Stagnation continues in the second-hand car market: Is it the right time to buy a vehicle?

Sales in the second-hand car market have declined by 30 percent compared to last year. While difficulty in accessing credit is slowing down the sector, experts emphasize that buyers who find the right price should not wait.

12punto 11 August 2026

The second-hand car market has failed to achieve the expected momentum. According to industry data, sales have declined by between 20 and 30 percent compared to the same period last year. While the sales velocity of newer vehicles has slowed, vehicles aged 16 and older have begun to account for one-third of the market.

The decline in sales in the second-hand automotive market continues to affect the sector.

WHAT IS THE MAIN REASON FOR THE STAGNATION IN THE MARKET?

Difficulty in accessing credit directly affects consumers' car purchasing decisions.

According to automotive sector experts, the biggest reason for the current stagnation in the market is the difficulty in accessing financing. As cash gains value during the disinflation process, buyers with cash on hand are turning to different investment and opportunity areas. Unless figures drop to levels attractive to the consumer, the propensity to spend on buying a car remains low.

Credit restrictions have brought sales of high-model vehicles to a standstill.

On the other hand, conditions have also become increasingly difficult for those who want to buy a vehicle with a bank loan. Difficulties in accessing high-model and newer vehicles, in particular, are shifting demand toward older models. The primary reason for the increase in the market share of vehicles aged 16 and older is that these vehicles can be acquired with less cash or more accessible financial options. Furthermore, due to the limitations introduced by the BRSA (BDDK), access to credit for vehicles over 2 million TL has become almost impossible.

IS IT A GOOD TIME TO BUY A VEHICLE?

Experts point out that the current situation in the market could create an advantage for buyers.

Experts state that this stagnation in the market is a temporary process. It is predicted that as inflation begins to fall and banks loosen their credit taps slightly, the market will find its own balance again. Industry experts emphasize that in the current environment of general stagnation, the buyer has the upper hand, and it is not correct to simply say "wait."

It is stated that for those who have cash or have financing ready, there is little point in waiting to postpone a purchase if they find the vehicle they want at a correct and reasonable price.