The used car market is shaping up for a healthy 2021, reinforced by strong sales in Q1.

The used market is heading for a very strong year, fuelled by strong consumer demand and high prices, according to Aston Barclay

Data from Aston Barclay shows used vehicle sales in Q1 2021 matched those of Q1 2020 – despite dealers being restricted to selling cars via click and collect.

However, fleet volumes were slightly down in Q1 as many new car delivery schedules were extended, while prices also fell back to £10,411, £438 higher than they ended Q1 2020.

Aston Barclay also says that while the market is not expected to see the same post-lockdown pent-up demand for used cars experienced in June 2020, the Q2 market will still fall short of stock as dealer part-exchange volumes remain restricted and company car de-fleets continue to be compromised by longer new car delivery schedules.

“Bearing in mind dealer showrooms were shut during the most recent lockdown, used car sales in 2021 have been extremely healthy. It shows the sector’s remarkable resilience. Despite 12 months of a global pandemic which has seen three lockdowns and severe business interruptions, the used market is heading for a very strong year fuelled by strong consumer demand and high prices,” explained Martin Potter, Aston Barclay’s managing director – customer.