The Belgian second-hand car scene in 2025 turned out to be a proper powerhouse, clocking in at nearly 680,000 registrations—a tidy 0.8% bump from the year before and the best showing since 2006. While new car sales took a nosedive of about 7.5%, dropping to around 415,000 units, the used market stepped up as the sensible choice for drivers fed up with sky-high prices and endless debates over what to buy next. It's no wonder folks are turning to pre-loved vehicles; they're reliable, often just as capable, and they don't come with that new-car sticker shock that makes you question your life choices.
Diving into the numbers, private sellers dominated with about 90% of the action, keeping things straightforward and personal. Average prices held steady, edging up just 1.6% to €26,572 overall—€18,006 from individuals and a heftier €31,094 from pros. Petrol engines still ruled the roost at 61.2% market share, with diesel trailing at 24.9% and hybrids nipping at their heels with 8.8%. But here's where it gets interesting: the electric vehicle segment exploded by 40.7%, grabbing a solid 4.7% of the pie. Prices for used EVs dipped 6% to an average of €45,305, making them more tempting than ever for anyone ready to ditch the fuel pump.
This shift isn't just random luck. With new cars feeling like a gamble amid rising costs and tech uncertainties, Belgians are wisely opting for second-hand options that deliver without the drama. The fleet's getting older too, with the average age creeping above 10 years, but that's not all bad—it means more variety and better deals on models that have already proven their worth. And let's not ignore the bigger picture: as the market leans harder into used cars, it's creating a perfect storm for electric adoption. Hybrids saw prices tick up 2% thanks to fresher stock and growing demand, but pure electrics are where the real excitement lies. They're quieter, cheaper to run, and frankly, a blast to drive once you get over that initial range anxiety nonsense.
Brands like BMW led the charge, with half their sales in Belgium and Luxembourg going electric last year, proving that luxury and zero emissions can coexist without compromise. Tesla might have stumbled in the new market, but on the used side, EVs from all makers are gaining ground fast. Trends show battery electrics claiming up to 28.5% in some segments, overtaking plug-in hybrids and signaling a clear move away from old-school combustion. It's a market that's maturing, with more Belgians realizing that going electric isn't just eco-friendly—it's downright practical, especially when fuel prices fluctuate like the weather.
Of course, this boom reflects a broader caution: families are holding back on big spends, and the used market fills that gap brilliantly. By mid-2025, over 370,000 second-hand cars had already changed hands, up slightly from 2024, while the total inscriptions topped a million with 70% being pre-owned. It's a win for buyers, who get access to younger, tech-packed vehicles at fractions of the original cost. And with projections pointing to the used car sector growing to over €23 billion by 2030, it's clear this isn't a fad—it's the future.
For anyone eyeing their next ride, the message is simple: electric is the way forward. It slashes running costs, zips through traffic with instant torque, and spares you the guilt of polluting the planet. If you're ready to make the switch, our marketplace is the spot to find and buy 100% electric cars. Check it out here: https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
