The Vauxhall Corsa was the most unwanted car of 2010, it was revealed today.
More owners of the Spanish-built hatchback sold their cars than any other model of motor, according to figures published by Britain’s largest second hand car buyers, Webuyanycar.com.
The Corsa, which was first unveiled in 1993, beat the Ford Focus hatch and the Ford Fiesta to claim the title of Britain’s most sold vehicle.
The Renault Clio was the fourth in line, followed by the Ford Ka.
Other cars which owners have been keen to shift this year include Vauxhall Astras, VW Golfs and Peugeot 206s.
The Fiat Punto and VW Polo completed the top ten.
Paul Coulter, of Webuyanycar.com, said: ”Seasonal trends and economic factors can make a real difference to the cars that people want to sell.
”The Corsa is such a reliable motor that it’s often used by first time buyers after they’ve passed their test.
”However, as insurance premiums for the newly qualified rocket and running costs increase, many are opting to sell their faithful first car.
”We’ve seen many people opting to sell their gas-guzzling 4×4’s which continue to hold a high value due to the recent bad weather in the UK.”
Vauxhall Zafiras, Ford Mondeos and Vauxhall Vectras are also models which have changed owners regularly during 2010.
The Nissan Micra, BMW 3 series saloon, Land Rover Freelander petrol and VW Golf diesel also made the top 20 along with the Ford Mondeo diesel, Land Rover Freelander diesel and special edition Vauxhall Corsa hatchbacks.
Webuyanycar.com also noticed a rise in the number of 4×4 cars being sold as savvy car owners cash in on the increased demand for cars capable of performing in bad weather conditions.
High running costs was the main reason for people ditching their motors, with a quarter of those polled claiming they couldn’t afford to run their motor.
For 22 per cent the pull of a new motor was too much to resist, with many selling their motor to buy a nicer one.
Fifteen per cent of car sellers claimed their car had simply become too unreliable, while 14 per cent wanted a car with a smaller engine.
The appeal of more space, a larger engine, and an environmentally friendly car were also reasons for people selling their existing motor.
TOP 20 MOST SOLD CARS
1. Vauxhall Corsa
2. Ford Focus
3. Ford Fiesta
4. Renault Clio
5. Ford Ka
6. Vauxhall Astra
7. VW Golf
8. Peugeot 206
9. Fiat Punto
10. VW Polo
11. Vauxhall Zafira
12. Ford Mondeo
13. Vauxhall Vectra
14. Nissan Micra
15. BMW 3 series saloon
16. Land Rover Freelander (petrol)
17. VW Golf (diesel)
18. Ford Mondeo (diesel)
19. Land Rover Freelander (diesel)
20. Vauxhall Corsa hatchback (special edition)