The number of used cars sold in the UK shrank slightly in the third quarter of 2017, the second consecutive quarter of falling sales, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

2,102,078 second hand cars changed hands from July to September, representing a year-on-year fall of -2.1%.

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Year-to-date, 6,338,188 used cars have been sold, up just 0.1%, thanks to a bumper first quarter.

In terms of vehicle segments, superminis were the best-selling type of vehicle, taking a third of the market (33.6%). SUVs and mini vehicles were the only segments to grow in terms of sales, however.

Alternatively fuelled hybrid and electric cars still only made up a tiny proportion of used car sales in the quarter, just 25,196, however this number was a notable jump compared to the same last year – up 17%.

The SMMT noted pure electric vehicles, in particular, proved increasingly popular, with sales up 66.4%.

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Diesel sales also witnessed a growth over the period – up 4.2%, while petrol sales fell 6.5%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The used car sector remains in good health as motorists take advantage of some great deals on cars – including some of the latest low emission diesel and alternatively fuelled vehicles. However, as demand in the new car market cools, used car sales normally follow suit unless there are significant tax changes affecting the new car market. Fleet renewal is the fastest way to improve air quality, however, so we need economic and political certainty to boost buyer confidence and keep both markets moving.”