Turkish Second-Hand Car Market Gains Momentum in Early 2026

While the zero-kilometer vehicle market is contracting due to tighter credit conditions, the Turkish second-hand car market is showing unexpected resilience. According to the latest “Motor Vehicle Statistics” released by TÜİK for February 2026, sales in the used car sector have not only remained steady but have actually accelerated during the first two months of the year.

Data analyzed from January and February 2026 reveals a 6.22% increase in sales compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 1,071,302 units.

This surge in volume, totaling over 1.13 million units when including all vehicle categories, suggests that the second-hand market is maintaining its dominance in the overall automotive ecosystem. When the scope was expanded to include motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles, the total used vehicle market grew by 3.75%, reaching 1,634,261 units in the first two months of 2026. This growth is particularly notable, as it occurs during a broader economic recalibration in the Turkish transport sector.

Turkish Second-Hand Car Market: The Impact of Declining Real Prices

The primary driver behind this sales momentum appears to be the continued decline in real vehicle prices. According to the arabam.com Monthly Price Index, which tracks listing prices across major platforms, the average listing price rose nominally from 877,029 TL in January to 888,689 TL in February. However, when adjusted for inflation, these figures represent a “real” price decrease of 1.58% month-over-month.

For consumers, this means that while the sticker price may show a slight numerical increase, the purchasing power required to acquire these vehicles has actually lessened relative to the general cost of living. This “real-term” discount is attracting buyers who are shifting away from the prohibitively expensive new car market toward more affordable, late-model used alternatives.

Market Trends: Cars vs. Motorcycles

The data further highlights a shift in consumer behavior regarding vehicle types. While passenger cars still hold the largest share of the second-hand market, there is a burgeoning interest in the motorcycle segment, driven by urban delivery demands and lower entry costs. Despite this, the passenger car remains the “gold standard” for Turkish households looking to preserve capital in a tangible asset.

As we move into the Ramadan 2026 travel season, industry experts anticipate that this high transaction volume will continue through the spring. Sellers are increasingly motivated to move inventory before any potential Q3 interest-rate shifts, while buyers are capitalizing on current price stagnation to secure vehicles before the summer holiday rush.