Within a month, Used car sales are gradually returning to growth. Of course, the trend is still down since the beginning of the year (-2.4%), but it should return to the green by December. If the French are buying more and more used cars, it is mainly because this commodity, rare after the Covid crisis, is present again. But for twenty-four months, the cost of most models was overestimated by more than 25%. Should we wait then? find more attractive prices from professionals than from private individuals? We were convinced of this after studying several thousand ads for sale.

For a year-old car

These brand new cars remain a rare commodity as during the third quarter of 2022, production of most manufacturers was disrupted due to shortages of raw materials and semiconductors. Therefore, prices remain very high, sometimes flirting with new ones. Lack is especially felt among individuals. They waited a long time to receive the car keys, and it seems that they are in no hurry to get rid of them.

The car is 5 years old

Although this is the heart of the market, offers less than a year ago. This lack of competition between sellers, professional or private, leads to price inflation. For the amounts in the table below, before the Covid crisis we could find cars that had an average two years younger and less mileage by at least a third.

The car is 10 years old

To meet the growing demand, professionals are now not shy about offering vehicles older than 8 years. Fully overhauled and guaranteed for at least one year, their offerings are in many cases well priced. No doubt inspired by this upward movement, individuals also revised their prices. But not necessarily offering the same level of service.

The car is 15 years old

A niche over 15 years old is now enjoying great success among the public. The pros rushed in with their advantages: overhaul and a 12-month warranty (mandatory by law). With some exceptions, these are not dealers or agents of the brand, but independent merchants. Some people inflate their prices by considering the mileage listed. In euphoria at the prices these professionals are asking, individuals also increased their priceswithout any warranty obligations.

Professional or Private: The Verdict?

In all age groups, the displayed prices are almost always very closeregardless of whether the vehicle is offered for sale by a professional or an individual. Forced to cover cars sold for a minimum of 12 months and therefore overhaul before delivery, professionals raised prices. A trend that people are now following… but without offering the same quality assurance. For cars older than 5 years, the match is very often in favor of specialists. For those who are 1 year old, individuals can allocate the remainder of the manufacturer’s warranty (within at least two years from the moment of release) and, most often, the possibility of purchasing an extension from the brand.

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