In Partnership with Motorway
Get the best price for your car from 8,000+ verified dealers. Profile your car in as little as 30 minutes, list in 24 hours, and payment is sent before your car leaves the driveway. Powered by Motorway, rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 100,000+ reviews.
Free to list, with no sale and no fee. Dealers compete, you keep every penny.
Get a great price. On average, sellers get £1,600 more than part exchange.
Payment sent before the car leaves the driveway.
8,000+ verified dealers compete
Profile in as little as 30 minutes
Payment sent before collection
Finance settlement handled for you
Excellent on Trustpilot, 100,000+ reviews
You don't need to be an expert to sell your car. Selling your car through Motorway takes three simple steps.
Enter your registration, answer a few questions about your car's condition, mileage, and service history, and upload photos of your vehicle. The whole process, including photos, takes as little as 30 minutes.
8,000+ verified dealers across the UK compete to give you the best price. Most sellers receive multiple bids, often within hours of listing.
Payment is sent to your bank account before your car leaves the driveway. Collection is arranged by the dealer at a time that suits you, with no trips to forecourts.
There are four main ways to sell a car in the UK. Each suits different situations depending on whether you want the best price, the fastest sale, or the least hassle.
Best for: Best price with minimal effort
Best for: Convenience when buying your next car
Best for: Maximum control over the price
Best for: Cars that are not roadworthy or economical to repair
Motorway connects 8,000+ verified dealers with private sellers across the UK. Brumble connects you directly to their network so you get the best outcome with zero hassle.
8,000+
Verified Dealers
Two thirds of the UK car dealer market
£1,600
More vs Part Exchange
On average, based on a customer survey April 2026
84%
Sold Above Market Price
Based on Motorway platform data
1M+
People Helped to Sell
Over 1 million people have used Motorway to sell their car
Excellent
Rated on Trustpilot
100,000+ verified reviews
Yes
Finance Settlement Handled
Financed car? Support end-to-end. Process may vary in cases of negative equity.
The UK used car market is one of the largest in Europe, with nearly 8 million vehicles changing hands every year. Whether you are selling a petrol hatchback, a diesel SUV, or an electric car, demand remains strong. Brumble analysis of the latest SMMT data reveals the key trends shaping the market in 2025.
7.8 million
Used cars sold in the UK in 2025
SMMT, 2025
3 years
Consecutive years of used car market growth
SMMT, 2025
274,815
Used electric cars sold in 2025, up 45.7%
SMMT, 2025
While petrol and diesel still dominate the used car market at nearly 90% of all sales, the shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles is accelerating. Used battery electric car sales surged 45.7% in 2025 to a record 274,815 transactions, and nearly one in ten used cars sold is now electrified. For sellers, this means growing demand for used EVs, often at competitive prices. If you own an electric or hybrid car, now is a strong time to sell.
Brumble analysis of SMMT data shows the UK used car market has grown for three consecutive years, reaching 7.8 million transactions in 2025. The Ford Fiesta remains the most popular used car despite production ending in 2023, with over 303,000 changing hands in 2025. Petrol cars still account for over half of all used sales, but electric vehicles are the fastest-growing segment, with used EV transactions surging 45.7% year on year. If you are thinking of selling, demand is strong across all fuel types and body styles.
Brumble analysis of SMMT used car market data, February 2026.
Your car's value is shaped by a combination of factors that every dealer weighs when making a bid. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations and take steps to maximise what you receive.
Because 8,000+ dealers compete on Motorway, you see real market pricing rather than a single dealer's lowball offer. 84% of Motorway sellers achieve above the market guide price. The best way to find out what your specific car is worth is to get a free valuation. It takes as little as 30 minutes and there's no obligation.
Get a Free ValuationNewer cars hold their value better. A newer registration plate commands a premium even if mileage is similar to an older model.
Lower mileage means less wear and typically a higher valuation. Dealers look closely at whether mileage is proportionate to the car's age.
Bodywork scratches, dents, interior wear, and mechanical issues all reduce value. A car in genuinely good condition will attract stronger bids.
A full stamped service history from a franchised dealer is the gold standard. Even a partial history is much better than none.
Fewer owners generally means more confidence for buyers. A one-owner car with full history is highly desirable.
Popular makes and models have deeper dealer networks and resell faster. Neutral colours (silver, white, black, grey) tend to attract stronger demand.
Category S and N write-offs can still be sold but will achieve a significantly lower price. Always disclose this honestly. Motorway checks HPI data.
Your location affects which dealers can cost-effectively collect. Major cities and well-connected areas typically attract more bids.
A few simple steps before you list can meaningfully increase the bids you receive from dealers.
A new MOT with no advisories signals a well-maintained car to dealers and supports a stronger asking price.
Locate every stamp, receipt, and service record you have. A complete history can add hundreds of pounds to your valuation.
Motorway will guide you through taking photos from every angle. Good, well-lit images in daylight make a significant difference to the bids you receive.
A clean car photographs better and signals care to dealers. A professional valet is worth the investment before you profile.
Motorway verifies condition at collection. Overstating your car's condition leads to reductions or cancellations, so honesty upfront leads to better outcomes.
Spring and summer tend to generate more buyer activity for most car types. Convertibles sell best in spring; 4x4s and SUVs peak in autumn.
If you have a small amount left to pay, settling it yourself before listing may give you a cleaner position. Motorway can handle this for you either way.
There are a few important steps to complete when selling your car, whether you sell privately, to a dealer, or via an online marketplace.
Financed car? Finance settlement handled. Having outstanding finance does not stop you selling. Motorway supports you end-to-end. Around 40% of sellers clear their finance a full year earlier than planned. Process may vary in cases of negative equity.
When your car sells, Motorway uses the sale price to clear your outstanding balance directly with your lender. If the sale price is higher than what you owe, the difference is paid to you. On average, sellers get £1,600 more than part exchange (based on customer survey, April 2026).
You'll need to have your finance agreement details to hand. Motorway will request a settlement figure from your lender on your behalf, with nothing complicated for you to arrange.
Sell Your Car40%
of Motorway sellers clear their finance a full year early
End-to-end
Motorway contacts your lender and arranges settlement for you
Motorway's network of 8,000+ verified dealers covers the whole of the UK. Wherever you are, local dealers are ready to bid on your car and arrange collection.
The UK's largest car market, with thousands of dealers competing for stock across all boroughs.
One of the UK's most active regional markets, with strong demand for all vehicle types.
A major automotive hub in the heart of the Midlands with a wide dealer network.
Strong demand from dealers serving Yorkshire and the wider north of England.
Scotland's largest city, with verified dealers covering the central belt and beyond.
High-income catchment area with strong demand for quality used cars.
Active market serving Merseyside and North Wales, with fast collection times.
Thriving south-west market with a mix of city and rural dealers competing for stock.
Wales's capital with growing dealer activity across south and mid Wales.
Serving west Wales with access to dealers across the region.
Northern Ireland covered via Motorway's dealer network with straightforward logistics.
Central England location attracting bids from dealers across the East Midlands.
Strong Yorkshire market with competitive bidding from dealers across the region.
Active north-east market with dealers serving Tyneside, Wearside, and beyond.
Use our free tools to check your car's MOT and tax status before listing it for sale.
Common questions about selling your car online through Motorway.
Content produced by
Ryan is the founder of Brumble and has over a decade of experience in the UK motor finance and insurance industry. He created Brumble to make it easier for UK drivers to understand the insurance and finance world by cutting through the jargon.
Originally published: 21 April 2026 · Last updated: 30 May 2026
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