9:27 am, January 7, 2026
The Volkswagen Golf was the most in-demand used car on Motors’ platforms last year.
That is according to newly-published search data, which found that the German favourite finally managed to topple the Ford Fiesta from its long held top spot.
The firm’s latest Market View analysis shows that the Golf accounted for nearly 3% of all online searches across both Motors and Cazoo in 2025.
That was enough to knock the Fiesta down into second position, ahead of its big brother – the Focus – as well as the BMW 3 Series and Vauxhall Corsa in fourth and fifth respectively.
Meanwhile, the data also shows that the Tesla Model 3 was once again the most viewed electric car, making up over 8% of online EV searches throughout the year.
The remaining spots in the top five were taken by the Nissan Leaf, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model Y and Renault Zoe.
On a brand level, Ford accounted for an impressive 11% of all used searches, making it the most popular carmaker of 2025, followed by Volkswagen, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Reacting to the findings, Lucy Tugby, marketing Director of Motors & Cazoo, said: ‘2025 proved to be another year of stability for the used car market with demand holding up, despite the ongoing economic challenges faced by many buyers.
‘Our Market View data for the year shows consistent levels of positive online engagement, with an encouraging increase in searches from Boxing Day and into the first week of January.’
Elsewhere, the average price of a used car in December was £18,102, up 3% (or £511) since January, with the rise driven by small month-on-month increases throughout the final quarter.
Petrol was the only fuel type to end the year stronger than it started, rising 0.8% (or £141) from £16,564 in January to £16,705 in December. While diesel dipped just 0.2% (£37) to £14,978.
Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles dropped more significantly with EVs down 4.3% (or £1,104) from £25,246 to £24,142 and hybrids down 2.9% (or £740) from £25,092 to £24,352.
Days to sell remained steady across the final quarter of the year averaging 31 in December, compared to 29 in November and 32 in October.
Overall, dealers maintained consistent stock levels throughout 2025 and followed seasonal trends with increases in the final month to an average of 58 units, two more than December 2024.
This restocking, in preparation for the New Year surge, was evident among both car supermarkets, up 10 units MoM to 225, and franchised dealers, up six units MoM to 69. While independent dealers held steady at 38 units.
Tugby added: ‘The ongoing alignment of EV values saw prices drop below hybrids in December, a trend we first identified in February, making the decision to stock used EVs more attractive for a growing number of car retailers.’
