12:30 pm, December 22, 2025
Electric cars maintained their position as fastest-selling used cars for the third consecutive month, as ‘middle-aged’ models dominated the market.
New data from Auto Trader shows EVs have been selling within 27 days in December – four days faster than the same month last year. Electric cars dominated December’s fast-selling used cars chart, listed below, with the Kia Niro EV leading the way, taking on average just 15 days to sell.
The speed of sale of EVs is in sharp contrast current December average for used cars, which stands at 34 days. Auto Trader said this was consistent with the usual seasonal slowdown for car dealers.
Of the month’s top-10 quickest-selling used cars, all but two were aged between three and five years old. It’s predicted that this age group will see the biggest supply constraints as the effects of the Covid-19 years continues to play out.
Marc Palmer, Auto Trader’s head of strategy and insights, said: ‘EVs have ended the year firmly in the fast lane.
‘It’s clear in the data that electric vehicles, particularly “middle-aged” models, are hitting a sweet spot – giving drivers affordable and clean motoring as well as retailers a path to profit.’
Palmer added: ‘Looking ahead to 2026, the winners will be those who stay closest to the data and leverage the latest market intelligence.
‘With supply of 5–7-year-old cars set to tighten next year, retailers who adapt and diversify their forecourts will be well positioned to make the most of a changing market.’
Fastest-selling used cars in December (up to December 19)
1. Kia Niro – SUV, Electric, 3–5 years – 15 days
2. Nissan Leaf – Hatchback, Electric, 3–5 years – 19.5 days
3. Tesla Model Y – SUV, Electric, 3–5 years – 20 days
4. Tesla Model 3 – Saloon, Electric, 3–5 years – 21 days
5. Tesla Model Y – SUV, Electric, 1–3 years – 21 days
6. Kia Niro – SUV, Petrol Hybrid, 3–5 years – 21 days
7. Toyota Corolla – Hatchback, Petrol Hybrid, 3–5 years – 22 days
8. MG HS – SUV, Petrol, 3–5 years – 22 days
9. Mercedes-Benz EQA – SUV, Electric, 3–5 years – 23.5 days
10. Land Rover Range Rover Velar – SUV, Diesel, 5–10 years – 24 days
Slowest-selling used cars in December (up to December 19)
1. Mini Hatch – Hatchback, Petrol, 3–5 years – 44 days
2. Mazda CX-30 – SUV, Petrol, 3–5 years – 45 days
3. Ford Ka – Hatchback, Petrol, 10–15 years – 45 days
4. BMW 1 Series – Hatchback, Petrol, 1–3 years – 45.5 days
5. MG3 – Hatchback, Petrol Hybrid, up to 1 year – 46 days
6. Vauxhall Mokka – SUV, Petrol, 1–3 years – 46.5 days
7. Toyota Aygo X – Hatchback, Petrol, 1–3 years – 50 days
8. Nissan Qashqai – SUV, Petrol Hybrid, 1–3 years – 51.5 days
9. Nissan Qashqai – SUV, Petrol Hybrid, up to 1 year – 61 days
10. Volvo XC40 – SUV, Petrol Hybrid, 1–3 years – 62 days
