Dealers See Q1 Surge in Used Cars Over New
13 February 2026 by Curtis Hutchinson
JudgeService research finds franchised dealers expect Q1 used car sales to grow more than new
As the automotive sector prepares for the introduction of the 26-plate in March, franchised dealers expect to see more Q1 growth in used car sales than they do in new, according to JudgeService’s Dealer Confidence Barometer.
While 38% expect new car sales to be stronger, most think they will either be about the same (32%) or lower (30%).
Meanwhile, half expect used car sales to be higher this quarter, 35% predict similar levels to last year, while just 15% expect them to dip.
Independents are taking a more cautious view with most (52%) expecting used volumes to be about the same as last year, 29% saying they will be lower and only 19% expecting an increase.
Commenting on the findings Neil Addley, managing director of JudgeService, said: “The first quarter of the year has long been the most important for franchised dealers’ profitability. However, with most OEM campaigns now inevitably focused on incentivising new EV retail sales, dealers are understandably cautious as they know just how challenging those sales can be to retail customers.
“While franchised dealers will do their utmost to hit OEM targets, they expect any incremental volume gains to come from their used car forecourts.
“The confidence levels of independents are more measured. The first quarter of 2025 saw over 2 million used cars change hands for the first time since before the pandemic, so matching those high levels is a realistic target.”
The quarterly JudgeService research also identified high levels of confidence among franchised dealers in their Q1 aftersales performance with 44% expecting it to be higher than 2025, 39% about the same and 17% lower.
Addley added: “Aftersales is a key driver of profitability for franchised dealers and their Q1 confidence reflects the high volume of in-warranty cars returning for servicing in March. The challenge for them remains retaining customers with older cars in both sales and service.”
At the same time their appetite for new entrant Chinese carmakers remains strong with nearly three-quarters of franchised dealers (73%) saying they are looking to represent additional brands.
Further details and comments available from Neil Addley on 07795 665927 or neil@judgeservice.com.
About JudgeService
Launched in 2011 by Neil Addley, JudgeService is the UK’s only customer review platform developed exclusively for the car retailing sector. By ensuring all reviews are verified and genuine, JudgeService builds a solid foundation of trust and respect between customers and sellers enabling car retailers to actively manage their online reputations.
JudgeService shares granular insight reports with dealers to help them identify opportunities to improve customer satisfaction levels, with many achieving 100% recommendation scores.
Based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, JudgeService has published over 1 million customer reviews and is used by over 2,000 franchised, independent and car supermarket sites across the UK.
Issued by Curtis Hutchinson Communications
