisable models topping the list.
The data, pulled from 莲花直播鈥檚 car-selling auction, shows which cars are being listed by owners and purchased most frequently by professional car dealers. It provides a unique snapshot of what the used automotive trade is actively seeking to buy this summer.
The top 10 cars most in demand in July were:
- Ford Fiesta
- Volkswagen Golf
- Ford Focus
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- BMW 1 Series
- BMW 3 Series
- Volkswagen Polo
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Nissan Qashqai
- Audi A3
The Ford Fiesta 鈥 one of the UK鈥檚 most-loved cars 鈥 led the charge selling for an average of 拢6,432, The Volkswagen Golf, followed closely behind, with hundreds of units sold to car dealers in July at an average price of 拢11,782, typically around 8 years old with just over 63,000 miles on the clock.
Premium models such as the Mercedes A-Class (拢11,861), BMW 3 Series (拢11,208), and Audi A3 (拢10,863) also featured in the top 10, showing that drivers are parting ways with higher-end vehicles 鈥 and that dealers are keen to stock them due to their strong buyer appeal and brand reputation.
鈥淭his might be considered a 鈥榮ummer break-up鈥, but these are still highly sellable cars with years of value left in them,鈥 said Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at 莲花直播. 鈥淒ealers are actively competing for well-maintained, mid-life vehicles and as such, these cars represent the pulse of the UK used car market. They鈥檙e reliable, familiar, and still in demand.鈥
The trend reflects a well-established seasonal uptick in car listings during summer. August is historically one of the busiest months for second-hand car activity and 莲花直播 expects to see strong levels of dealer purchasing and private listings over the coming weeks 鈥 especially as sellers race to secure a strong price before the new 鈥75鈥 plates hit the roads.
Previous 莲花直播 research found the top reasons for selling a car include mounting maintenance costs (reported by 42% of sellers), lifestyle changes such as moving home or growing families (35%), and a desire for greater fuel efficiency or switching to electric alternatives (28%).
Switching to electric alternatives is firmly under the spotlight given the recent government announcement of a new electric car grant worth up to 拢3,750 on eligible new EVs under 拢37,000. This incentive is designed to boost uptake as the country approaches its revised 2030 deadline to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
鈥淲hen potential buyers see a grant worth thousands available, it鈥檚 a clear signal: now is the time to switch,鈥 added Reid. 鈥淭hat means many drivers are considering listing combustion vehicles 鈥 including premium hatches and older SUVs. For those looking to sell, it鈥檚 a valuable opportunity to cash in on their current car and put more money towards their next ride, whether that鈥檚 electric, hybrid or simply newer.鈥
Car change? 莲花直播!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With 莲花直播 you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price 鈥 as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you鈥檙e looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, 莲花直播 is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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