More than 1,750,000 used cars were sold in Q3 2012, up 0.5% year-on-year and 1.7% compared to Q2 2012, according to figures published by the Experian Automotive Used Car Sales Index.

The figure of 1,757,320 sales comes despite the year-on-year rise in used car prices reported by British Car Auctions (BCA).

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The change was spurred by growth in the SUV, supermini and mini segments, which grew 6.4%, 3.3% and 1.6% respectively.

All other segments contracted, with sales of used luxury cars experiencing the biggest drop of any segment, at 3.1%, whilst the MPV segment fell 1.4% in its first year-on-year drop since 2005.

Fitter, smaller, more efficient

Hybrid and electric models saw the most significant sales increases within their categories, as used hybrid car sales increased 58.3% to 6,191 and used electric car sales increased 26.9% to 1,110 cars.

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In comparison, second-hand diesel car sales grew 7.9%, whilst used petrol car sales shrank 2.8%.

The Ford Focus sold 78, 600 units in Q3, making it the most popular car sold for the second quarter in a row, whilst the Ford Fiesta remained the second most popular. The Fiesta was also named Used Car of the Year 2012 by valuations firm CAP.

Andrew Ballard, strategic director at Experian Automotive, noted that the figures showed a clear trend towards smaller or more efficient models, as spoken of at the Finance & Leasing Association used car seminar in the summer, and commented: "We know from talking to the industry that many consumers are now walking into dealerships with a clear idea of what vehicle they want to buy."

Further data and analysis from the Experian Automotive Used Car Sales Index will be published in the January issue of Motor Finance magazine.