The Ford Fiesta, a model no longer in production, has emerged as the United Kingdom’s most sought-after second-hand vehicle, according to the latest industry figures.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that the Fiesta dominated the UK used car market in 2025, with 303,090 units changing hands over the year. This placed it well ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa, which saw 247,853 sales, and the Volkswagen Golf with 226,082 transactions. The Ford Focus and BMW 3 Series completed the top five.
The Fiesta’s continued dominance comes after Ford ceased production at its Cologne plant in Germany in July 2023, ending a 47-year production run. The model has been a staple of British roads for decades, consistently topping new car sales charts and creating a large pool of vehicles now circulating in the second-hand market.
Paul Barker, editor of AutoExpress, commented on the enduring appeal of the Fiesta: “The Ford Fiesta once again tops the used sales charts, which is no surprise given its long-standing position as the UK’s number one selling car. There are so many of them out there to choose from. Its popularity shows how much it is missed from Ford’s current line-up ahead of any all-electric replacement, potentially coming in 2028.”
The wider UK used car market also showed steady growth in 2025. The SMMT reported more than 7.8 million transactions, marking a 2.2% increase and a third consecutive year of market expansion.
Electric vehicles were among the fastest-growing segments. Battery electric car sales jumped 45.7% year-on-year to 274,815 units, accounting for 3.5% of the used market, while plug-in hybrid sales rose 6.3%. Barker noted that these trends signal a healthier overall market, not just a preference for used over new cars: “The sharp rise in used EV sales reflects the growing supply of electric vehicles entering the second-hand market.”
The Ford Fiesta’s enduring popularity underscores its status as a British automotive icon and highlights the strong demand for familiar, reliable models even years after production ends.
