April in review: Which cars sold fastest last month?

Older cars are this year’s hottest stock

The stats at a glance:

• 96% interest in ICE: The 10 to 15-year-old segment is almost entirely petrol and diesel.
• 9% price surge: Prices for these older cars are up 9% year-to-date (YTD).
• 27 to 30 days: These cars sell much faster than in previous years.

If you’ve noticed that your 2014 Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf is holding its value better than expected, you aren't imagining it. Demand for 10- to 15-year-old cars has skyrocketed, with prices up 9% so far this year.

For sellers: You’re in the driver's seat. These cars are selling in a lightning-fast 27 to 30 days. Buyers are craving the familiarity of analogue tech like physical buttons and simple engine, so your well-maintained older car is something of a premium asset.

For buyers: Competition is fierce. Because fewer new cars were produced during the pandemic years, the used car market is squeezed. This has pushed buyers toward older models, turning what used to be budget cars into more desirable purchases. If you find a good model, don't wait longer than you have to, it’ll likely be gone in a couple of weeks.

The two million milestone: EVs are hitting the mainstream

The stats at a glance:

• 59% growth: New EV registrations are up nearly 60% compared to last April.
• 2x enquiries: Enquiries for three- to five-year-old electric cars have doubled year on year.
• 28 days: Used EVs are selling in 28 days, a 3-day improvement over last year

The UK just hit a historic landmark: with two million electric cars now on our roads. In April alone, new EV registrations jumped nearly 60%, shifting the electric revolution out of the early-adopter phase and into the mass market.

For sellers: There’s a growing market for used electric cars and, for the first time, used EVs are accounting for one in every 10 sales of 0- to 5-year-old second-hand cars. They’re also selling three days faster than they did last year, as more people realize the "cost per mile" savings are too good to ignore.

For buyers: It’s even better, as used EV prices have softened recently, meaning you can often pick up a high-tech electric car for the same price as a petrol equivalent.

The rising popularity of Chinese brands

The stats at a glance:

• 69% dominance: Chinese brands now account for nearly 70% of all Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) enquiries.
• Top 10 breakthrough: Brands like Omoda and Jaecoo have entered the UK’s top-selling models list (Jaecoo 7 and Omoda 5).
• 13% market share: Plug-in hybrids hit a record share in April

If you haven’t already seen an Omoda or Jaecoo on the road, you will before too long.

These brands are winning by offering luxury features (panoramic roofs, 360-degree cameras, and premium leather) as standard at prices that established European brands are struggling to match. If you’re looking for a new car but feel priced out by traditional luxury brands, these newcomers are offering a lot of "bang for your buck", often backed by impressive seven-year warranties to help win over sceptics.

How to score a deal on a 76 plate

The stats at a glance:

• 9.9% average discount: New car discounts are holding steady near record highs.
• 17% demand jump: Retail demand for new cars is up 17% YoY.
• 27 days to sell: The overall market pace is steady, with the average car selling in under a month.

Despite the high demand, new car dealers are currently offering an average discount of 9.9%, which is one of the highest levels we’ve seen in years.

Because manufacturers are aiming to hit environmental targets, the biggest discounts are often found on electric and plug-in hybrid models. If you’re looking at a £35,000 car, there’s a chance you can shave nearly £3,500 off the sticker price in negotiations.

Your key takeaways for April

If you're selling: Your older petrol car is a "gold mine" right now. Clean, 10-year-old hatchbacks are the stars of the show.

If you're buying: Make the most of a wider variety of brands, and turn to the used EV market for the best value.