The tracker revealed that 52% of surveyed dealers believe greater access to motor finance would benefit the sector. Credit: Barillo_Images / Shutterstock.com.
Improved consumer confidence has been identified as the top factor expected to support the used car sector in 2026, according to data from the December Startline Motor Finance Used Car Tracker.
In a survey, 57% of dealers selected higher consumer confidence as what would most likely aid growth in the market.
Access deeper industry intelligence
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
Find out more
The tracker also revealed that 52% of surveyed dealers believe greater access to motor finance would benefit the sector and 50% respondents flag more stable economic conditions as important while 45% say that an increase in available stock would be helpful.
Additional elements highlighted by dealers include government incentives for buyers of used electric vehicles (42%), changes to zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets (30%), more staff availability (17%), and reduced overhead costs (10%).
Startline Motor Finance commissions APD Global Research to compile this monthly tracker.
The current survey questioned 300 consumers and 60 dealers for its results.
Startline Motor Finance CEO Paul Burgess said: “It’s unsurprising to see consumer confidence top these results. While the situation is now relatively stable, people have seen their personal finances come under huge pressure since the pandemic and many remain worried about future economic shocks.
“Other factors are also worth considering. The high score for motor finance availability probably reflects concerns about this area during recent months because of the FCA commission redress scheme while many would like to finally see improvements around the longstanding issue of poor stock supply.
“It’s especially interesting to see so many wanting direct government support for the used electric car market. The grants made available for the new car market appear to have been relatively successful and to dealers, similar help for the used sector perhaps seems the obvious next step.”
A previous Startline Motor Finance survey noted that features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are also shaping buyer decisions, with 80% of dealers reporting that ADAS can discourage some buyers from opting for newer used cars.
Sign up for our daily news round-up!
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
