According to data from the AA, the Ford Fiesta has taken the crown for the most popular used car in the UK during the first half of 2021. This won’t come as a shock to many dealers, given the Fiesta’s 6-year winning streak so far (soon to be 7 if it keeps up this year’s numbers!). Taking the silver in second place is the Volkswagen Transporter van, whilst the Ford Focus sits in third.
There were a few other interesting trends which appeared this year in the most popular used cars findings. Firstly, it seems that smaller cars such as superminis and hatchbacks are becoming more popular this year, with previously long-time top 10 SUVs such as the Nissan Juke and Qashqai being kicked off this year’s table in favour of cars like the Volkswagen Polo.
We know that Covid is affecting people’s car-buying habits, as drivers are now choosing to buy a vehicle instead of continuing with their normal commute on public transport. That probably means there are more buyers looking for a city run-around as opposed to a big family SUV. James Fairclough, the CEO of AA, reported that buyers are now looking for a car which is cheap to buy and economical to run, making smaller vehicles the ‘new favourites’ on the top 10 table.
On the flip side, there are two vans in the AA’s top 10: the VK Transporter in second, and the Ford Transit in ninth. According to the AA report, this could also be a result of the pandemic:
‘Their presence in the top 10 reflects that a number of people turned to delivery driving to bolster their income during the pandemic as millions of Britons switched to online shopping.’
The most popular cars of 2021 on AA Cars
- Ford Fiesta
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Ford Focus
- Volkswagen Polo
- Volkswagen Golf
- Ford Kuga
- Audi A1
- Audi A3
- Ford Transit
- Fiat 500
(Cars in bold also appeared on the AA’s most popular used cars list in 2020.)
The VK Transporter, Polo, Ford Kuga, Audi A1, Audi A3 and Ford Transit are all new to the table, having replaced last year’s Vauxhall Corsa, Insignia, Astra, Nissan Juke and Qashqai.
It’s also worth noting that Teslas are rising to the top of the table on the new car front, with the Tesla Model 3 named the best-selling new car to buy in the UK, based on data from June 2021. The report, which comes from The Car Expert, sees buyers looking more towards electric cars and hybrids ahead of the E10 fuel changes and the ban on manufacture of new petrol and diesel cars at the end of the decade.
Beyond its impressive sales figures, the allure of the Tesla Model 3 extends to a realm of personalization with tesla model 3 accessories. Owners can seamlessly enhance their driving experience, combining functionality with aesthetics through purpose-built additions like custom interior elements, advanced tech integrations, and specialized protective features, further solidifying the Model 3’s position as a leader in the evolving automotive landscape.
Popularity ratings aside, motor traders are also keeping an eye on what will shift in what’s been a tricky market. Stock has been a challenge this year, as has getting transport to shift it. The right motor trade insurance brokers will support with MID updates but also what vehicles can easily be covered on your trade plates as you move stock around.
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