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UK-based automotive platform Auto Trader has revealed that the Mercedes-Benz GLB Class emerged as the fastest-selling used car of 2024.
The GLB Class took a median of 16 days to sell while the A Class followed closely at 16.5 days. These models sold significantly faster than the average used car, which took 30 days to sell last year, the company said.
Used cars, on average, sold two days quicker in 2024 than in 2023. This trend continues into this year, with used cars currently selling in about 39 days, marking the fastest start to a year since Auto Trader's records began in 2019.
Electric vehicles (EVs) were the “hottest” fuel type, selling in a median of 29 days, faster than petrol and diesel vehicles.
Demand for used electric cars accelerated, with EVs selling four days faster in the latter half of 2024.
This month, used EVs sold in 35 days, a day faster than January 2024 and almost two weeks quicker than January 2023.
Three to five-year-old electric models sold even faster, taking just 23 days to sell, compared to 29 days for petrol cars of the same age, Auto Trader said.
This trend persists in 2025, with “middle-aged” electrics selling over a week faster than the average used car.
However, “nearly new” EVs, up to a year old, are among the slowest-selling used cars, taking nearly 42 days to sell.
This reflects a broader trend, with used cars under 12 months old taking 34 days on average to sell. Price and affordability are key factors in this disparity.
Based on more than 800,000 daily observations, Auto Trader's pricing data shows that nearly new electric cars cost almost double that of three to five-year-old models, at £37,032 ($45,169) compared to £19,386.
Notably, three to five-year-old electric cars have reached price parity with petrol cars (£18,345) and are cheaper than diesel models (£23,400).
Auto Trader data and insight director Richard Walker said: "Despite general tight belting at the moment, car buyers were still happy to indulge in premium used cars last year. Not only did Mercedes-Benz top the list, but most of 2024’s hottest used cars were SUVs. We have entered January with real momentum, following an exceptional market performance last year.
“Cars sold at a rapid pace, demand was very robust, and prices were stable. But 2024 really was the year of the used EV, especially for those ‘middle-aged’ models which have become more accessible than ever, helping demand rocket over the last 12 months or so. It shows that when the price is right, car buyers are more than happy to make the switch to electric.”