SUVs most in-demand with used car buyers, according to Aston Barclay

Premium SUVs and saloons from the likes of Lexus, BMW and Land Rover are the most in demand vehicles at Aston Barclay’s physical and online auction channels in August.

In the independent auction group’s latest used car desirability index, 21 out of 25 used cars on the index in August were at the premium end of the market - reinforcing the increasing shortage of new cars currently available.

Topping the index was the Lexus CT, closely followed by the BMW X5 and Range Rover.

In August, demand for low or zero emission cars also rose with both Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Prius featuring for the first time in the index alongside the hybrid Lexus CT and IS.

In July, premium SUVs and used sports cars were the most in-demand stock, according to its index.

Premium SUVs remain in high demand as new car supplies dry up, said Aston Barclay, with another strong month for the German manufacturers with the Audi Q5 and Q7, Mercedes GLA and GLC and the BMW X4 and X5 all making the top 25.

Premium saloons are also proving popular with models like the Mercedes Benz E Class and Volvo S60 making the top 25, according to the index.

Martin Potter, Aston Barclay’s managing director – customer, said: “Our latest index reflects the current supply pressures in the new market caused by the semiconductor shortage.

“Consumers are switching to the used market for their premium SUV or saloon which means dealers are competing for the same make and model of used car. This continues to fuel high demand which is pushing up prices.”

Aston Barclay’s monthly index considers web views prior to sale, number of physical and online bids per sale, and the sale price achieved as a percentage of CAP average.

Aston Barclay's used car desirability index (August)