End of Year Breakdown - Which Models Spent the Longest on the Market

How We Measured Time on the Market

Time-on-market became one of the most useful indicators of buyer interest in 2025. It revealed how confident the market really felt. It highlighted which models had lost momentum. And it exposed gaps between pricing and real-world demand.

For this breakdown, data was based on:

• Dealer stock listing times

• Auction turnover speed

• Private seller listing durations

• Price reductions before final sale

• TopCarCheck user behaviour during car research

The patterns were clear. Certain body types struggled. Older electrified models slowed down. And buyers avoided anything with unclear history or expensive-to-fix components.

The Models That Spent the Longest on the Market in 2025

Some models consistently stayed online weeks longer than average. Below is a data-driven view of the slowest movers seen across the UK market.

Cars With the Longest Time on the Market in 2025

These cars didn’t struggle only because of condition. They struggled because buyers became more selective. More cautious. More informed. And much more reliant on car history checks before committing to a viewing.

Why Buyers Avoided These Slow-Moving Cars

Every model on the slow-seller list had its own set of issues. But all shared a few common themes. Buyers wanted transparency. They wanted predictable costs. And they refused to take chances on models with complicated histories.

Older EVs Faced Growing Buyer Hesitation

The Nissan Leaf led the slow-seller list. Early-generation Leafs faced:

• Questions around battery health

• Little appeal compared to newer long-range EVs

• High-mileage examples with uncertain degradation

Most EV buyers in 2025 checked battery-related data through TopCarCheck before even arranging a viewing. If anything seemed unusual, the car was instantly dismissed.

The result: older EVs took significantly longer to sell.

Crossovers Didn’t All Win in 2025

Crossover popularity didn’t save the Ford EcoSport. Buyers moved toward more refined alternatives like the Ford Puma and Renault Captur. The EcoSport struggled with:

• Harsh ride quality

• Awkward styling

• Lower buyer confidence compared to rivals

Its market presence weakened all year.

The Decline of Traditional Saloons Continued

The Vauxhall Insignia’s long days on the market reflected a broader trend. Saloons lost their place in the UK market as buyers shifted towards SUVs and hybrid hatchbacks. Even well-maintained examples struggled unless priced attractively.

Early PHEVs Became a Risky Choice

Used PHEVs looked appealing on paper. But early Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs raised red flags for buyers in 2025. Concerns included:

• Expensive hybrid system repairs

• Weak electric-only range

• Missing or incomplete service history

Buyers walked away from anything without a full, clear maintenance record. Many used TopCarCheck reports to dig deeper before shortlisting a car.

Small City Cars Lost Momentum

Peugeot 108 sales slowed as lifestyle needs shifted. More buyers needed flexible space, hybrid efficiency, or motorway-ready performance. The once-popular city car category saw its lowest demand in years.

Premium Models With High Mileage Struggled the Most

High-mileage premium cars like the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer took far longer to sell. Buyers weren’t interested in paying premium money for visible wear.

Mileage accuracy became a huge priority in 2025. Mileage discrepancies flagged through TopCarCheck reports instantly ruled out many listings.

What Time-on-Market Reveals About 2025 Buyers

Used car shoppers in the UK became more strategic. They focused on:

• Clear maintenance records

• Predictable running costs

• Accurate odometer readings

• Known long-term reliability

• EV or hybrid system transparency

Buyers researched vehicles far earlier in the process than in previous years. Most used TopCarCheck before they even contacted a seller.

If a listing lacked clarity, buyers simply moved on.

How Buyers Used TopCarCheck to Avoid the Slow Sellers

Throughout 2025, the most checked items on TopCarCheck included:

• Outstanding finance

• Mileage anomalies

• Previous write-offs

• Import history

• Stolen status

• Recorded plate changes

• MOT failures and advisories

Cars with one or more red flags often became the slowest sellers of the year.

If a buyer spotted an issue, they either negotiated hard or abandoned the listing entirely.

Models That Only Sold After Big Discounts

Many of the slowest movers eventually sold, but only after heavy price drops. This was especially common among:

• Early PHEVs

• Older EVs

• High-mileage premium models

• Saloon cars

• Complicated or unreliable trims

When buyers perceive risk, they expect a price that compensates for it.

What These Trends Suggest for 2026

These patterns point toward clear expectations for the year ahead:

• Older EVs will drop even further in demand

• Buyers will expect full transparency before viewing a car

• High-mileage premium models will need sharper prices

• PHEVs without complete histories will be avoided

• Mileage accuracy will face zero tolerance

The used market is becoming data-driven. Transparency will decide which models sell quickly and which stay stuck.

End of Year Outlook

2025 made something very clear. UK used car buyers are more informed and more demanding than ever. They won’t gamble on unclear maintenance. They won’t ignore costly warning signs. And they won’t view a car that looks risky on paper. The models that struggled this year did so because buyers had the tools and information to make smarter decisions.

As 2026 approaches, this shift toward transparency isn’t slowing down. And platforms like TopCarCheck.co.uk continue to be a major part of how buyers filter out the slow-selling, high-risk models long before they leave home.