The most popular cars 2024: used motors that sell the fastest

If you are selling one of these used cars, you can expect to shift it in record-setting time.

We’re in the midst of a peak time for used car sales, with car registration plates having launched last month.

Of course, drivers will want to sell their old motors as quickly as possible, with the proceeds going towards buying those newer models.

But which used cars are the easiest to offload?

A new study by Auto Trader reveals the second-hand motors that are selling most quickly on its platform and those taking the longest to find a new owner.

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The fastest-selling used cars

With an average selling time of just 12 days, the Peugeot 3008 is the most popular used car, according to the data.

The Mercedes-Benz also proved a winner with buyers, with two of its models finding a place in the top 10. 

Let’s take a look at the fastest-selling used cars based on the latest Auto Trader data.

Source: AutoTrader (based on data from four weeks to 12 April)

As you can see, these motors are shifting in incredibly short periods, with only a few days between the top and 10th place model.

On a national level, the average selling time for all used cars is 26 days, which is one day faster than this time last year.

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The slowest-selling used cars

Not every used car is snapped up so quickly. 

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

The Citroën C5X has the dubious honour of being the slowest seller, taking a whopping 139 days to change hands.

However, the Alfa Romeo Spider and DS AUTOMOBILES DS9 aren't far behind, on 133 and 132.5 days, respectively.

Frustratingly for sellers, the 10 slowest movers have all taken, on average, more than three months to attract a buyer.

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

Source: AutoTrader (based on data from four weeks to 12 April)

When the research is broken down by age, cars of between 10 and 15 years old are taking the longest to sell at 32 days.

This is more than a week longer than models from the fastest-selling age range of three to five years, which are shifting in just 24 days.

What are the most popular fuel types?

One of the key trends within the data is the growing appetite for hybrid vehicles, with six of the 10 fastest-selling cars being hybrid models.

Overall, cars of this fuel type take an average of 24 days to sell.

Used petrol cars aren’t far behind in the rankings, taking an average 25 days to shift. Meanwhile, diesel cars are on the market for an average 28 days.

Once the fastest-selling used car type, electric cars are now taking the longest to find a new owner, with an average selling time of approximately 29 days.

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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 middle man 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 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.

Carbuying sites such as Motorway and Cazoo 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.