Used Car Market in Europe: Prices Are Rising, but Electric Models Quickly Lose Value
The latest data from relevant European reports indicate that the used car market in the EU, in terms of sales results, is at almost the same level as in 2024. Specifically, according to data from the well-known site Autovista24, in the first quarter of 2025, the number of sold used cars increased by 0.6% compared to the first quarter of last year, which is about 1.64 million units. Buyers still mostly opt for gasoline or diesel engine models, while used electric cars are experiencing a significant drop in value and are selling much more slowly.
Used Cars in High Demand – Price Growth Across Europe
At the same time, according to data from AUTO1 Group and their price index, in April of this year, the average value of used vehicles increased by 2.8% compared to the same month last year, representing the highest monthly increase since June 2023. Since the beginning of the year, their data show that used car prices in Europe have increased by an average of about 5%.
As stated in the AUTO1 Group analysis, the price increase is due to several factors. First and foremost, one of the main reasons cited is the rising prices of new vehicles, as well as continuous demand for used cars. The largest price increases were recorded among economical compact class models, while the situation with SUVs is somewhat more stable. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, although increasingly offered, still record only mild price increases due to lower demand and buyers' skepticism regarding their long-term value.
Vehicle Value Decline in April
It is important to note that according to Autovista24’s April 2025 report, residual values of used vehicles – that is, the value of a car after three years of use – continue to decline across Europe. In Austria, for example, it fell to 47.7%, in Germany to 47.6%, while in Switzerland it was only 43.7%. Particularly noteworthy are the figures for electric used cars: in Switzerland, used electric cars up to three years old retained only 38.2% of their initial value, and in Germany 37.3%. In contrast, hybrid vehicles show greater resilience, with values around 49% in both countries.
Old Cars Still Dominate
A detailed study on the EU used car market was recently conducted by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC). The data show that most used cars changing hands in the EU are between 8 and 15 years old. This study also confirmed that older diesel vehicles are still the most prevalent in traffic, especially in Central and Eastern European countries.
West Exports – East Buys
Also, one of the key trends in 2025, according to the European Commission, is the strong presence of cross-border trade in used vehicles. A large number of cars are still being exported from Western Europe, primarily Germany, France, and Belgium, to countries like Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Hungary, but also to the Balkans, including our own country. In this chain, cars that no longer meet environmental or technical standards in exporting countries find a "second life" in markets where the population's purchasing power is lower.
Outlook for the Future
The used car market in the EU remains crucial for millions of citizens. And while new technologies, stricter regulations, and efforts to reduce traffic-related emissions are shaping the future of automobiles, the good old used cars will not disappear from European roads anytime soon.
For the domestic market, these trends also bring new challenges – because if the trend of rising prices continues in Europe, it is realistic to expect that our buyers will also feel the negative effects, especially when other import-related costs are taken into account, such as transport costs, customs brokerage services, and “internal” fees (eco tax, vehicle inspection…). Nevertheless, one thing remains certain: demand for reliable used vehicles is not diminishing.
