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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has confirmed that 8.2 million used cars change hands in 2016 – a 7.3% increase on the previous year.

Superminis were the best-selling body type encompassing more than a third of all used car sales,  while SUVs’ were the fastest climbers, up nearly 17%, to take an 8.3% share of the market.

Petrol engines are still the most popular accounting for more than 4.6 million trades, but petrol did lose market share by -1.5% as alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) and diesel saw greater growth. Used AFV registrations rose 32.5%, while diesels increased 11.1% and petrol transactions grew 4.7%.

The Ford Fiesta remained the most popular second hand car, followed by the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Corsa. Silver remained the number one used car colour choice ahead of black and blue, while brown entered the top 10 in place of gold.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “On the back of a record 2016 for UK new car registrations, it’s further good news that our used car market is in such good health. Strong demand is testament to the quality, reliability and appeal of cars on sale today, with used buyers enjoying more choice, more low emission, safety and connected technology than ever. Providing economic conditions remain stable and interest rates low, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t see growth in this sector continue in 2017.”

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