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The European used car market continues to experience elevated prices, with the Harmonized Consumer Price Index for used cars in the Euro area reaching 121.24 in February 2025. This represents a significant increase of 21.24 points compared to the base year. The upward trend in used car prices began in early 2021 and has yet to show substantial signs of returning to pre-pandemic levels. Despite this persistent elevation, there is a growing sentiment among industry professionals that prices may start to stabilize or even decrease in the near future.

Dealer expectations and market dynamics

A December 2024 survey revealed that over 40 percent of European used car dealers anticipated a decrease in used car prices for 2025. This expectation aligns with the recent flattening of the price index curve observed in late 2024 and early 2025. However, about a third of the surveyed dealers believed prices would remain stable, indicating a divided outlook on the market's future direction. 

Consumer behavior and regional variations

The used car market continues to play a significant role in vehicle ownership, particularly among younger Europeans. Nearly 60 percent of household cars available to people under 30 years old in Europe were purchased as used vehicles. This trend varies across countries, with France and Norway showing higher rates of used car ownership among young people compared to Southern European countries like Spain and Italy. Additionally, regional differences in used car mileage and transaction volumes highlight the diverse nature of the European used car market. Spain, for instance, reported the highest year-over-year increase in used car transactions as of the fourth quarter of 2024, with a 12.3 percent rise.