10:35 15-01-2026

Most profitable used cars and brands for dealers in 2025

The online platform Carwow has released a ranking of the most profitable cars and brands on the used car market for the fourth quarter of 2025. The study is based on the difference between auction prices and retail valuations, which helps assess the real potential for dealer profits.

Most Profitable Brands for Dealers

Lexus emerged as the absolute leader in the ranking. The average potential margin for the brand's models reached £3,490, allowing it to outpace Land Rover with £3,364 and Audi with £3,255. For Lexus, this marks the sixth consecutive quarter in the top three, indicating high liquidity for the brand in the secondary market.

The top ten also included Volvo, Nissan, Tesla, Cupra, Mercedes-Benz, MG, and Toyota. Notably, the list features both premium and mass-market brands, pointing to sustained demand not only for expensive vehicles but also for well-selling mainstream models.

Models with Maximum Margin

At the individual car level, the Audi Q5 was the most profitable, with a potential margin of £3,955. Second place went to the Kia Sportage at £2,874, and third to the BMW X5 at £2,796. The top also included the Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLA, BMW 1 Series, Tesla Model 3, and MG ZS.

The dominance of crossovers and SUVs in the ranking confirms buyers' steady interest in versatile models with good residual value. It's worth noting separately the return of electric vehicles to the top in terms of profitability—the Tesla Model 3 and MG ZS have once again become attractive to dealers after a pause in previous quarters.

According to Carwow representatives, demand for liquid SUVs and growing confidence in used electric vehicles are shaping a new balance in the secondary market. The platform has already sold cars worth over £3.9 billion, with a monthly supply volume reaching 20,000 vehicles.