Used car sales were five percent lower in quarter one (Q1) than for the same period last year but sales have increased by 17 percent on the previous quarter (Q4 2008).

Popularity of MPVs has driven resilience with sales up 40 per cent compared to the previous quarter, with new models the most popular, shows research from Experian.

MPVs were the only segment to see a year-on-year increase in sales, up 15 percent on Q1 2008.

While sales of all other segments fell year-on-year, the biggest decline was in the used mini segment (down 13 percent).

The smallest decline came from the used sports segments, which were down less than one percent. This segment saw the second largest Q4 2008 to Q1 2009 increase – up 25 percent.

All makes, saw significant increases from the last quarter of 2009, with the biggest increases coming from Citroen, Renault and Nissan.

However, year-on-year, used cars from all manufacturers saw their sales fall. After Rover, Fiat saw the highest decline in used car sales (down 10 percent). Meanwhile, sales of used Volkswagon cars held up the best - down by less than one percent.