In the Turkish automotive market, high interest rates, difficulties in accessing credit, and intense campaigns on new vehicles directly affect price stability in the used car market. According to current data shared by the automotive data and analysis company Cardata, used vehicle prices have been continuously declining for the last five months, and if the current economic situation continues, a further decrease of up to 12 percent is predicted by the end of the year.

Real Value Loss in the Used Car Market Reaches 36 Percent

According to the market analysis prepared by Cardata, in the first six months of 2026, the used car and light commercial vehicle market contracted by 1 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 1,302,796 units. In the same period, the zero-mileage market experienced a contraction of 8.19%, with total sales falling to 558,179 units.

Despite the limited contraction in sales volume, the most striking movement is seen in the price index. The Used Vehicle Price Index, which was at 103.4 in December 2025, fell to 102.1 in June 2026 and to 100.4 in July. This information reveals that used vehicle prices decreased by 1.3% in nominal terms in the first half of the year. However, when the approximately 17.7% consumer inflation in the same period is taken into account, the actual six-month depreciation of vehicles exceeds the 16% mark.

When the long-term perspective is examined, the situation becomes clearer. The price of an average used vehicle has approached the December 2024 levels in nominal terms. While the total nominal increase in prices over the last 19 months remained at only 0.4 percent, the real loss for used vehicles against a cumulative inflation of 56.9 percent reached approximately 36 percent.

The Downward Trend in Prices Has Been Accelerating in the Last Five Months

Emphasizing that the market activity is not merely a temporary slowdown, Cardata General Manager Hüsamettin Yalçın points out that the price decline has gained momentum in recent months. According to the data, the monthly decline rates in used car prices are as follows:

• March: 0.35% decrease
• April: 0.46% decrease
• May: 0.69% decrease
• June: 1.11% decrease
• July: 1.60% decrease

New Car Campaigns and Credit Conditions Put Pressure on the Used Car Market

Two main factors underlie the price pressure in the used car market: obstacles to accessing vehicle loans and advantageous campaigns offered by distributors for new vehicles. With car loan interest rates hovering around 47%, low credit limits, and short repayment terms, it is significantly difficult for consumers to purchase vehicles through financing.

On the other hand, ongoing cash discounts, trade-in bonuses, and low-interest financing opportunities in the new car market are creating a natural price ceiling, especially for used cars aged 1 to 3 years. As the price gap between new and new used cars narrows, buyers are turning to new models; This is forcing used car dealers to lower their prices.

How Will the Market Shape Up in the Second Half of the Year?

In a scenario where current economic conditions and high deposit returns are maintained, a short-term upward surge in used car prices is not expected. It is predicted that prices will continue to decline by an average of 1.5% to 2.5% per month in the coming months.

Based on July closing figures, this forecast indicates an additional nominal adjustment of between 7% and 12% in used car prices by the end of the year. The decline in nominal prices in an inflationary environment suggests that the real value loss for used car owners will continue for some time.