Spain’s used car market lost momentum in April, with sales falling despite strong growth in second-hand electric vehicle transactions.
A total of 203,631 used passenger cars and vans changed hands during the month, down 3.7% year-on-year. Passenger car sales were hit slightly harder, falling by 4.2%.
The figures point to a slowdown after several years of solid growth in the used vehicle sector. Although the market remains broadly stable for the first four months of the year compared with 2025, the latest data suggests a trend of stagnation that contrasts with earlier forecasts for 2026.
The used market has traditionally outperformed the new car sector, often at a ratio of almost two used vehicles sold for every new vehicle registered. That remains the case, but April’s figures suggest the gap may be narrowing.
Erik Iglesias, president of Ancove, described the results as “poor”, blaming uncertainty around combustion-engine vehicles, together with a lack of incentives and limited stock of cleaner models.
Diesel and petrol vehicles continue to dominate Spain’s second-hand market, while electric and plug-in hybrid models still account for only a small share of transactions.
Used electric vehicle sales rose by 60% year-on-year in April, but that headline increase masks the limited scale of the market. Fully electric used cars represented just 2% of sales, with 3,492 units sold. Even when plug-in hybrids are included, electrified vehicles accounted for less than 5% of the market.
The slow take-up reflects several factors, including limited supply from leasing and rental fleets, as well as continuing concerns among buyers over battery condition and long-term reliability.
Age also remains a defining factor in Spain’s used car market. Sales of cars aged between two and ten years fell in April, while demand for vehicles more than ten years old remained relatively stable. Transfers of cars under two years old also increased, helped by demand for nearly new stock.
Older cars continue to be among the most sought-after vehicles, particularly as they are often more affordable. Many come from regions such as Madrid, where Low Emission Zones are encouraging drivers to dispose of vehicles without environmental stickers.
Those cars are then often redistributed to other parts of Spain, where restrictions on older, more polluting vehicles are not yet as strict.
