The Ford Fiesta was the most popular used car in the UK in 2022, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), despite pre-owned sales falling by 8.5% because of supply issues.
More than 288,000 used Fiestas changed hands, comfortably outselling the second-placed Vauxhall Cora's 229,454 units.
The semiconductor supply issue caused by the Covid-19 pandemic initially affected the production of new cars globally, and that is now affecting the availability of secondhand cars. However, the SMMT's chief executive, Mike Hawes, is optimistic: "With new car registrations growth expected in 2023, more of the latest low and zero emission models should become available to second owners."
Used cars sales – the winners in 2022
- Ford Fiesta - 288,639
- Vauxhall Corsa - 229,454
- Volkswagen Golf - 216,227
- Ford Focus - 213,821
- Vauxhall Astra - 165,011
- Mini - 158,710
- BMW 3 Series - 155,264
- Volkswagen Polo - 137,517
- Audi A3 - 114,801
- BMW 1 Series - 112,312
Looking for a used car in 2023?
Planning to replace your vehicle this year? We can help you find the perfect car by knowing what to watch out for before you hand over the cash. Check out our extensive Common Problems library here.
Once you're the proud owner, we can help you look after it with a printed or online Haynes Manual, or an AutoFix – and save money on garage labour fees by doing the work yourself.
Start your search for a Haynes product here, or click on top 10 used car links below.
The top 10 used cars – and how Haynes can help you
1. Ford Fiesta
The supermini might be disappearing from new car showrooms soon but it's still a hugely popular used buy, with 288,639 used examples changing hands in 2022.
The most recent versions come packed with safety kit and feature ultra-efficient turbocharged three-cylinder Ecoboost petrol engines.
Find a Fiesta maintenance and repair product from Haynes here and watch our extensive YouTube content for the Fiesta and many of the models below for FREE.
2. Vauxhall Corsa
The Corsa has taken over from the Fiesta's former top spot in the new car sales charts, but for the moment it lags behind as a used car. It's a massively popular supermini, being one of the most sought-after used vehicles in the UK for first-time buyers, and is easy to maintain at home.
3. Volkswagen Golf
The Golf is one of the best second-hand cars for families. It holds its value well as a used buy and has a reputation for decent build quality – although it's not without its issues. The range now comprises fully electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel engines.
4. Ford Focus
Family cars have to satisfy on so many levels and the Focus and Golf have been arch enemies for decades as each new version tries to outdo the other. However, the Focus has always been the most fun to drive.
5. Vauxhall Astra
The Astra has long played second fiddle to its Ford Focus rival as a new car but the Vauxhall is worth a close look as a secondhand prospect, especially the Mk7 Astra from 2015.
Even entry-level Base trim brings alloy wheels, air-con, a seven-inch touchscreen and cruise control, while SRi adds sports seats, bigger alloys and auto lights and wipers.
6. Mini
The BMW-owned brand has cheated slightly here because Mini makes several models: the Countryman, Clubman, Hatchback and Convertible, all of which helped make up the 158,710 sales figure. Still, all are fun to drive and reasonably economical, although some versions are pretty cramped inside.
There are more practical rivals but few will have you grinning as much when you're in the driver's seat.
7. BMW 3-Series
Popular as a company car, BMW's compact executive makes a fine used buy. All versions are good to drive, well equipped and some of the smaller petrol and diesel engines are surprisingly economical.
The used 3 Series comes in saloon, hatchback, estate (Touring) and cabriolet body styles.
Service and repair the 3 Series yourself with a Haynes Manual or AutoFix
8. Volkswagen Polo
The VW Polo has never really been a star performer in the new car sales charts but its perceived reliability and build quality help it to eighth spot in the used sales chart. There are a few things to watch out for when buying a used Polo, though.
Like its Golf sibling, the Polo is comfortable to drive, but it isn't as much fun as the Fiesta or Mini.
9. Audi A3
Closely related to the VW Golf but a little more premium, the A3 is a rarer sight than its VW sibling in the classifieds but is much more searched-for on Google.
The A3 shares most of its mechanical parts with the Golf, which makes life easier when you're doing your own maintenance.
Search for your A3 maintenance and repair product from Haynes here
10. BMW 1-Series
BMW's small hatchback is also available as a coupé (later cars were called the 2 Series) and a convertible, but the hatch is most common on UK roads.
The first-generation model is now a bargain-priced buy, and is of a vintage that makes it a prime candidate for the home mechanic. Just make sure you check out these potential problems before you buy.
Look after your 1-Series with a maintenance and repair product from Haynes