The used car market in Spain bounced back in June 2026, recording a 6.5% sales increase compared to the previous year. This growth is mainly credited to a rise in nearly new car sales and fleet renewals.
Market Overview
In June 2026, a total of 186,775 used cars, including passenger cars and SUVs, were sold in Spain. This represents a 6.5% increase year-on-year, recovering from a slight dip in May. The first half of the year also shows positive performance, with over 1.09 million used vehicles sold, marking a 1.9% rise compared to the same period in 2025.
For every new car sold during this period, 1.7 used vehicles changed hands, highlighting the continued preference for second-hand cars among Spanish drivers.
Nearly New Cars Fuel Growth
The key factor behind the market’s rebound is the strong growth in nearly new cars, typically between three and five years old. Sales in this segment increased by more than 17% in June. Vehicles sourced from rental fleets also saw a boost, with a 21% increase in sales for June alone.
- Rental car fleet renewals contributed to a 15.5% growth in used car sales in the first six months.
- Nearly new cars grew by 15.7% in the first half of 2026.
Fuel Types and Trends
Diesel cars remain the dominant choice in the used market, accounting for 48.1% of sales in the first half of the year. However, sales of purely combustion engine vehicles are declining. Diesel sales dropped 4.2%, and petrol cars decreased slightly by 0.3%, with 388,075 units sold.
Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Used Cars Rise
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles continue to gain ground in the used market. Electric car sales increased by 45.3% in the first half, reaching nearly 18,700 units. Plug-in hybrids saw an even higher rise of 49%, with sales around 28,550 units.
Although still a small share of the total market, the growing availability and demand for used electrified cars is a notable trend.
Regional Sales Variations
Sales performance varied across Spain’s regions. Madrid led with a significant 43.3% increase in June, selling 35,302 units. Meanwhile, regions like Cantabria and the Balearic Islands saw declines of 9.2% and 7.6%, respectively.
Why It Matters
The rebound in Spain’s used car market highlights the steady demand for affordable quality vehicles, especially among nearly new and fleet-renewed models. While traditional fuels still dominate, electrified vehicles are becoming more popular in the resale market. This trend suggests a shift towards greener mobility, even in the second-hand segment.
Source: motor.es