Used car prices in Europe continue to fall

Used car prices in Europe are still declining, but the rate of decrease has slowed down. The AUTO1 Group Price Index, which tracks wholesale prices of used vehicles across the continent, shows that while prices have reached a multi-year low, the drop is not as sharp as in previous months.

Index reflects B2B transactions

The AUTO1 Group Price Index is based on transactions between professionals in the used car industry in Europe. It uses a base value of 100 set in January 2015, allowing for comparisons over time. The index provides insight into how wholesale prices have evolved, especially during periods of economic change.

Prices rose sharply after 2020

From 2021 to 2022, the index saw a significant increase, reaching a peak of 171.6 points in July 2022. This rise was partly due to supply chain issues and a shortage of car parts, particularly semiconductors, which limited the production of new vehicles and increased demand for used ones.

Market correction follows peak

After the peak in 2022, the index began to decline, marking a correction phase. By the end of 2023, it had dropped to 146.9 points, and by 2024, it stabilized around 137 points. The market remained relatively stable in 2025, with the index fluctuating between 135.2 and 142.1 points.

Decline accelerates in 2026

In 2026, the index initially rose slightly, reaching 142.0 points in April. However, from May onward, it began to fall consistently. By October 2026, the index stood at 132.0 points, its lowest level since early 2021, reflecting a continued but slower decline in used car prices.

Long-term trends show steady decline

Since the peak in July 2022, the index has dropped by 23.1%, or 39.6 points. In the six months ending October 2026, it fell by 10 points, or about 7%. While prices are now lower than in recent years, they remain above pre-pandemic levels, indicating a return to more normal conditions without fully recovering to previous highs.

Index measures relative, not absolute, changes

It is important to note that the index shows relative price changes rather than actual euro values for used cars. A 5% drop in the index does not mean every car in Europe is 5% cheaper. The data provide a general overview of market trends rather than specific details about individual vehicles or regions.