Increase in Purchases of Second-Hand Vehicles: A Growing Trend Among Consumers
In the Austrian used car market, a shift towards older vehicles is becoming increasingly apparent, as reported by AutoScout24. This trend is primarily driven by factors such as price stability and affordability, which have become more attractive for cost-conscious buyers amid growing economic uncertainty and market shifts.
Despite overall price stability for used cars with combustion engines, an interesting observation is the increase in prices for newer, one-year-old models, while prices for other age segments, including older cars, have declined. This price dynamics has made older used cars more appealing to buyers.
The Austrian car market is gradually recovering from past supply chain issues and regulatory pressures. However, new car sales still face challenges such as stricter EU emission rules and shifting preferences towards electric vehicles (EVs). While EV sales in Austria have seen a surge (with a 28.4% growth in early 2025), the overall EV market share is still under 17%.
Interestingly, the average price for used EVs has decreased by around €1,280, making some older combustion cars comparatively appealing. Additionally, vans, which are becoming increasingly rare, have seen significant price increases, while SUVs remain price-stable, highlighting selective market dynamics among vehicle types.
The overall average used car price in Austria stands at about €29,554, with small cars priced under €15,000 on average, suggesting an active market for practical, affordable vehicles. The demand for 1 to 3-year-old cars, however, decreased by 6%.
In March, the average price of a used car was €29,750, a decrease of 0.92% compared to the previous month, with the average price in February not specified in the article. It is important to note that the article does not provide information about the change in demand for used cars other than 1 to 3-year-old cars.
AutoScout24 reported this data on Wednesday, offering insights into the evolving trends in the Austrian used car market. As economic factors, market conditions, and regulatory pressures continue to shape the landscape, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop in the coming months.
- In the face of increasing inflation, the decline in prices for older used cars, compared to newer models, makes personal-finance considerations more favorable for buyers in the Austrian market.
- The price decrease in the average used EVs, by approximately €1,280, may indirectly impact the automotive industry, as it could lead cost-conscious buyers to reconsider their preference for electric vehicles and return to older combustion engine vehicles.
- As personal-finance priorities and market conditions continue to evolve alongside economic uncertainty, the finance sector may witness the impact of shifts in the Austrian used car market trends, including the growing appeal of older vehicles over newer ones.
