The used car market is showing a sharp divergence between vehicle types, with affordable combustion-engine models emerging as the clear winners in terms of value retention.
According to analysis from Talouselama, basic petrol cars priced below €20,000 are currently the most sought-after assets in the second-hand market, while other segments face significant headwinds.
This bifurcation reflects a broader recalibration of consumer preferences amid rising fuel costs and shifting economic conditions.
While electric vehicles have seen growing interest, their depreciation rates remain a concern for buyers, particularly as the initial hype around EV adoption cools.
The report highlights four common mistakes that erode vehicle value, suggesting that buyers are becoming more discerning about long-term asset performance.
The trend aligns with earlier data from Cox Automotive’s Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, which showed used car prices dropping in April for the first time this year.