Prices for used small cars fall: What buyers need to know now!

Prices for used small cars fall: What buyers need to know now!

The used car market is on the move and currently offers consumers cheaper options. According to the Autoscout24 used car price index, the prices for used cars have experienced a decline since the beginning of the year. The average offer price fell by 173 euros to 29,554 euros, which corresponds to a minus of 0.6 percent. The decline in prices for small cars, which was 14,933 euros in May, is particularly remarkable, which corresponds to a decline of 624 euros or 4.01 percent. Sports cars and vehicles of the upper middle class also recorded declines of 2,553 euros (minus 3.20 percent) or 967 euros (minus 3.10 percent), while SUVs and off -road vehicles remained almost stable with a minus of only 0.28 percent. However, there are also positive trends: the price for top -class vehicles rose by 475 euros (plus 0.73 percent), and vans and minibuses recorded an increase of 1,719 euros (plus 6.87 percent).

In addition to the classic vehicle types, the market of electric cars stands out. The average price for used electric vehicles is currently 41,209 euros, which corresponds to a decline of 1,280 euros (minus 3.01 percent). This is in contrast to the price trends in the first months of the year, when electric cars showed a revival in demand and supply and the prices rose by 2.8 percent to 30,460 euros in February. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamics in the used car market, where the price developments vary greatly. According to the [ADAC] (https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/auto-kaufen-verkaufen/ Verwahrtwagenkauf/ Umwahnmarkt-dat-report/), 83 percent of the buyers use electric cars used too expensive, which continues to inhibit the market for these vehicles.

market development and trends

Developments on the used car market are also to be understood in the context of the general market conditions. In 2024, used car prices remained at a high level, similar to previous years. The average price was 18,600 euros, only slightly lower than 2023. At the same time, the number of new car registrations recorded a decline from 28,000 to 43,530 new cars, which forces many buyers to use used cars. The DAT report shows that 92 percent of Germans consider their own car to be elementary, while 43 percent of those surveyed are concerned about their financial situation in relation to the car acquisition.

The demand for used cars was inconsistent in February 2025, while there was an increase of 2 percent with customer inquiries at electric cars. In contrast, interest in diesel and LPG vehicles remained almost unchanged, and with petrol and hybrid vehicles there were declines of 1 or 6 percent compared to the previous month. AutoScout24 reports that you operate the largest online car market in Europe with over 2 million vehicle ads and at the same time attract around 30 million users per month.

price trends according to drive types

• electric cars: +2.8 % to 30,460 euros (February 2025).
• hybrid vehicles: +0.4 % to 37,170 euros.
• diesel vehicles: +0.6 % to 28,239 euros.
• petrol engine: +0.5 % to 25,148 euros.
• LPG vehicles: +0.6 % to 19,080 euros.
• CNG vehicles: -3.6 % to 11,679 euros (only type of drive with price drop).

Overall, it becomes clear that the used car market is characterized by a wide range of movements that are influenced by both price fluctuations and by different demand trends. While some segments are under pressure, other areas, especially small cars and vans, show positive price trends. The decision for a used vehicle is still a necessary measure for many people, and the used car market remains an important part of the automotive industry in Germany.