• Just one in three (33%) used car dealers say they are worried about electrification – the lowest figure since October 2022
• Instead, finance availability (55%) and cost of technology (45%) are this month’s biggest challenges
• Stock availability (43%) is also a concern, shows August’s Startline Used Car Tracker

The monthly research asks dealers to name the biggest challenges facing used car retailing, and the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) often tops the list. However, it has fallen to fourth place in August.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “There has been extensive market feedback in the last few months about rising demand for EVs and this new figure underlines how the sector is beginning to show increasing maturity.

“Dealer attitudes towards electric cars were understandably affected by the collapse in residual values seen a few years ago but increasingly, it appears that memory is fading and EVs are being seen as an opportunity rather than a problem.”

The three most significant challenges named by dealers in August’s Startline Used Car Tracker were finance availability (55%), cost of technology (45%), and stock availability (43%).

Paul said: “Current concern over availability of motor finance is not the highest seen in our research – in November 2025, it reached 67% – but it is understandable dealers continue to feel some apprehension given its current profile. However, at Startline, we are continuing to lend at what might be considered normal levels and it is very much business-as-usual.”

Technology costs were added to this question only three months ago but, at 45%, they are clearly an issue about which dealers are uneasy, he added.

Paul said: “The Tracker data shows 92% of our respondents report rising technology costs are outstripping inflation, with dealer management systems and advertising platforms the biggest worries. At a time when dealer profitability is often flatlining, this is clearly seen as a concern.”             

Finally, while obtaining stock remained an issue, it was gradually trending downwards as the dramatic effects of the pandemic on vehicle supply eased.

Paul said: “August’s figure for stock availability is 43%, which, while still relatively high, is well below the 69% recorded in 2023. While finding good stock is still sometimes difficult, it has become easier.”  

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 300 consumers and 60 dealers were questioned.