Serbia’s Used-Car Imports Level Off as Older Diesel Vehicles Continue to Dominate

Serbia’s imported used-car market remained largely unchanged during the first half of 2026, with first-time registrations increasing by only 0.4% compared with a year earlier as buyers continued to favour older diesel vehicles despite a gradual decline in advertised prices.

Between January and June, 70,135 imported used passenger cars were sold and registered for the first time in Serbia, an increase of just 286 vehicles from the same period in 2025. The figures equate to an average of around 11,690 imported vehicles per month, implying an annualized market of approximately 140,000 vehicles. The limited increase suggests demand has reached an affordability threshold, with household purchasing power, financing costs and the elevated prices of higher-quality imported vehicles limiting consumers’ ability to purchase newer models.

Prices soften but affordability remains constrained

Although used-car prices during the first six months of the year were reported to be around 5% higher year on year, pricing trends shifted during the period. The average advertised price of passenger cars up to 20 years old declined from €12,983 in January to €12,588 by the end of June, representing a reduction of €395, or slightly more than 3%. Measured across the full six-month period, the average decline was closer to 2%.

The downward adjustment indicates that dealers and private sellers increasingly moderated asking prices as demand weakened, even though buyers continued to face higher prices than in the previous year. Despite the easing, an advertised price close to €12,600 remains significant relative to average household incomes in Serbia. Registration fees, insurance, servicing, technical inspections, tyre replacement and potential repairs can substantially increase the total ownership cost of imported vehicles, particularly older diesel models.

Older vehicles remain the preferred choice

The structure of imports continued to be concentrated in older vehicles. Cars manufactured in 2011 and 2012 accounted for 12,935 registrations, making them the two most popular production years and representing approximately 18.4% of all imported used passenger cars registered during the first half of the year.

Vehicles produced 14 to 15 years ago remained significantly more popular than newer alternatives. Imports of cars between two and five years old were up to three times lower, despite offering improved emissions performance, enhanced safety features and lower expected maintenance costs. The purchasing pattern indicates that initial acquisition costs continue to outweigh total lifetime ownership costs for many Serbian households. Although newer vehicles generally require less maintenance and consume less fuel, the higher purchase price remains beyond the reach of many buyers using savings or standard consumer financing.

Diesel powertrains retain market leadership

Diesel-powered vehicles continued to dominate Serbia’s imported used-car market. Diesel models accounted for 58% of first-time registrations, equivalent to roughly 40,700 vehicles during the first six months of 2026. Petrol-powered vehicles represented 33%, or approximately 23,100 units.

Hybrid vehicles captured only 5% of registrations, corresponding to around 3,500 imported cars, while fully electric vehicles remained below 1% of the market. Even at the upper limit of that share, fewer than 700 battery-electric vehicles entered the Serbian used-car market during the period. The figures contrast with Serbia’s new-car market, where hybrid powertrains have overtaken diesel vehicles. The difference reflects stronger purchasing power among new-car buyers, greater access to leasing and manufacturer warranties, and lower sensitivity to the higher upfront cost of electrified vehicles.

Diesel vehicles also continue to benefit from well-established servicing networks, broad availability of spare parts and long-standing consumer confidence in their fuel efficiency and durability. Demand has remained resilient despite the potentially high replacement costs associated with particulate filters, turbochargers, injectors and dual-mass flywheels in aging vehicles.

European supply continues to shape imports

Developments in Western Europe continue to influence Serbia’s used-car market. As European Union countries tighten emissions regulations and corporate fleets increasingly adopt hybrid and electric vehicles, larger numbers of older diesel models become available for export. Serbia and other Western Balkan markets remain key destinations for these vehicles as their resale prospects diminish in their original markets.

The steady supply of older diesel vehicles helps maintain lower purchase prices compared with newer petrol, hybrid and electric models, but also extends the operational life of higher-emission vehicles and slows renewal of Serbia’s passenger-car fleet.

European brands dominate buyer preferences

Brand preferences remained largely unchanged during the reporting period.

Volkswagen retained its position as Serbia’s leading imported used-car brand, supported by continued demand for the Golf, Polo and Passat. The Volkswagen Tiguan rose to fourth place among the most popular imported models, reflecting increasing demand for sport utility vehicles. Other frequently imported models included the Škoda Octavia, Audi A4, Opel Corsa, Opel Astra, Peugeot 3008 and Audi A3.

The leading models are predominantly European vehicles supported by established service networks, readily available replacement parts and strong resale values in Serbia. The popularity of Volkswagen Group vehicles also reflects their abundant supply from traditional sourcing markets including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, where importers can source a broad range of vehicles across different production years, engine variants and equipment specifications. Growing demand for the Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot 3008 also indicates a gradual shift toward crossovers and compact SUVs, with buyers increasingly willing to accept older vehicles or higher mileage in exchange for larger cabins and higher seating positions.

Dealers face increasing pricing pressure

The decline in advertised prices during the first half of the year suggests sellers are encountering greater resistance from buyers. Although the reduction from nearly €13,000 to around €12,600 does not represent a broad market correction, it indicates vehicles are remaining on the market longer or that buyers are negotiating more aggressively.

Dealers also face pressure from purchase costs in Western Europe, transportation expenses, customs procedures, vehicle preparation, testing requirements and working-capital costs. Slower inventory turnover can tie up capital for extended periods and increase pressure to discount vehicles that remain unsold. The increase of only 286 imported vehicles compared with the first half of 2025 indicates that the market is no longer expanding rapidly enough to absorb higher prices without resistance. Dealers may increasingly need to reduce margins, source lower-cost vehicles or introduce warranty and financing packages to sustain sales volumes.

Electrification progresses slowly in the secondary market

The penetration of electric vehicles through used imports remains limited. Prospective buyers of used battery-electric vehicles must evaluate battery condition, remaining warranty coverage, driving range and charging availability, creating greater uncertainty than purchasing conventional internal combustion vehicles. The market also lacks a mature battery-health certification and resale framework.

Hybrid vehicles have greater potential for gradual expansion because they do not rely entirely on public charging infrastructure. However, their 5% market share indicates that supply remains limited at price levels acceptable to mainstream Serbian consumers. The shift toward hybrid powertrains visible in the new-car market is expected to take several years before it is reflected in the used-vehicle segment.

During the first half of 2026, Serbia’s vehicle market continued to evolve at two different speeds. Buyers of new vehicles increasingly adopted hybrid technology, while the broader used-car market remained dominated by imported 10- to 15-year-old diesel vehicles, with overall sales volumes largely unchanged, only modest price declines and continued preference for established European brands.