Data from the December Startline Used Car Tracker shows a projected net increase of 47% in used electric vehicle sales and a 45% rise in stock availability.

The survey, which asked participants to assess prospects for various business factors over the coming year, found that 30% of dealers expect margins on used cars.

Additionally, 25% foresee higher consumer confidence, and 22% anticipate lower preparation costs for vehicles.

Staffing costs are expected to improve by 12% while the general economic environment is set to see a 10% improvement.

Premises costs are forecast to show an 8% increase.

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled each month by APD Global Research, which produces business intelligence reports and customer experience programmes across the motor industry.

In December, the survey included responses from 300 consumers and 60 dealers.

Startline Motor Finance CEO Paul Burgess said: “The first point to note from these results is the net positive score to every factor we asked dealers to rate. That backs up a general mood of optimism that we have seen in the last few months of our Tracker research.

“It’s also noteworthy that the two factors scoring most highly – electric car sales and stock availability – have both been significant problems in recent years, and it is welcome news that so many dealers believe we’ll see improvements.

“Other results are less emphatic, and it’s probably significant that any positivity surrounding consumer confidence or the economy is more muted. While the mood of dealers might be generally upbeat, there remains a high degree of caution.”

Data from an earlier Startline survey found that improved consumer confidence was identified as the top element expected to support the used car sector in 2026.

In that study, 57% of dealers cited higher consumer confidence as the most likely factor to foster sector growth.