3.5 million used cars were sold in Poland in 2025. Volkswagen, Opel, and Ford were the most frequently sold cars

Transparency note: This press release was originally published in Polish. The text has been machine translated. You can find the original press release here.

Last year, Poles purchased 3.5 million cars on the used car market, 89% of which had a history of risk factors, according to CARFAX data. Gasoline-powered vehicles were the most popular choice, accounting for 54% of all transactions, while diesels accounted for 40% and hybrids for 4%. Volkswagens, Opels, and Fords dominated among brands, collectively accounting for a quarter of sales. Collisions were recorded in 42% of vehicles. These data confirm that the used car market requires exceptional caution and thorough vehicle inspections from buyers.

One in 10 used cars purchased on the Polish secondary market last year was a Volkswagen, according to an analysis of CARFAX, a company that provides users with used car history reports from reliable and certified sources. Opel cars came second in terms of popularity, accounting for 8% of cars that changed hands in 2025. Ford came in third (7%). The next two places belong to premium brands – Audi (7%) and BMW (6%). In total, according to available data, approximately 3.5 million cars were sold on the Polish secondary market in 2025.

Although we are seeing a significant, growing share of new vehicles registered in Poland, they remain a relatively niche category in the used car market. Petrol-powered cars dominated among second-hand cars purchased last year (54%), followed by diesels (40%) and hybrids (4%).

Used electric cars still constitute a niche market in the Polish market, as drivers don't want to risk technology whose actual wear and tear is difficult to assess without specialist knowledge. Gasoline and diesel together create yet a majority because they are predictable and easy to service, says Robert Lewandowski, Business Development Manager at CARFAX Polska." Interest in used hybrids is growing. Poles are still cautious about them, fearing the cost of potential repairs. It's worth noting, however, that the share of alternative powertrains will grow in the coming years, though not as rapidly as in the new car segment. The used car market always reacts to trends with a delay."

Average used car: 15 years old, imported, with more than 3 owners

The average used car purchased on the Polish used car market in 2025 is 15 years old and has had 3.6 owners. A staggering 72% of these cars came to Poland from other countries. Risk factors, such as unusual odometer readings or damage, are recorded in 89% of these cars, and collisions are recorded in 42%.

The emerging picture of the average used car in Poland is not surprising, but it should be food for thought. Fifteen-year-old cars with multiple owners and often unclear histories are the norm, requiring buyers to be very cautious. Imports at 72% show that we are still a market that absorbs everything that is no longer cost-effective to maintain in the West," says Robert Lewandowski, Business Development Manager at CARFAX Polska." The high percentage of cars with risky vehicle history entries is a signal that pre-purchase vehicle verification is not a whim, but a necessity. According to CARFAX data, as many as 40% of Poles have fallen victim to a used car purchase of varying severity. Today, informed buyers have more tools than ever to verify information; they just need to be willing to use them to prevent a great opportunity from turning into a costly mistake."