Currently reading: Used car market steady in second quarter of 2017, amended figures show

Corrected figures show 13.5% slump was incorrect and used car market has remained strong; SMMT chief Mike Hawes insists consumer confidence must be maintained by the Government

The used car market declined by just 0.7% so far in 2017, amended figures have shown - significantly less than the 5.1% year-to-date decline reported earlier this month. 

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders issued miscalculated numbers for the second quarter of this year that suggested used car transactions had slumped by 13.5% from the same period in 2016; a drop of nearly 300,000 transactions. 

But the organisation said an algorithm issue meant the numbers were wrong. New statistics show that the market actually remained steady.

This mirrored the new car market, where output has remained strong despite fears of economic uncertaity hampering demand.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes has been placing pressure on the Government to ensure that a good Brexit deal is made to secure continued success.

“Although the market remains at an exceptionally high level, given the softening we’ve seen in registrations of new cars in more recent months, looking ahead it is vital that the Government secures the conditions that will maintain consumer and business confidence if we are to see both markets continue to prosper," he said.

The top ten used cars in the second quarter of 2017 are:

Ford Fiesta - 83,222 sales

Ford Focus - 74,477 sales

Vauxhall Corsa - 72,341 sales

Vauxhall Astra - 65,186 sales

Volkswagen Golf - 54,773 sales

BMW 3 Series - 44,798 sales

Mini - 32,914 sales

Renault Clio - 32,118 sales

Volkswagen Polo - 31,855 sales

10 Audi A3 - 21,644 sales

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