UK’s Used Car Market Enjoys Robust Growth in Early 2024

The UK’s used car market has kicked off 2024 with an impressive first quarter, experiencing a 6.5% increase in sales. 1,967,923 used cars were purchased, marking the strongest start to a year since the pre-pandemic heights of 2019. This update comes from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), indicating a positive trend that’s been building for 16 consecutive months.

This growth can largely be attributed to the recovery of the new car market, which has enhanced the variety and availability of second-hand vehicles. Despite this uptick, the total sales for this quarter are still 2.6% below the levels seen before the pandemic.

One of the standout trends in the market has been the significant increase in sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). With a record 71% jump in purchases, 41,505 BEVs were sold, now accounting for 2.1% of the market. This surge is due to the growing appeal of electric vehicles, which offer both cost savings and environmental benefits. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are also seeing a rise in popularity, with sales increases of 49.3% and 42.5% respectively.

Despite the growth in electric and hybrid vehicles, petrol engines remain the most popular choice, with sales up by 7.7%. However, diesel vehicles have seen a slight decline of 1.3%. Together, traditional powertrains represented 92.9% of all used car sales this quarter.

In terms of vehicle types, superminis were once again the top sellers, with a 7.2% increase in transactions, followed by lower medium vehicles, which saw the largest volume growth. Dual-purpose vehicles also performed well, maintaining their market share and showing a robust growth of 10.3%.

As for colour preferences, black continues to dominate the market, representing 21.3% of all used car sales. Grey and blue follow closely behind, with grey showing the most significant growth among the top ten colours.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A reinvigorated new car market is delivering more choice and affordability for used car buyers and, increasingly, they are choosing to go electric. To enable even more drivers to enjoy the benefits of zero-emission motoring, ensuring both supply and demand remains robust is essential. Incentivising new EV uptake and investing in a chargepoint network that is accessible, available and affordable to all will drive the nation’s net zero transition.”

All used car data published by SMMT is correct based on information available at the time of publication. SMMT used car data is derived from information supplied by DVLA, which periodically revises historic data, which can therefore result in variations on data previously reported.

Should Classic Cars Be Driven In All Weather?

When it comes to classic car owners, most seem to fit into one of two camps – those who happily drive their classic in all weather conditions and those who keep their classic protected from the elements, only allowing them to make an appearance when the sun is out and there is no chance of rain.

Is one group definitively right though? Should classic cars be driven in all weather? Should classic cars only be driven in dry conditions? Is there an argument for both?

The All-Weather Classic Drivers

Those owners in the “all-weather camp” will argue that classic cars were built to withstand the elements, produced in an era when cars were tough, reliable, and meant to be driven.

For these drivers, classic cars are practical machines that were designed to be out on the road. They should be enjoyed and admired by all who see them and not locked away in a garage or a storage facility until the few weeks of dry weather come around.

As someone who drives my classic regularly, I think I fall into this category. However, I can see the argument from both sides. I have a 1955 MG Magnette ZA which is obviously a classic that would likely have been driven everyday at the time of its production.

While I completely understand that some classic (and some modern) cars are highly valuable and desirable that driving them in anything other than perfect conditions is detrimental to their value. That being said, these types of cars tend to be few and far between. Cars were made to be driven so, in my opinion at least, classics should be driven in all-weather conditions providing it is safe to do so.

The Sunshine Purists

The “sunshine purists” insist that exposing classic cars to rain and snow is a big mistake, risking rust, corrosion, and irreversible damage.

These owners keep their classic cars pristine and sheltered, reserving their drives exclusively for sunny days. To them, classic cars are like works of art, deserving of meticulous care and protection rather than being built to be used. Driving them through rain or snow is viewed as reckless endangerment, inviting corrosion and decay to ruin their prized vehicle.

Some sunshine purists also think that modern weather conditions pose a far greater threat to classic cars than those of yesteryear. Rain, road salt, and pollution can wreak havoc on vintage paint jobs and delicate chrome trim, leading to irreversible damage. They emphasise the importance of preserving these vehicles for future generations, ensuring that they remain in perfect condition for years to come.

There’s no denying that driving classic cars in bad weather conditions increases the risk of accidents, with slick roads and reduced visibility amplifying the dangers. However, many classics have the capability to cope just fine on modern roads.

What Do The Experts Say?

Craig Ranson, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars says:

“I was always of the opinion that you would only ever drive a classic in nice weather because I always thought of classics as the show cars but, I’m now at the point where I’d prefer an everyday classic from the 80s/90s that has been used and enjoyed, and then I would use that every day instead of a modern daily.”

Gordon Ranson, Director of Bridge Classic Cars says:

“I think classic cars can be driven in all weather conditions to keep them in tip-top condition but, as a classic car owner, the justification and the time spent afterwards cleaning the car, and if you want a show-winning car, it’s very difficult to say that driving in all weathers is the correct thing to do.”

Nick Skinner, Marketing Executive at Bridge Classic Cars says:

“I think it’s fine to drive classics all year round as long as there are proper maintenance and cleaning schedules for the car. It’s probably better to drive them so you don’t get dirt and debris sitting on the chassis”

Jonn Quantrill, Classic Car Technician at Bridge Classic Cars says:

“Cars were built to be used no matter what the weather. If you live in Britain and you’ve got a classic car, you should just use it. What do you think they did in the 60s and 70s and earlier?”

John Bilner, Workshop Manager at Bridge Classic Cars says:

“I’d drive my classic in any weather. It’s fun to drive in any weather and cars are made to be used and driven.”

Chris Jeffreys, Paintshop Manager at Bridge Classic Cars says:

“It should be fine to drive a classic car in any weather. Other than hail and stone chips, there’s not too much that would damage the paint. If the car is stored outside and doesn’t have time to dry, then rust and corrosion can play a part. Whether you drive a classic or a modern car, stone chips are always going to be a risk.”

Is There A Compromise?

Rather than all classic car owners belonging to one camp or the other, maybe taking the middle ground is the best approach that respects both the practicality and purpose of these vintage vehicles and the need for their preservation.

One way of doing this is to limit driving in adverse weather conditions. In such cases, taking precautionary measures like applying rust-proof coatings and using protective car covers can help mitigate the risks of damage.

Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection are essential regardless of weather conditions. Classic car owners should invest time and resources into preserving their vehicles, keeping them in good condition for both sunny and rainy drives.

Ultimately, whether a classic car should be driven in all weather conditions or not is a matter of personal preference and practicality. What’s important is that these vehicles continue to create the nostalgia and passion that make them so desirable. Whatever you think, as long as you enjoy your classic, nothing else matters too much!