FORD'S Fiesta retained its title as the UK’s favourite used car purchase last year.

The second hand market grew 5.1 per cent to 7,242,692 transactions. For comparison, new car registrations totalled 1,903,054 in 2023.

Sales of used battery-electric cars rose 90.9 per cent to 118,973 transactions.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “A healthy new car market is key to driving choice in the used sector and it’s great to see record numbers of second and third owners benefitting from the growing availability of electric vehicles.

"The demand is there, but to sustain it we must enable every motorist to make the switch.

“The upcoming Budget is a prime opportunity for government to do just that – halving VAT on new EVs, while making public charging as easy and affordable as plugging in at home, would ensure a faster and fairer transition for all, giving the UK a green economic boost.”

Top 10 used car purchases in 2023: 1, Ford Fiesta, 308,017; 2, Vauxhall Corsa, 237,705; 3, Volkswagen Golf, 227,427; 4, Ford Focus, 223,417; 5, Vauxhall Astra, 160,736; 6, Mini, 158,298; 7, BMW 3 Series, 155,100; 8, Volkswagen Polo, 141,135; 9, Nissan Qashqai, 120,286; 10, Audi A3, 118,805.

Top 5 fuel choices: 1, Petrol, 4,079,555; 2, Diesel, 2,747,911; 3, Hybrid, 221,859; 4, Electric, 118,973; 5, Plug-in hybrid, 65,837.

Figures from SMMT.