Sales of used 4x4s fell in the UK for the first time in eight years during April to June this year.

The data comes from Experian’s used car sales analysis and shows that London was the UK’s only 4x4 stronghold, seeing sales increase by 3.6% 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% compared to June 2007.

Buyers opt for smaller vehicles

Sales of used MPVs increased across the UK during April to June (up 12.2%), but by far the greatest increase in sales of used MPVs was in London – up 17.4%.

Used car sales in London during Q2 FY08 saw an increase in sales in the used mini segment by 6.6% in June , sales of used diesel cars increasing by 10.1% in April to June, compared to a 0.8% increase across the rest of the country.

Sales of used German cars rose by 2.2% in the capital and it was also the only city which saw an increase in used Vauxhall cars, up by 0.4%.

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.”

To download the data from Experian in full as a PDF click here.