While the zero-kilometer vehicle market in Turkey faces contraction due to tighter credit conditions, the second-hand car market is showing remarkable resilience. New data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) for February 2026 indicates that used vehicle sales have not only remained steady but have accelerated during the first two months of the year.
According to TÜİK’s “Motor Vehicle Statistics,” sales of used cars from January to February 2026 rose by 6.22% compared to the same period last year, totaling 1,071,302 units. Including motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles, the total used vehicle market grew by 3.75%, reaching 1,634,261 units. This sustained growth underscores the continued dominance of the second-hand market in Turkey’s overall automotive ecosystem, even amid broader economic recalibrations.
Declining Real Prices Drive Demand
The key factor behind this surge appears to be the ongoing decline in real vehicle prices. Data from the arabam.com Monthly Price Index, which tracks listing prices across major platforms, shows that average listing prices rose nominally from 877,029 TL in January to 888,689 TL in February. However, after adjusting for inflation, this represents a real-term price drop of 1.58% month-over-month.
For buyers, this translates to improved purchasing power: although sticker prices have risen slightly in nominal terms, the effective cost relative to overall living expenses has decreased. This trend is prompting more consumers to favor late-model used vehicles over prohibitively expensive new cars.
Shifts in Consumer Preferences: Cars vs. Motorcycles
Analysis of the data also reveals a shift in consumer behavior regarding vehicle types. Passenger cars continue to dominate the second-hand market, serving as the preferred asset for Turkish households seeking long-term value. At the same time, interest in motorcycles is rising, fueled by urban delivery demand and lower entry costs, highlighting diversification in consumer preferences.
Industry experts anticipate that high transaction volumes will persist through the spring, particularly as the Ramadan 2026 travel season approaches. Sellers are motivated to move inventory ahead of any potential Q3 interest rate adjustments, while buyers are taking advantage of current price stability to secure vehicles before the summer holiday rush.
Overall, Turkey’s second-hand vehicle market is demonstrating resilience and adaptability, offering consumers a practical alternative amid tighter credit conditions and rising new car costs.
