London remains the country's only 4x4 stronghold

For the first time in eight years, sales of used 4x4s fell throughout the country (down 3.4 per cent) during April to June of this year, according to the latest used car sales analysis from Experian, the global information services company.

London was the country's only 4x4 stronghold, seeing sales increase by 3.6 per cent during Q2 FY08, compared to the same period last year. However, in June sales of used 4x4s in London started to slide, dropping by 2.3 per cent compared to June 2007.

Sales of used MPVs increased across Great Britain during April to June (up 12.2 per cent), but by far the greatest increase in sales of used MPVs was in London - up 17.4 per cent.

Used car sales trends in London during Q2 FY08, included:

sales in the used mini segment increasing by 6.6 per cent in June

sales of used diesel cars increasing by 10.1 per cent in April to June, compared to a 0.8 per cent increase across the rest of the country

sales of used German cars rising by 2.2 per cent (Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz)
the capital being the only place in the country to see an increase in used Vauxhall cars - up by 0.4 per cent.

Kirk Fletcher, Managing Director of Experian's Automotive division, said: "Sales of used cars in the capital did not suffer as badly as other parts of the country. However, June's figures revealed the start of what dealers have already identified as a downward trend for the rest of the year. Up until now, used car buyers in London had remained the biggest 4x4 fans. The significant increase in the sale of used diesel cars plus rising sales in the mini segment in June highlights that Londoners are not immune to the rising costs of running a car.

"It is vital that used car dealers closely monitor trends in the marketplace to help them capitalise on motorists' shifting priorities and understand the factors driving their purchasing decisions.

"Experian's MarketView OnLine provides direct access to Experian's extensive range of automotive market data and analytical tools. Dealers have been able to access information, such as new car registration data from the SMMT, the latest DVLA car parc data and used car transactions data, giving a greater insight into what people are buying and where."