The Volkswagen Golf has been named Britain’s favourite used car of the past 10 years, beating a field dominated by hatchbacks and SUVs in a new survey of UK motorists.
Research commissioned by CarGurus to mark its 10th anniversary in the UK asked 1,000 drivers aged 27 and over about their used-car preferences since 2016, including the models they favour and the factors that influence their buying decisions.
The Golf came out on top, ahead of the BMW X3 and Audi Q3, while the Audi A3 and Vauxhall Astra completed the top five.
Britain’s favourite used cars
Despite the rapid growth of SUVs over the past decade, the traditional hatchback remains the most popular body style among those surveyed, chosen by 28% of drivers.
Medium SUVs attracted 21% of the vote, followed by small SUVs on 15%, underlining just how significantly the market has shifted towards higher-riding models.
The top 10 models were:
| Rank | Make | Model | Body style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen | Golf | Hatchback |
| 2 | BMW | X3 | Medium SUV |
| 3 | Audi | Q3 | Small SUV |
| 4 | Audi | A3 | Hatchback |
| 5 | Vauxhall | Astra | Hatchback |
| 6 | Kia | Sportage | Medium SUV |
| 7 | Nissan | Qashqai | Medium SUV |
| 8 | Toyota | C-HR | Small SUV |
| 9 | Audi | Q5 | Medium SUV |
| 10 | Honda | Civic | Hatchback |
Four of the top 10 are hatchbacks, while five are small or medium SUVs. Audi is the most represented manufacturer, with the Q3, A3 and Q5 all making the list.
At the other end of the market, CarGurus says its findings demonstrate the declining popularity of MPVs, with models in the category ranking relatively low among respondents.
Reliability still matters most
While cars and technology have changed considerably since 2016, motorists continue to put traditional ownership qualities at the top of their priorities.
When asked what makes a particular car a favourite, 62% selected reliability, followed by design and style at 55% and value for money at 52%.
Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK Editorial Director, said: “Over the past decade, the Volkswagen Golf has consistently proven itself to be one of the nation’s favourites. It represents the perfect mix of reliability, practicality, design and affordability, and shows that the long-standing popular models continue to be exactly that.
“Our findings also reflect shifts in used-car buyers’ main priorities as car features evolve. Reliability and running costs are key, but drivers now also look for the added reassurance of advanced safety features and good technology.”
Technology moves up the used-car shopping list
Technology has also become an increasingly important consideration for motorists shopping for a used car.
Among the most popular innovations are 360-degree cameras, selected by 30% of respondents, followed by parking assistance systems at 28% and keyless entry and push-button starting at 25%.
Some newer features have proved less convincing.
Gesture controls were selected by just 7% of respondents, while over-the-air software updates attracted 8%. Button-free dashboards, ventilated seats and head-up displays were each chosen by 9%.
The findings suggest motorists are particularly attracted to technology that provides an obvious everyday benefit, especially when it makes parking or accessing the vehicle easier.
Safety becomes increasingly important
Reliability and running costs have remained at the heart of used-car buying decisions over the past decade, selected by 60% and 54% of respondents respectively.
Comfort on longer journeys and preferred body style were each cited by 40%.
Although 83% of respondents said they continue to look for many of the same qualities they valued 10 years ago, the survey points to growing consideration of safety, technology and environmental performance.
Seven in 10 drivers said safety features are now more important to them than they were in 2016, while 66% place greater importance on having up-to-date in-car technology.
Cleaner engines and environmental impact have also moved up the agenda, with 61% saying these considerations have become more important.
CarGurus launches AI-powered Discover tool
CarGurus has also used its 10th anniversary in the UK to launch Discover, a conversational AI vehicle-shopping tool.
Rather than requiring shoppers to work through conventional search filters, Discover allows users to describe the type of vehicle they are looking for conversationally.
The system then searches local in-stock listings and provides pricing information, deal ratings and CarGurus’ Instant Market Value data, with users able to refine their requirements before connecting with a dealer.
CarGurus has also published a guide to the UK’s favourite used cars of the past decade, accompanied by a video covering the survey’s leading models and buying advice.
At a glance
UK favourite: Volkswagen Golf
Most popular body style: Hatchback – 28%
Top reason for choosing a favourite car: Reliability – 62%
Most popular technology: 360-degree camera – 30%
Drivers placing more importance on safety: 70%
Drivers prioritising newer in-car technology more than in 2016: 66%
Drivers increasingly considering cleaner engines and environmental impact: 61%
Source: CarGurus survey of 1,000 UK drivers aged 27 and over.
- You can also visit CarGurus online: https://www.cargurus.co.uk/
