These are the 10 used cars that changed hands the most in 2023

The UK used car market had a fantastic 2023, growing 5.1 percent.

Used vehicles were snapped up during this period of high living costs by motorists who wanted cheaper wheels.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recorded 7,242,692 used car transactions last year. 350,000 more than in 2022.

Which models of the more than seven million cars bought and sold changed owners most often? We reveal all using SMMT data below…

10. Audi A3 – 118,805 transactions

The last place in the top 10 goes to the smart and stylish Audi A3.

A hatchback that has been popular since its launch in 1996, the A3 is now in its fourth generation. It is a premium all-rounder that meets the requirements of a badge, a stylish interior and a good balance between functionality and style.

There is a wide range of efficient engines to choose from, and it is spacious enough for a small family. But it’s the luxurious cabin, sleek design and – compared to rivals of similar generations – fancy technology that make this gateway to the Audi brand so attractive.

9. Nissan Qashqai – 120,286 transactions

Launched in 2007, the Qashqai was the car that really kicked off the family SUV trend and the compact crossover chaos and has been a huge success ever since.

It was not the first crossover, but it was the one that captured the imagination.

While it offers owners the higher driving position and more rugged looks of a 4×4, it still retains the everyday charm and convenience of a smaller hatchback.

But it’s the low running costs and affordable price that make the Qashqai so attractive to so many.

8. Volkswagen Polo – 141,135 transactions

The VW Polo, which has graced British roads since 1976, is a small car that pretty much everyone likes.

It is the little brother of the VW Golf: a perfect means of transport in the city, and also a refined highway cruiser. It is cheaper to run than its bigger sister, very economical in terms of engine choice, comfortable and refined.

It’s also more affordable than rivals such as the Audi A1, meaning the Polo offers a decent mix of badge appeal and value for money.

7. BMW 3 Series – 155,100 transactions

The first of the sedans to enter the top 10, the 3 Series is one of the best luxury cars you can buy – new or used.

The 3 Series has been part of our lives for more than 40 years since the E21 first graced our roads, and it remains a flagship of the BMW brand.

One of the most popular sports saloons in the 1970s, six generations later, today’s 3 Series effortlessly combines the performance of efficient yet punchy engines with smoothness and refinement.

It is also considered a bit of a looker. And the interior is a heady mix of sumptuous leather and driver comfort, as well as easy-to-use infotainment and technology.

6. Mini – 158,298 transactions

The Mini is a British legend. A personification of the blue, red and white of the Union Jack.

From Mr Bean to The Beatles, the Mini has had some of the world’s most notable owners, famous or fictional. Add to that the influence this little car achieved when it won the Monto Carlo Rally in one of the most spectacular victories in the history of international motor racing, and you can see why it remains so loved today.

From the Cooper S to the Mini Electric – the hatchback range has a range of powertrains and performance to suit all tastes when it comes to used purchases.

5. Opel Astra – 160,736 transactions

Although it’s a sensible Sally rather than an enthusiast’s dream garage car, the Vauxhall Astra has long been one of the most popular cars in Britain because it offers good value for money.

It first debuted in Britain in 1981, replacing the Vauxhall Viva, and has since been one of the best-selling cars in Britain for many years.

A five-door hatchback big enough for a small family, the Astra is understandably a favorite for many Brits.

The last two generations of the Astra are considered a huge step forward – with more space, a wider range of efficient engines and better technology.

4. Ford Focus – 223,417 transactions

Between 1999 and 2009, the Ford Focus was the best-selling new car in Britain.

But Ford has confirmed that its family car will cease production in 2025 as it shifts its focus to electric vehicles.

Not only has the Focus picked up a bit of automotive history, but it has also recently undergone a heavy update, so second-hand buyers get a lot of car for their money when they buy a nearly new one.

It is known for matching more expensive rivals in terms of space, interior quality and comfort. Available as a hatchback or estate, the Focus is family-friendly, but the estate is the spacious option for long-distance holidays.

3. Volkswagen Golf – 227,427 transactions

The Volkswagen Golf is historically VW’s best-selling model.

One of the most stylish compact small family cars, it has been around since 1974 and is a worldwide hit.

The original Mk1 is now a coveted classic. Most early Golfs were three-doors, but there are now many variants, and the five-door is an affordable alternative for families.

It is widely recognized that each generation of the Golf improves on the previous one, while always retaining the smoothness and refinement that it loved.

Nowadays you can also buy an e-Golf if you want to fully commit to eco-electric living, or a plug-in hybrid GTE if you want a bit of both.

2. Opel Corsa – 237,705 transactions

The Corsa entered the British market in 1993 and replaced the infamous Nova. The supermini proved to be a big hit for the brand and became its best-selling model.

There have been five generations of Corsa, meaning there’s plenty of choice to suit all budgets, which could explain why it’s the second most traded car.

More recently, Vauxhall has dropped diesel engines from its range, meaning those wanting a Corsa with an oil burner under the bonnet will have to buy a pre-2022 car.

The electric supermini Corsa-E is another option for those conscious of a car’s CO2 emissions.

1. Ford Fiesta – 308,017 transactions

Funny, please… and in first place is the Ford Fiesta.

Ford’s second appearance on this list, the Fiesta is the brand’s most successful model of all time.

Since 1976, Ford has produced more than 22 million Fiestas worldwide. In Britain alone, the Fiesta has topped the sales league sixteen times.

More than 4.8 million were sold to Britons, which is more than any other car. There are currently around 1.5 million units on the way, so this remains the most common model in the country.

And yet, like others on this list, the end of the road has come for the Fiesta: Ford has discontinued the Fiesta from June 2023 as it goes all-in on electric.

For as long as the Fiesta has existed, Ford has marketed it as a safe car that drives well, is advanced but cheap to own and, for a small car, big inside.

And used Fiestas today still stay true to that mantra.