Germany's massive reduction in used-car prices: Now may be the best time to buy

German used car prices have continued their downward trend, offering buyers a potentially optimal time to make purchases, according to recent data. The average price of second-hand vehicles in Germany fell to €27,229 in June, while the supply of cars has grown compared to earlier this year. Experts suggest that the current situation allows buyers to take advantage of a broader selection rather than waiting for prices to reach a bottom. The decline in prices is particularly evident among smaller cars, with the average cost dropping by 1.7 percent to €12,968. Mid-sized and higher mid-range vehicles have also seen a decrease in pricing, with a 1.2 percent drop recorded. Meanwhile, the number of older vehicles, those aged between ten and twenty years, has increased by 6.6 percent since the start of the year, providing more options for budget-conscious buyers who previously had fewer choices. According to AutoScout24's latest Used Car Price Index (AGPI) for June 2026, the trend of falling prices continues. This follows a gradual cooling of the market that began early in the year. Compared to January, the average advertised price of a used car in Germany is approximately €530 lower, indicating that supply and demand are slowly returning to a more balanced state. The most pronounced price drops have been observed in the category of smaller automobiles. In this segment, the supply has increased by 4.1 percent, while demand has decreased by 3.3 percent over the same period. Such dynamics create a buyer’s market, giving interested purchasers greater flexibility during negotiations for the final price. In contrast, the segment of used electric vehicles presents a different picture. Although demand for these vehicles dropped by nearly 17 percent in June, the average advertised price rose slightly to €37,810. This increase is attributed to the structure of the supply, as cheaper electric cars tend to sell faster, leaving primarily more expensive models with larger batteries and richer equipment in advertisements, thereby raising the average price. Analysts believe that future price movements will largely depend on economic conditions, fuel prices, and geopolitical developments. However, they advise buyers to focus less on searching for an absolute price bottom and instead capitalize on the current period, which offers the widest range of vehicle selections. During this time, buyers have the greatest opportunities for comparison and typically enjoy the strongest negotiation position.