[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/most-searched-2017\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/most-searched-2017\/","headline":"Which used cars were Brits seeking out most in 2017?","name":"Which used cars were Brits seeking out most in 2017?","description":"Millions of cars are sold in the UK every year. We\u2019re not just talking about shiny new cars, fresh out the factory, but those preloved used cars too. In terms of new cars, Brits snapped up just short of 2.7 million of them in 2016, a figure that is expected to dip slightly to around 2.4 million for 2017. Switching our attentions to used cars though, the market is three times bigger, with 8.2 million already-owned cars changing hands in […]","datePublished":"2018-01-03","dateModified":"2018-01-04","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/most-searched-2017\/","about":["BLOG"],"wordCount":634,"keywords":["audi a3","AutoTrader","BMW 1 Series","BMW 3 Series","BMW 5 Series","ford fiesta","ford focus","Mercedes C-Class","Mercedes E-Class","vauxhall astra","volkswagen golf"],"articleBody":"Millions of cars are sold in the UK every year. We\u2019re not just talking about shiny new cars, fresh out the factory, but those preloved used cars too.In terms of new cars, Brits snapped up just short of 2.7 million of them in 2016, a figure that is expected to dip slightly to around 2.4 million for 2017.Switching our attentions to used cars though, the market is three times bigger, with 8.2 million already-owned cars changing hands in 2016.When it comes to shopping for brand new cars, Brits buy the Ford Fiesta more than any other model by quite some way, and that has been the case since 2009, but what about in the considerably busier second-hand market?Official figures listing the top ten best-selling used cars aren\u2019t due for another few weeks, but, in the meantime, Auto Trader – that evergreen hub of used motor ads – has revealed the cars that users searched for the most in 2017.10. Vauxhall AstraThis eternally popular family hatch has racked up seven generations since first launching in 1979. The latest model, which arrived in 2015, is one of the most accomplished Astras yet, so it\u2019s no surprise that it would be one of the most popular models among used car buyers.9. Mercedes-Benz E-ClassPerhaps the priciest and most premium entry in this list, the E-Class has a reputation for ticking all the boxes, while including a hefty dash of luxury too.8. Audi A3Despite Audi\u2019s popularity, it\u2019s kind of shocking to learn that there\u2019s only one car from the four-ringed brand on this list; at least it\u2019s a good\u2018un.7. Ford FiestaIt may be number one in the new car market, but in the land of used cars, the Fiesta ranks a modest seventh.6. BMW 5 SeriesTake everything we said about the E-Class earlier and apply it to the 5 Series. It\u2019s a belter, but buyers should be wary of any examples carrying six-figure mileages.5. BMW 1 SeriesIf you want style, performance, a snazzy cabin to feel all posh in, but nothing too big, you\u2019ll be wanting a 1 Series and, in 2017, plenty of Brits were interested in this high-end hatchback.4. Ford FocusBefore the Fiesta commenced its dominance of the new car market in 2009, the Focus was king. New, it is still a top five car today and, in the second-hand market, interest remains rife.3. Mercedes-Benz C-ClassThe C-Class has long been one of the major achievement milestones up the company car ladder, which means there are plenty of decent used examples kicking about.2. Volkswagen GolfThere was a time when it seemed that the Dieselgate emissions scandal would severely damage VW\u2019s reputation. But that doesn\u2019t seem to have happened, because it\u2019s the UK\u2019s most searched-for used car, second only to…1. BMW 3 SeriesAlthough being another company car favourite, the 3 Series can be all things to all motorists. It packs faultless handling, superb performance, attractive running costs and a swish interior, all wrapped up in a graceful Bavarian design.ReactionIvan Aistrop, Auto Trader\u2019s road test editor, said the number of premium manufacturers that appear in the list suggests that British car buyers are very keen on spoiling themselves.He also reckons that the recent diesel-bashing dished out by much of the British media hasn\u2019t really dented the appeal of oilburners.\u201cThe list of most searched-for diesel cars contains more premium products than for any other fuel type, suggesting that diesel cars are still desirable for buyers despite recent negative press coverage,\u201d Mr Aistrop commented.Elsewhere, the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 were the most searched-for electric cars, with Toyota\u2019s Auris and Prius being the most popular hybrids.If you\u2019re in the market for a used car, get an insurance quote you can trust from Performance Direct"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Which used cars were Brits seeking out most in 2017?","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/most-searched-2017\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]