Used car prices in Europe rose the most in Austria in 2021
A used car in Austria costs 22,949 euros on average in 2021 – this corresponds to an increase of 13 percent or 2,637 euros compared to the previous year. This means that used car prices in Austria rose more sharply in 2021 than in the Netherlands (11 percent), Germany (10 percent), Belgium (9 percent), Italy (7 percent) or France (2 percent).
A comparison with the previous year makes the development even clearer: In November 2020, car buyers in Austria pay an average of 21,166 euros for a used vehicle, in November 2021 the price was 25,154 euros, which is 3,988 euros above the previous year. This is the result of the annual AutoScout24 Used Car Price Index (AGPI) for the full year 2021.
André Eckert, Country Manager of AutoScout24 in Austria, on the reasons for the price surge: “First of all, there is the increasing importance of individual mobility as a result of the Corona crisis, which has fueled the demand for used cars. The trend was reinforced by the lockdown-related parts of idle production, of which young used and leasing returns were missing on the market. This was reflected in subsequent catch-up effects on the part of consumers. The parallel developing shortage of semiconductors in the automotive industry can be described as a real price booster. Since new cars either do not have goods at all or only under the condition of longer delivery times, many customers have switched to used cars – that has increased prices. “
Across Europe, average prices rose by 8 percent year on year. At the same time, the number of used cars across Europe is falling by 11 percent.
Italian drink
The bottom line is that the Austrians are cheaper than the French, as the price level in France was already very high in 2020. A used car in Austria will cost an average of 22,949 euros on AutoScout24 in 2021, while in France it will cost 24,167 euros. This means that a used vehicle is only more expensive in Luxembourg, where consumers are asked to pay an average of 28,381 euros. The Italians are best on the road: despite a price jump of 7 percent, nowhere in Europe is a used vehicle better than in Italy at an average of 17,816 euros. The Netherlands is just behind, with an average of 18,638 euros (+11 percent) for a used vehicle. With an average of 19,477 euros and an increase of 9 percent compared to the previous year when & die Belgians grab a little deeper in their pockets, Germany with an average price of 22,841 euros in the European midfield. The 10 percent surcharge that is demanded in this country means: car buyers will pay an average of 2,027 euros more for a used vehicle in 2021 than in 2020.
Germans asked
A look at the most popular European brands for used cars in 2021 shows that German manufacturers are scoring points. Volkswagen is in first place, filled by Mercedes-Benz in second place, ahead of BMW in third place and Audi in fourth place. With Fiat in fifth place, the Italian brand moves into the top 5 of the most popular used car brands in Europe.
E-cars are also becoming increasingly popular in Europe as used ones. The purchase inquiries for Stromer at AutoScout24 have risen constantly year-on-year. For example, if you compare November 2021 with November 2020, you will find an average increase of 144 percent. A survey that AutoScout24 carried out in the summer of this year among 5,566 European users of its websites also emphasizes the trend: 38 percent of those who wanted to buy a car at the time of the survey also used an electric car.