Trends of the Polish used car market
The Polish used car market is evolving rapidly, presenting a mix of opportunities and challenges for both buyers and sellers. With rising consumer demand, supportive government policies, and an increasing shift to online platforms, used car from Poland searches are at an all-time high.
The current state of the Polish used car market
The Polish used car market is poised for significant growth, with its size expected to reach USD 26.57 billion in 2025, and USD 36.41 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by a price decrease of vehicles (4 to 5 points of the used car price index, depending on the age of the vehicles).
With new car sales in the EU declining by 5.2% in March 2024, the Polish used car market continues to stabilize. Many consumers are opting for affordable used cars over expensive new models, further boosting market growth.
Government initiatives boosting the used car polish market
Government policies play a crucial role in the Polish used car market. The "NaszEauto" program, launched February 3rd, 2025, offers subsidies up to PLN 40,000 (9 670€) for purchasing newer, zero-emission vehicles. This incentive not only encourages eco-friendly choices but also revitalizes the used car sector in Poland.
However, the exclusion of companies from this scheme may limit the growth of BEVs in Poland, as corporate buyers were previously a key market driver.
Market trends: stability and challenges
Hatchbacks continue to dominate the polish used car market due to their affordability, fuel efficiency and urban suitability. Popular hatchback models include the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra, which are highly sought after in the Polish used car market.
In terms of energy, most of the offer is composed of diesel and petrol vehicles but hybrids and electric vehicles are developing.
Despite market stability, the Polish used car market faces certain challenges such as vehicle depreciation. In 2024, Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) faced the steepest declines due to low demand and uncertain sales policies, while hybrids values dropped a little less. At the same time, petrol and diesel cars saw the smallest depreciation rates.
The market also saw a decline in used car exports from Poland due to a low Europe exchange rate.
New-car market performance and impact on the used car sector
While the Polish used car market experienced stability, the new-car market showed strong growth in 2024, with 551,568 new registrations, a 16.1% increase from 2023. The private sector is driving growth, capturing a 31.8% market share. A surprising surge in Chinese brand popularity occurred, which was initially expected to attract fleet buyers.
The commercial vehicle market in Poland also saw improvement, with 66,853 units registered, a 3.6% year-on-year growth.
What lies ahead for the Polish used car market?
This market is likely to face a mixed outlook in 2025:
- Residual values may decline across all segments, influenced by economic conditions and market saturation.
- The BEV segment could struggle due to low demand and limited corporate support.
- New CAFE regulations may increase prices for internal-combustion vehicles, potentially making BEVs a more attractive option.
In the commercial vehicle market, challenges remain, especially with high over-valuation of vehicles and declining international demand. However, construction vehicles may retain stability, addressing the ongoing shortage of used models.
Conclusion: opportunities in the Polish used car market
The Polish used car market is a vibrant and evolving sector, offering opportunities for growth despite certain risks. The shift to digital sales, supportive government policies, and changing consumer preferences will play pivotal roles in shaping the market.
For those looking to buy used cars from Poland, this is an exciting time. By staying informed of market trends, leveraging online platforms, and adapting to new regulations, market participants can capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Polish used car market