Britain’s top 10 most popular used cars revealed – here are some of the cheapest on the market right now

BRITAIN'S top 10 most popular cars have been revealed - and there's a familiar motor in the top spot.

The Ford Fiesta may have lost its place as the UK's most popular new car, but it is still the best-selling used car.

The Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Focus came in at second and third most popular, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show.

Used car sales have risen by 11.5 per cent as 778,000 more drivers bought a used car in 2021 compared to 2020.

The pandemic caused a drop in production of new cars and delays to deliveries - pushing demand for used vehicles to a record high.

Second-hand prices also rose 30 per cent in the past year.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: "With the global shortage of semiconductors set to ease later this year, releasing the squeeze on new car supply, we expect more of the latest, cleanest and zero-emission models to become available for second owners."

Ian Plummer, commercial director at used car marketplace Auto Trader, estimates that there have been around 1.5 million 'lost' new car sales since the pandemic struck and there are fewer 'younger' used cars available as a result.

"There are already a third fewer sub three-year-old used cars available to buy this year than there were in 2019," he said.

This explains the cost challenge for some consumers whose budgets are being squeezed by the soaring prices caused by the unprecedented demand for used vehicles.

However, Richard Peberdy, UK head of automotive at KPMG, suggested that "as supply chain problems eventually ease, more new cars will be produced, more used cars will enter the market and their prices will begin to level off."

Drivers on the hunt for cheap second-hand cars have many options at their disposal.

For the most modest budgets, Facebook Marketplace could be a suitable choice as you could save on price.

You can find a five to 10-year-old Fiesta for around £3,000 or £4,000 - however there could be more risks than going through a verified seller.

Desperateseller.co.uk also has reduced-price used cars including Vauxhall Corsas available for less than £1,500 - if you're prepared to compromise on the age of the car.