A popular Ford discontinued by the American brand is the UK’s best-selling second-hand car, according to new data. Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found the Ford Fiesta topped the list of used car sales in 2025, with more than 300,000 models swapping hands.
A total of 303.090 Fiesta cars were sold, over 50,000 more than the Vauxhall Corsa which was the second best-selling used car with 247,853 transactions. The Volkswagen Golf was third with 226,082 changing owners, followed by the Ford Focus (218,962) and the BMW 3 Series (157,343).
After a 47-year production run, the Ford Fiesta is one of the most popular picks on the road, with millions of cars sold worldwide. However, the American car giant officially discontinued the model over two and a half years ago, with production at Ford’s Cologne plant in Germany ceasing back in July 2023.
Paul Barker, editor of AutoExpress, explained the data showed how much the Fiesta was still “missed” by motorists, with a replacement thought to be at least two years away.
Paul said: “The Ford Fiesta once again tops the used sales charts, which again is no surprise as its long-term position as the UK’s number one selling car means there are so many out there to choose from. But it does show how popular Ford’s baby still is, and how much it’s missed from Ford’s new car line-up ahead of any all-electric replacement potentially coming in 2028.”
SMMT data revealed the UK’s used car market has grown by 2.2% in 2025, with a total of more than 7.8million transactions. According to the SMMT, the increase marks three consecutive years of growth, with a significant rise in interest for electric and hybrid models.
Battery electric models surged 45.7% year-on-year with a staggering 274,815 transactions, with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales up by 6.3%.
Paul added: “With new car registrations also increasing, this isn’t simply a case of motorists opting for used over new, it points to a healthier market overall. The sharp 45.7% rise in used electric car sales, reaching a record 274,815 transactions and a 3.5% market share, reflects the growing supply of EVs entering the second-hand market.”