Significant growth in occasion sales by 2025, but the showroom will become less important

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The used car market in the Netherlands showed another positive development in 2025. At 2.1 million cars sold, the number of used cars sold was 3.7% higher than in 2024, which confirmed that the used car is an attractive alternative to a new car for many consumers. But behind this growth lies a structural shift: the way consumers buy used cars is changing. Where the showroom was the starting point for years, the search now almost always starts online.

The used car market in the Netherlands in 2025

According to market data from, among others, BOVAG and Autoblog used car sales were at a high level with 2.1 cars sold. More than 65% of this was sold through car companies, the other 35% were sales between consumers. In particular, rising new prices increased the demand for used cars. A new car is simply no longer affordable for many people.

The best-selling used cars of 2025:

1. Volkswagen Polo (71,308 registrations, 3.4% market share)
2. Volkswagen Golf (69,408 registrations, 3.3% market share)
3. Opel Corsa (44,191 registrations, 2.1% market share)
4. Ford Fiesta (35,135 registrations, 1.7% market share)
5. Toyota Aygo (34,797 registrations, 1.6% market share)
6. Toyota Yaris (34,112 registrations, 1.6% market share)
7. Ford Focus (32,980 registrations, 1.6% market share)
8. Renault Clio (31,731 registrations, 1.5% market share)
9. Kia Picanto (30,708 registrations, 1.4% market share)
10. BMW 3 Series (30,280 registrations, 1.4% market share)

The growth is not only in numbers, but also, above all, in more conscious buying behavior.

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The showroom loses its role as a starting point

We see a changing role for the showroom. The showroom does not disappear, but is only visited much later in the process than before. Instead of looking around and orienting by location, buyers have already made a clear selection online. Online orientation has become the norm. Almost every car buyer starts their search online. Comparing is easy, fast and transparent, leading to better informed decisions.

The customer journey of a car buyer from 2026 will look something like this:
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1. Online orientation
2. Compare models and prices (with help from experts)
3. Check reviews and specs
4. Buy online or buy directly from the dealer
5. Test drive
6. Close the deal

This means that the first impression of a car is no longer created physically, but digitally.

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Online orientation has become the norm

Consumer behavior therefore shows that almost every car buyer starts their search via search engines and online platforms such as Carvendo, AutoTrack, Accelerator or Marktplaats. Comparing is easy, fast and transparent.

Investigations of the CBS already showed in 2024 that more than 81% of the population over 12 years old is now shopping online, and that number will only be higher by 2025. The car market is less and less often an exception. For the used car market, this means that there is more and more transparency, consumer choices can therefore be made faster and easier to compare prices.

What car buyers expect in 2026

The modern used car buyer accepts less uncertainty than before. Those who orientate online want to know immediately where they stand. This means that car buyers are looking for clear and fixed prices, complete vehicle information and clear information about maintenance and mileage reliability. In addition, realistic photos of the inside and outside are very valuable. Any damage can also be photographed easily. Finally, transparent warranty and delivery conditions are an absolute must. And this last point is often still missing from many car companies. That is also one of the reasons why Carvendo exists. Carvendo offers clear and comprehensive warranty conditions.

A clear trend in 2025 was that negotiating the price is less and less possible. Not because consumers are less critical, but because comparing prices has become easier. As a result, car companies must price competitively to remain competitive. There is then no more room to give a discount. Fixed and fair prices are therefore gaining ground. The conversation is no longer about a discount, but about certainty and the right conditions.

The digitization of car sales in the Netherlands is accelerating and has clear advantages for consumers, but also requires more speed from consumers. Popular used cars sell faster, precisely because everyone sees and can compare the same online offerings.

The securities at Carvendo->

Carvendo's role in this online used car market

In a market where the decision is actually already being made online, Carvendo is perfectly in line with changing buying behavior. By offering used cars conveniently online, with clear information and fixed prices, Carvendo helps consumers to choose faster and more confidently.

And not by completely replacing the showroom, but by making the buying process easier and more transparent.

Used car sales are growing, but the buying process is fundamentally changing. Those who understand that the choice is made online are prepared for the future of the used car market. Digital transparency, fixed prices and clear information are no longer extras, they are the standard.

See all Carvendo used cars ->

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The used car market in the Netherlands in 2025

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Carvendo's role in this online used car market

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