Used Car Trends May 2025: Hatchbacks And Convertibles Fly Off Forecourts

If you’ve felt like hatchbacks have been disappearing off your forecourt quicker than you can stock them, you’re not imagining things. According to fresh data from Auto Trader, hatchbacks are absolutely flying this May. And just as you'd expect, the sunshine’s got people thinking about convertibles again!

Let’s break down what’s hot (and what’s just warm) in the world of used car sales right now, and what that means for your dealership or finance business.

Hatchbacks Still Reign Supreme

There's no big shocker here: the good old hatchback is still king. The Vauxhall Corsa, in particular, is having a moment. The petrol version is shifting in just 15 days on average, which is lightning-fast in used car terms.

These cars are ticking all the boxes: cheap to run, easy to park, and just the right size for today’s buyers. With the cost of living still biting, it’s no wonder these practical, value-packed cars are flying out the door.

Here’s how the top performers are looking right now:

🔥 Top 10 Fastest-Selling Used Cars

(Source: Auto Trader Retail Rankings, May 2025)

🌞 Convertibles Are Having Their Spring Moment

The sun’s out (sometimes), and buyers are starting to dream about summer drives. Auto Trader reports that convertibles are now selling in an average of 32 days, which is three days quicker than the same time last year.

Sure, they’re still not moving at Corsa speed, but they’re definitely heating up. So, if you’ve got one gathering dust in the corner, now might be the time to dust it off and put it front and centre.

Petrol’s Still The Favourite… But Don’t Sleep On Hybrids

Petrol cars are still the quickest sellers, averaging 28 days to move. Diesels follow closely behind at 30 days, then hybrids at 32, and full EVs at 34.

So while electric is building momentum, we’re not quite at the tipping point yet — and that should inform how you’re buying stock and structuring finance options.

Age Matters: 5-10 Year Old Cars Are Hot Right Now

Here’s something interesting: the fastest-selling age group is used cars that are between 5 and 10 years old, which are shifting in around 27 days. Meanwhile, nearly-new cars (under a year old) are taking about 34 days to sell.

Why? Price. Simple as that. These mid-age cars hit the sweet spot for value. They’re usually still in decent shape, but they’re affordable, which really matters when people are watching every penny.

So, What Should Dealers And Finance Brokers Do With This Info?

Glad you asked. Here's a quick checklist:

• Stock up on hatchbacks, especially Vauxhall Corsas, Fiestas, and Golfs. They’re the crowd-pleasers right now.
• Put your convertibles out front while the sun’s shining. Interest drops off fast in autumn.
• Promote petrol and hybrid options in your ads and listings; they’re the fastest to move.
• Don’t overinvest in nearly-new stock unless it’s seriously competitive on price.
• Bundle smart finance packages with mid-age cars to appeal to budget-conscious buyers. People love knowing what their monthly payment will be — and certainty sells.

Final Thoughts

This kind of market insight isn’t just good trivia, it helps shape smarter stocking decisions, better advertising angles, and sharper finance offerings. Whether you’re managing forecourt stock or structuring loans, knowing what’s flying out the door helps you plan what comes in next.

At Marsh Finance, we keep our ears to the ground so you can keep your business moving. We work closely with dealerships and brokers to offer finance solutions that suit today’s buyers… and tomorrow’s.

Got questions or want to chat about how our finance could fit into your sales strategy? Let’s talk.