More and more damaged cars, growing share of imports
According to the latest CARFAX data for the first quarter of 2025, as many as 80% of used cars in Poland have recorded damage in their history – an increase of 6 percentage points compared to the same period of the previous year. The statistical used car in Poland is now 11 years old and has an average mileage of 164,000 kilometres (about 102,000 miles).The growing share of vehicles with a history of damage is especially visible among cars imported from abroad, which now make up half of the used car market in Poland. The share of damaged imported cars rose from 46% to 51%. Among the most popular brands on the market – BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes and Ford – we also observe an increase in the share of vehicles with a history of damage. For example, in the case of Audi this share rose from 62% to 70%, and in the case of Mercedes from as much as 63% to 75%.
The most popular brands and their characteristics
In the first quarter of 2025, the most used cars in Poland were BMW and Audi – each with an 8% market share. The average age of a BMW is 12 years, with a mileage of 177,000 km, while Audi averages 11 years and 186,000 km. Next were Volkswagen (7%), Mercedes (6%) and Ford (6%).
Experts point out that the popularity of premium brands such as BMW and Audi stems from the belief in their higher quality and prestige. However, the mechanical components of these cars are often similar to those used in economy-segment vehicles. What is more, for the price of a ten-year-old Audi A3 you can buy a Volkswagen Passat or Škoda Octavia that is several years younger.
For many buyers, choosing a car is also a way to confirm social status.
Powertrain trends – decline in petrol, growth in hybrids
Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the share of petrol-powered cars fell – from 45% to 43%. At the same time, the popularity of hybrids is growing, with their share rising from 4% to 5%.
The share of diesels remains stable at 37%, and electric cars account for about 1% of the market.
Risks and challenges for buyers
An increasing share of used cars have events in their history that raise the risk of purchase, such as unusual odometer readings. In the first quarter of 2025, such vehicles already accounted for 58%, compared to 50% a year earlier.
Used cars in 2025: older, more often damaged
This is a signal for buyers to check the vehicle's history thoroughly before purchase, using reliable sources such as reports from CARFAX.
Summary
The used car market in Poland is still developing, but so is the risk associated with buying vehicles with a history of damage and other problems. The share of imported cars, which often have a more complicated history, is growing.
The popularity of premium brands persists thanks to their perception as a status symbol, although the maintenance costs of such cars tend to be higher. Buyers should be cautious and use vehicle history verification tools to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Brand information
The article mentions several car brands, such as BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes and Ford, which are popular on the used car market in Poland. Their data on average vehicle age and mileage were presented, but no detailed information about the manufacturing companies was provided.
Website: Audi
Website: Ford
