Used car sales in Argentina fall as sellers resist price adjustments

Argentina's used car market experienced a significant downturn in July, with sales falling 12.57% compared to the same period last year. A total of 156,810 units were traded, a slight increase of 0.85% from June, but the year-to-date sales for the first seven months of 2026 stand at 1,048,438 units, down 4.49% from the previous year.

Alejandro Lamas, secretary of the Chamber of the Automotive Commerce (CCA), explained that the decline is partly due to the winter vacation season and the World Cup. However, he emphasized a more critical factor: sellers' unwillingness to lower their asking prices to match the current market conditions. Lamas also pointed out that competitive commercial offers in the new car market are further pressuring used car prices. "The one who adjusts their price and offers it reasonably sells it; the one who doesn't, simply goes around and fails to achieve their goal," he stated.

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The one who adjusts their price and offers it reasonably sells it; the one who doesn't, simply goes around and fails to achieve their goal.

Adding to the market's challenges are high financing costs. Lamas noted that potential buyers are hesitant to accept current bank interest rates. Despite the overall slump, certain vehicles maintain their value better than others. According to Lamas, cars with 1.6 or 2-liter engines from brands with a proven track record, reliability, and continuous presence in the market are the least depreciated in Argentina. He also differentiated between purchases driven by passion, where running costs are less of a concern, and rational purchases, where all economic factors are meticulously analyzed.

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The segment of vehicle that least depreciates in Argentina are cars with 1.6 or 2-liter engines, which are mid-range or even low-range, that already have proven brand track record, support, reliability, and continuity over time.