More than half of UK fleets now operating used cars and vans

More than half of UK fleets (52%) are currently operating second-hand cars and vans, with a further 27% expecting to follow suit within the next three years, according to the latest 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer.

The research, which surveyed 8,605 company decision-makers across 30 countries – including 300 in the UK – reveals that used vehicles are particularly popular for pool fleet purposes. Smaller businesses are also more likely to opt for second-hand vehicles compared to larger organisations.

“Our experience is that new car and van shortages during the recession caused more companies to look at used vehicle options and many have found it works for them as part of their operating fleet mix,” he said.

“This trend is something largely made possible by the high quality and resistance to wear of modern vehicle designs. Cars and vans today remain safe, financially viable to operate, and in good condition for much longer than in the past.”

The data shows smaller companies – those with up to 99 employees – are the most active adopters of used cars and vans, with 54% already operating them and 29% planning to do so in the next three years. This compares to 47% and 28% among medium-sized companies (100–999 employees), and 53% and 19% among large companies (1,000 employees or more).

John explained: “Used vehicles tend to fit more easily into smaller business needs. If a large company wants to order 50 units of the same model at a year old, it’s unlikely the used market will be able to meet their needs. But if a small company requires three units, it’s quite likely they can find what they want.”

The survey found that 79% of used cars and vans are deployed as pool vehicles, 74% for specific job requirements, and 53% for benefit drivers.

“This suggests that fleets tend to identify clear roles for used vehicles, with a preference for uses where a car is an essential transport tool, rather than part of a benefit package. A used car is a utility vehicle in most cases,” Peters said.

The UK is ahead of both Europe and the global average in terms of second-hand vehicle usage. Currently, 52% of UK fleets use second-hand vehicles, compared to 39% in both Europe and globally.

“Again, this might be an effect of pandemic production shortages, when availability of right-hand drive vehicles tended to be worse globally, meaning those markets had to take a more improvisational approach to car and van acquisition,” Peters added.

The findings also highlight how the UK compares with European and global trends when it comes to fleets operating used vehicles, both currently and over the next three years:

• UK: 79% (52% now, 27% within three years)
• Europe: 83% (39% now, 44% within three years)
• Global: 81% (39% now, 43% within three years)

The full Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer 2025 report provides further insights into fleet trends, including electric vehicle adoption, alternative mobility solutions, and cost-management strategies.