The used car market continues to show considerable momentum in 2025, with buyer numbers rising and customer engagement increasing across BCA’s online sales programme during February and March, generating sustained demand across the wider used car market.
While average values slipped, month-on-month, down to £7,523 in February from £8,042 in January, this was largely as a result of the mix of vehicles, with all sectors performing strongly. In particular, older, higher-mileage profile stock was widely fought over as buyers widened the net to fill the gaps on their forecourts.
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Buyer engagement continued at exceptional levels in February according to BCA’s data, with the first week in the month setting a new record for active buyer numbers. February sold volumes were on a par with January’s figure, despite three fewer selling days. The strength of the market could also be seen with guide price performance remaining ahead of the same period prior year, and pushing further ahead again into March.
BCA COO Stuart Pearson said: “BCA’s online sales have been fuelled by some exceptionally strong buyer engagement during the first three months of this year, with our seven-day live auction programme providing our customers with every option to suit all of their buying needs. There’s a definite feeling of confidence in the wholesale market and with BCA’s weekly entries being significantly ahead of the same period last year, it is great to see the market absorb the volume and come back for more.”
“It is also interesting to note that we can already see that new car activity in March has lifted significantly and many dealers have worked hard to sift through part-exchanges quickly, with the strong market conditions helping to return cash quickly.”
“While EVs continue to be an area of the market that constantly attracts negative media attention, the facts are that by the end of the first quarter, BCA will have sold more than 12,000 used EVs and seen the number of buyers lift by 60% on the same period last year. While the performance of EVs against the guide price can often be volatile, we are seeing a very sensible approach from most sellers that is driving strong demand and is creating good retail returns, fully supported by BCA’s new EV grading process.”
“And finally, while Easter can often be a watershed for demand, with the volume of used vehicle retail activity currently taking place and the generally low levels of stock that most used car retailers are carrying, there is every expectation that we should continue to see a strong and stable market for some time to come.”
