Buying a car second-hand is sometimes a pragmatic choice, if a little risky, as it can significantly reduce the upfront investment. But understanding what to look for, what is in demand, and what to look out for is another problem entirely.
The Ford Fiesta was the most-desired second-hand car in the UK in 2021. Credit: Jne Valokuvaus / Shutterstock
New data from second-hand search engine for-sale.co.uk has revealed the most sought after second-hand cars, both in the UK and abroad. By analysing Google search metrics, eBay, and AutoTrader listings, the firm has been able to report on the most desired car brands across the globe:
1. BMW - annual searches: 1.1 million
The most sought after second-hand car brand in the UK is BMW, with over 16,224 eBay listings, and over 36,000 on AutoTraders in 2021 alone. This suggests the German brand remains a powerhouse within the automotive sector.
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2. Ford - annual searches: 248,300
This US staple lags behind BMW in terms of raw online demand, but takes the top spot for eBay listings at well over 20,000, and is the second most popular on AutoTrader, at a little over 35,000 listings.
3. Audi - annual searches: 731,000
Audi's biggest advantage is its diverse array of cars to choose from, with it scoring highly across every metric measured. Its only main disadvantage is the increased price tag on many of its vehicles. Still, it lags behind Ford in terms of listings on both eBay and AutoTrader.
4. Mercedez-Benz - annual searches: 782,500
One of the few luxury brands to make this list, the increased price tag appears to have kept it from the top three. With only 12,529 eBay listings and just shy of 27,000 AutoTrade listings, it is the third German auto brand to make this list.
Other entrants in the top ten include Volkswagen at number 5, EV titan Tesla at number 8 and Japanese sometimes-automaker, sometimes-garden equipment supplier Honda taking the number 10 spot.
Now that we've dealt with the top brands, what were the most sought after cars in the UK?
BMW was the most desired car brand for 2021, according to the report. Credit: NothingIsEverything / Shutterstock
1. Ford Fiesta - annual searches: 15,200,000
Arguably one of the most famous cars of all time, the Ford Fiesta saw over 7,000 eBay listings in 2021. It also takes the top spot as the most registered car in Britain, with well over half a million registered in the UK.
2. VW Golf - annual searches: 6,300,000
Another tried and trusted favourite that retains value and holds a special place in the heart of the converted, so to speak. Winning numerous awards since its rollout in 1974, it remains one of the most registered cars in the UK by volume and saw by far the highest number of listings on AutoTrader for the year.
3. Ford Focus - annual searches: 16,320,000
Another classic from the US automaker that trumps its cousin the Fiesta in terms of raw internet searches but lags in terms of active listings. It remains one of the best-selling cars in the country.
4. Honda Civic - annual searches: 35,320,000
The civic hold the record for the highest search volume in the UK on this list, but active listings on trader websites put it this far down the list. For-sale gives it an overall score of 4.85/10.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Mini Cooper - annual searches - 29,880,000
An honourable mention for a quintessentially British staple that clocked in at number 6 on the rankings.
Other classic cars that made the top 10 include the Vauxhall Corse at number 5, the Audi A3 at number 7 and the BMW 3 series at number 10.
While the BMW was the most sought-after car in the UK, it is only the second-most sought after car in the world, according to the for-sale report, losing on the top spot to EV titan Tesla, which topped the rankings in 15 countries. BMW came in a respectable 2nd. topping the list in 14 countries.
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Second-hand Teslas were the most searched for car brand across the internet, but only 391 were listed on AutoTrader and ever fewer - 151 - were listed on eBay.
However, these both dwarf the third most desired car brand in the world, jointly held by Toyota and Honda, which were both the top desired car in seven countries.
- Read the full report here.
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