Ford Focus becomes the UK’s most popular used car

For five years, the Ford Fiesta has been the UK’s most popular used car. Offering superb fuel efficiency, interior specification and reliability at a great price, it has been the first choice for thousands of motorists since 2007. Now, however, the Fiesta has finally been toppled as the UK’s bestselling second hand car – by its big sister, the Ford Focus. Figures from the data experts Experian have revealed that sales of second hand Focus models rose by 4.5 per cent in 2012, nudging it ahead of the Fiesta which is the country’s second bestselling car. Fiesta sales increased by 1 per cent last year against a backdrop of falling used car sales overall. “As the East Midlands Ford experts, it is brilliant to see that the two flagship models – the Focus and the Fiesta – are Britain’s favourite used cars,” said Richard Hobbs, Group Used Car Manager at Sandicliffe. “Focus sales rose sharply in 2012 as buyers looked for a reliable, well equipped family car that offers great economy and great value.”

The Experian figures show that used car sales fell in 2012 when compared with 2011. Overall, 6,743,080 cars were sold last year – a 0.4 per cent fall from the 6,768,759 sold the year before. However, both Ford models bucked that trend, showing year on year increases in the number of units sold. “While second hand Fiestas grew in popularity, it’s worth remembering that the Fiesta was also by far the UK’s most popular new car in 2012. The new Fiesta outsold its nearest rival in 2012 by a fifth and with such stunning deals on a new Fiesta it’s perhaps not surprising that drivers are choosing to buy a brand new car rather than a used model,” added Mr Hobbs from Sandicliffe, the East Midlands Ford experts. As well as becoming the UK’s most popular used car, the Focus was the third most popular new car with British buyers in 2012. “The Focus is one of the country’s best all-round family cars, offering great economy and reliability, refinement and a stunning drive,” added Mr Hobbs from Sandicliffe. “Even 15 years after its launch, the Focus continues to retain its place in the affection of British drivers.”