Trends and insights of the Czech used car market

The Czech Republic’s used car market is a mix of resilience, readjustment, and renewal. After years of price fluctuations and supply shocks, the market is finding its balance again, but under new conditions. Buyers are more cautious, imports are slowing and used car dealers are adapting to an increasingly data-driven and transparent market.

Supply and import dynamics

According to recent data, the Czech Republic saw a significant number of vehicle transactions in the first half of 2025. Notably, over 122,000 new cars were sold domestically during this period. In contrast, approximately 38,000 cars of various ages were exported from the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, around 81,000 vehicles were deregistered, with the majority ultimately being scrapped.

Additionally, close to 100 000 used vehicles were imported from abroad between January and August of the same year, contributing to the country's overall vehicle market.

Prices, vehicle age, and buyer expectations

The average price of used cars experienced a year-on-year increase of 10,000 Kč (411€), representing a 3.52% rise from 284,000 Kč to 294,000 Kč (12 095€). However, when compared to the first half of the year, when the average price of a used car stood at 298,000 Kč, the current average price actually represents a decrease of 4,000 Kč. This decline may be attributed to the fact that the vehicles sold in the third quarter were slightly older, and the sales period was longer, which could have contributed to the slight drop in average price. The number of used SUV doubled since covid, their price increased by 150 000 CZK.

In the meantime,  the average odometer value is 145 000 km but 3 out of 10 cars have tempered odometers. Customers are looking for transparency and proof, that is why history certificates are important but also an advantage.

However, the drop in price doesn’t tell the full story. Many vehicles being sold are older and in lower technical condition. Alarmingly, one in five used cars listed in 2025 lacks a valid technical inspection certificate. This raises concerns about safety, emissions, and maintenance standards and presents both a challenge and an opportunity for transparent dealers.

Dealers who provide verified inspection reports, documented service histories, and transparent ownership details can charge a premium.

Market transparency and buyer trust

Despite market maturity, transparency issues continue to trouble the Czech Republic used car market. Only about 16% of cars advertised as “first owner” truly are, which results in an increase in prices up to 5% compared to the market price of each vehicle.

These findings underscore one of the biggest challenges for the market: the credibility gap. Buyers increasingly use online verification tools to check VIN numbers, mileage records, and accident histories before purchasing. For used car dealers, embracing transparency is not just ethical, it’s becoming a competitive advantage.

Those who publish full history reports, offer warranties, and clearly disclose ownership details are winning market share. The Czech buyer is now more informed than ever, and that means honesty sells. On MotorTrade, our online auction platform, you will find when available, the history reports of vehicles for more transparency.

The damage rate of the different vehicles sold on the Czech used car market is around 60%. This involves older vehicles as well as newer ones.

Between January and August 2025, 5317 used electric vehicles were imported into the country.

While still a small fraction of total sales, around 1.3% of the used car market. This surge is symbolic of shifting preferences. Tesla leads the pack with nearly 25% of used EV registrations, followed by BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes.

For dealers, this segment represents both promise and complexity. Used EVs require more detailed inspection protocols (especially battery health assessments) and specialized buyer support, such as information on charging compatibility and warranty coverage. Dealers who can confidently navigate these concerns are carving out early advantages in a niche that will grow steadily in the coming years.

Leading brands and buyer preferences

In Czech Republic, a third of the market (31,97%) is represented by the 10 best selling cars with the Skoda Octavia accounting for 9,67%. The brand Skoda represents 23,2% of the overall market.

Despite EV growth, internal combustion vehicles remain the backbone of this market. Petrol and diesel are the two main energies represented on the market with respectively 47.13% and 45.53% of the market share.

On the Czech used car market, the dominance of Škoda, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Ford, and BMW continue, with the Škoda Octavia, Fabia, and Superb topping the resale charts. Buyers continue to value practicality, reliability, and easy access to spare parts.

Challenges and opportunities for dealers

Used car dealers in the Czech Republic must navigate several challenges in their business and notably the pressure for transparency. Indeed, as the market is impacted by odometer frauds, customers are looking for verifiable information and documentation such as history reports. Moreover, the vehicles on the market are older and could require more pre-sale reconditioning.

At the same time, demand remains steady. Many consumers prefer buying used due to economic pressures and slower delivery times for new cars. In addition, electrified vehicles are on the rise and even if it is currently only the beginning, you should already get ready for an expanding demand. This will allow you to be prepared and gain an advantage as this category is growing fast.

Look for multiple sources to purchase vehicles so that you can best answer your customers’ needs. At Arval Trading, we allow you to participate in auctions on vehicles from 16 different countries with a large range of brands, models and options. Register today and discover our offer!

Conclusion

The Czech Republic used car market in 2025 is both competitive and full of opportunity. With imports down, prices stabilizing, and buyer expectations rising, the environment rewards used car dealers who focus on quality, transparency, and trust.

The market is still dominated by internal combustion vehicles, but the quiet rise of used EVs hints at the next evolution. Whether it’s diesel, gasoline, or electric, one rule remains constant: in Czech’s used car market, credibility sells cars and in 2025, that matters more than ever.