Poland: imports of used cars fall as professional sellers gain ground

Private imports of used cars into Poland are weakening. Although they remain the largest source of supply for the second-hand market, the declines have lasted several months, according to Rzeczpospolita.

Imports down

According to the Samar Institute, 77.8 thousand used cars and light vans (up to 3.5 tonnes) imported from abroad were registered in Poland in September 2026. That is 4.4% fewer than a year earlier. From January to September, 680.2 thousand such vehicles were registered, 6.3% fewer than in the same period of 2025.

September was the third month in a row in the red. After a slight rise in June, which resulted from more working days, the trend turned downward again. Samar estimates that if it continues, the full-year result will fall below 900 thousand units.

Second-hand market stable

AAA Auto data show that 245.5 thousand cars were sold on the Polish second-hand market in September, 122 more than in August. The average price was 51.1 thousand (the source gives no currency) and the average age of a vehicle was 11 years. The most popular models are the Opel Astra, Volkswagen Golf and BMW 3 Series. Most cars were sold in the 20–40 thousand zloty range.

The share of company sellers is growing. Dealers work with firms that check vehicle histories, using, among other things, registers and data from state and financial institutions. Buyers can also count on warranties, for example in manufacturers' programmes. Interest in ex-lease cars is growing. The Aures Holdings group, operator of AAA Auto, sold a record 87.2 thousand cars in the first three quarters of 2026.

Data gaps and risk

Karolis Bareckas, an analyst at the carVertical platform, explains that data on imported cars is scattered and often does not follow the vehicle across the border. Despite changes in regulations, including those on checking odometer readings, buying a car from abroad still carries risk. According to Carfax Polska, more than 40% of surveyed Poles have at some point been victims of fraud when buying a used car, and 16% reported serious fraud.

The carVertical Used Car Transparency Index, published in mid-October 2026, shows that 62.9% of cars checked in Poland had damage recorded in their history (62.5% a year earlier). That is the highest result among the markets surveyed. The average value of recorded damage rose from 4,083 to 4,401 euros. Imported cars made up 54.7% of vehicles checked.

The United Kingdom again took first place in the index, where 2.4% of checked cars were imported and a rolled-back odometer was detected in 4%. It was followed by Germany, Switzerland, Finland and France. The least transparent markets are Ukraine, Bulgaria and Latvia.