The Ford Fiesta overtook the Vauxhall Corsa to become the nation’s favourite used car in 2010, according to new analysis from Experian. 

 285,962 used Fiesta’s were sold in the UK last year.

Although overall volumes were lower than in 2009, a deceleration in sales of over 13,000 used Vauxhall Corsa’s (278,169 sold in 2010) – the front runner in 2009 – left the Fiesta in top position.

The only other change to the Top 10 was the Renault Clio (166,559) moving ahead of the Ford Mondeo (164,904) to take seventh place.

Joe Myers, automotive general manager at Experian, said: “Our analysis shows that affordable smaller vehicles continue to be the most appealing to motorists shopping in the used car market.

"The success of the supermini segment can be put down to increased consumer interest at the value end of the market and greater demand for more fuel efficient vehicles over recent years.”

Experian’s data also reveals that the Mazda MX-5 outsold the Audi TT to become 2010’s best-selling used sports car; while Toyota’s Prius was the best selling duel fuel model, capturing more than half (55 per cent) of hybrid sales.

Best selling used cars in 2010