Selling a used car: the fastest- and slowest-selling models

A typical Mercedes Benz GLB Class is snapped up in just over a fortnight, while a Hyundai Ioniq 6 takes 125 days to attract a buyer.

The Mercedes Benz GLB Class was the fastest-selling used car in the UK in 2024, research has found.

According to data from used car site Auto Trader, this luxury SUV shifts in an average of 16 days.

Next up, is coincidentally another Mercedes, with the A Class hatchback shifting in 16.5 days.

Slowest movers: 125 days

At the other end of the scale, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 needed an average 125 days to shift.

The Lexus RX had the dubious honour of being the second slowest-moving vehicle at 114 days.

As we all know, trading in your old motor often depends on getting a good price for our current vehicle.

What about electric cars?

The experts dubbed 2024 as the year of the “middle-aged EV”, with these brands selling faster than any other car and finding a new home in an average 23 days.

On a national level, the typical selling time for all used cars during this period was 39 days.

This is three days faster than the same time last year.

Motorway shares inside track on used car prices

Fastest-selling used cars: 2024

Source: Auto Trader

Looking ahead,2025 also represents the fastest start to a year AutoTrader records began

21 used cars expected to soar in value

The slowest-selling used cars of 2024

Not every second-hand car is snapped up so quickly. 

So, which ones are hanging around the longest, according to Auto Trader?

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has the dubious honour of being the slowest-selling car in the research, at 125 days.

The Lexus isn't far behind – with a typical selling time of 114 days.

Frustratingly for sellers, the 10 slowest movers have all taken, on average over three months to find a buyer.

Here are the 10 slowest-selling used cars based on the latest Auto Trader data.

Source: Auto Trader/Money Mail

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A quick sale vs getting the best price

If you’re selling a used car, there are several things you need to consider, particularly which is more important to you ‒ selling quickly or getting the highest possible price.

If price is your main priority, advertising your car privately through the likes of Auto Trader will likely be the best option.

As you are selling the car directly to its next driver, there is no middleman wanting to take a cut.

However, there are downsides to consider, especially if you’re looking for a quick sale.

In reality, selling your car privately can be a slow process ‒ if there aren’t any buyers looking for your particular model, or if your ad isn’t very eye-catching, it could be months before you manage to sell it.

What about car dealers?

By contrast, the fastest way to sell a car is by trading it in when buying a new one

Car dealers are usually happy to take your old car off your hands and then sell it on.

The trouble is that this tends to fetch a pretty miserable price ‒ the dealer knows you’re desperate for a sale and can play on that to get you to accept a lowball offer.

However, there is a middle ground that allows you to sell the car quickly and get a respectable price.

Car-buying sites such as Motorway and Arnold Clark are a great option, since they connect you quickly with dealers who essentially compete to offer you the best price. 

Check out our guide to selling your car online to help work out which is going to be the best method for you. 

Or you can get a quote in seconds from Motorway by entering your reg number in the box below. Note this is an affiliate link, which means we might receive a small payment if you decide to sell your car but it won't affect the price you're offered. 

Have your say

Do you own any of the cars mentioned on our list? Have you found them good value for money?

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