The used car market in Spain had a positive year in 2023. Sales have increased by 12% compared with the previous year, reflecting the growing popularity of nearly new vehicles among Spanish buyers. Which models have been the most successful? We analyse the trends and the 10 best-selling cars of the year.
The preference for SUVs: a trend that is becoming established
Without a doubt, the type of car that has been the most successful is the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). More than half of the vehicles sold belong to this category. Buyers appreciate the qualities of SUVs: greater height, off-road capability, spacious cabin and a large boot. In addition, the range of models is very wide, from compact city cars to large all-terrain vehicles.
Within SUVs, medium and compact sizes account for the bulk of sales. City models such as the Seat Arona, with an affordable price and dimensions ideal for the city, are very popular. On the other hand, medium-sized models like the Hyundai Tucson offer more space and capability without sacrificing comfort.
The 10 best-selling cars in Spain in 2023
The ranking of the most successful used cars in sales during 2023 was as follows:
Dacia Sandero
Seat Arona
Toyota Corolla
MG ZS
Peugeot 2008
Hyundai Tucson
Citroën C3
Volkswagen T-Roc
Toyota C-HR
Fiat 500
Detailed analysis of the most popular models
1. Dacia Sandero: the undisputed leader
Once again, the Romanian city car is positioned as the best-selling used car. Its low prices, starting at €8,000 in the nearly new market, and its good value for money are its strengths. The Sandero stands out for its practicality, low maintenance costs and availability of affordable spare parts. It is available with various diesel and petrol engines to suit all kinds of needs.
2. Seat Arona: the favourite that is not giving ground
Seat's city model has been among the top sellers for years. Its compact dimensions, ideal for getting around the city, and its attractive design win over buyers. In addition, it is a reliable car with low running costs. The 400-litre boot, which can be expanded, and the many customisation options are other attractions that make it very popular in the nearly new market.
3. Toyota Corolla: the bet on efficiency
Toyota continues to enjoy success thanks to the Corolla, a hybrid compact that stands out for its reliability and low fuel consumption. Self-charging hybrid technology is a key draw for many buyers, who value being able to drive in electric mode around the city without needing to plug it in. On the other hand, the dynamism and comfort on the road are highly appreciated. An ideal car for family or work use.
3. MG ZS: the rise of a Chinese brand
MG's arrival with models such as the ZS shows that Chinese cars have improved a great deal. This small SUV offers a very comprehensive level of equipment with numerous driver assistance and infotainment systems at a competitive price. Its eye-catching design and efficient powertrains (including fully electric) have also gone down well with the public. Without a doubt, it is a brand to keep a close eye on in the future.
Peugeot 2008: consolidation in the market
Peugeot is enjoying a great moment in Spain and the 2008 is a key model in its strategy. This urban crossover has made a deep impression and is among the best sellers thanks to its wide range of powertrains (petrol, diesel and electric), technological equipment and dynamism behind the wheel. The 2008 is a car designed for intensive use, with a boot of up to 1,467 litres that is very practical.
Hyundai Tucson: the successful mid-size SUV
The Tucson is another SUV that has earned a place in the hearts of Spanish buyers. This medium-sized model offers bold design, a spacious interior, a comfortable ride and a very varied range of engines, including diesel, petrol, conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The Korean SUV is on sale from €26,525.
Citroën C3: the French city car that remains on the list
The Citroën C3 is another of the city cars that remains on the list of best sellers in Spain. This model stands out for its attractive, youthful design, as well as its wide range of engines and customisation options. The C3 offers good value for money, with prices starting at €15,795.
Volkswagen T-Roc: the German compact that rounds off the ranking
The T-Roc is a compact SUV from Volkswagen that has managed to break into the top 10 best-selling cars in Spain in 2023. This model stands out for its modern and attractive design, as well as its wide range of engines and trim levels. The Volkswagen T-Roc starts at €30,230.
Factors influencing the car-buying decision
Beyond specific models, there are several factors that are influencing buyers' choices when deciding between one car and another in the nearly new market:
Search for maximum energy efficiency, both in hybrid powertrains and latest-generation diesel engines.
Growing importance of connectivity and infotainment systems.
Preference for SUVs and crossovers, which are more versatile and offer better practicality.
Models with medium dimensions: neither too large nor too small.
Competitive prices. In some cases, basic engines take priority.
Reliability and low running costs thanks to affordable spare parts.
Coches.net and its role in the used car market
Without a doubt, specialist portals such as Coches.net have established themselves as a key part of the second-hand vehicle market. Buyers value being able to easily access a wide stock of offers with full technical specifications, as well as objective information on market prices, ratings, comparisons, etc.
At the same time, Coches.net is a great showcase for private and professional sellers, who can give their adverts maximum visibility. Aspects such as lead management, SEO positioning or qualified visits are essential for increasing the chances of sale.
How do I choose the ideal car for my dealership?
When buying a used or nearly new car, it is essential to follow a strategy that allows it to be turned over quickly and to achieve an acceptable margin.
Establish the models that statistically sell best in your dealership.
Avoid troublesome brands, models or mechanicals, no matter how well they sell. They are a short-term fix and tomorrow's headache (bad reviews, higher warranty costs.
Research the brands and models with the highest demand on the internet. With tools such as Google Keyword, we can obtain a great deal of information.
Check reviews and expert and user comparisons.
Check the vehicle's history and request a traffic report.
Inspect the car in person and, if possible, take it for a test drive.
We recommend specialising in a vehicle segment (low cost, premium..), and building that brand image.
Conclusions and future outlook
The used car market in Spain continues to grow and establish itself as an attractive option for buyers. SUVs and medium-sized vehicles remain the most in demand, while energy efficiency and connectivity are becoming increasingly important in the buying decision.
Specialist portals such as Wallapop play a fundamental role in this market, making it easier to search for and compare vehicles, as well as increasing the visibility of adverts. In the future, demand for electric and hybrid cars is expected to keep rising, and buyers will continue to look for vehicles that offer good value for money and a pleasant buying experience.
The used car market in Spain had a positive year in 2023. Sales have increased by 12% compared with the previous year, reflecting the growing popularity of nearly new vehicles among Spanish buyers. Which models have been the most successful? We analyse the trends and the 10 best-selling cars of the year.
The preference for SUVs: a trend that is becoming established
Without a doubt, the type of car that has been the most successful is the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). More than half of the vehicles sold belong to this category. Buyers appreciate the qualities of SUVs: greater height, off-road capability, spacious cabin and a large boot. In addition, the range of models is very wide, from compact city cars to large all-terrain vehicles.
Within SUVs, medium and compact sizes account for the bulk of sales. City models such as the Seat Arona, with an affordable price and dimensions ideal for the city, are very popular. On the other hand, medium-sized models like the Hyundai Tucson offer more space and capability without sacrificing comfort.
The 10 best-selling cars in Spain in 2023
The ranking of the most successful used cars in sales during 2023 was as follows:
Dacia Sandero
Seat Arona
Toyota Corolla
MG ZS
Peugeot 2008
Hyundai Tucson
Citroën C3
Volkswagen T-Roc
Toyota C-HR
Fiat 500
Detailed analysis of the most popular models
1. Dacia Sandero: the undisputed leader
Once again, the Romanian city car is positioned as the best-selling used car. Its low prices, starting at €8,000 in the nearly new market, and its good value for money are its strengths. The Sandero stands out for its practicality, low maintenance costs and availability of affordable spare parts. It is available with various diesel and petrol engines to suit all kinds of needs.
2. Seat Arona: the favourite that is not giving ground
Seat's city model has been among the top sellers for years. Its compact dimensions, ideal for getting around the city, and its attractive design win over buyers. In addition, it is a reliable car with low running costs. The 400-litre boot, which can be expanded, and the many customisation options are other attractions that make it very popular in the nearly new market.
3. Toyota Corolla: the bet on efficiency
Toyota continues to enjoy success thanks to the Corolla, a hybrid compact that stands out for its reliability and low fuel consumption. Self-charging hybrid technology is a key draw for many buyers, who value being able to drive in electric mode around the city without needing to plug it in. On the other hand, the dynamism and comfort on the road are highly appreciated. An ideal car for family or work use.
3. MG ZS: the rise of a Chinese brand
MG's arrival with models such as the ZS shows that Chinese cars have improved a great deal. This small SUV offers a very comprehensive level of equipment with numerous driver assistance and infotainment systems at a competitive price. Its eye-catching design and efficient powertrains (including fully electric) have also gone down well with the public. Without a doubt, it is a brand to keep a close eye on in the future.
Peugeot 2008: consolidation in the market
Peugeot is enjoying a great moment in Spain and the 2008 is a key model in its strategy. This urban crossover has made a deep impression and is among the best sellers thanks to its wide range of powertrains (petrol, diesel and electric), technological equipment and dynamism behind the wheel. The 2008 is a car designed for intensive use, with a boot of up to 1,467 litres that is very practical.
Hyundai Tucson: the successful mid-size SUV
The Tucson is another SUV that has earned a place in the hearts of Spanish buyers. This medium-sized model offers bold design, a spacious interior, a comfortable ride and a very varied range of engines, including diesel, petrol, conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The Korean SUV is on sale from €26,525.
Citroën C3: the French city car that remains on the list
The Citroën C3 is another of the city cars that remains on the list of best sellers in Spain. This model stands out for its attractive, youthful design, as well as its wide range of engines and customisation options. The C3 offers good value for money, with prices starting at €15,795.
Volkswagen T-Roc: the German compact that rounds off the ranking
The T-Roc is a compact SUV from Volkswagen that has managed to break into the top 10 best-selling cars in Spain in 2023. This model stands out for its modern and attractive design, as well as its wide range of engines and trim levels. The Volkswagen T-Roc starts at €30,230.
Factors influencing the car-buying decision
Beyond specific models, there are several factors that are influencing buyers' choices when deciding between one car and another in the nearly new market:
Search for maximum energy efficiency, both in hybrid powertrains and latest-generation diesel engines.
Growing importance of connectivity and infotainment systems.
Preference for SUVs and crossovers, which are more versatile and offer better practicality.
Models with medium dimensions: neither too large nor too small.
Competitive prices. In some cases, basic engines take priority.
Reliability and low running costs thanks to affordable spare parts.
Coches.net and its role in the used car market
Without a doubt, specialist portals such as Coches.net have established themselves as a key part of the second-hand vehicle market. Buyers value being able to easily access a wide stock of offers with full technical specifications, as well as objective information on market prices, ratings, comparisons, etc.
At the same time, Coches.net is a great showcase for private and professional sellers, who can give their adverts maximum visibility. Aspects such as lead management, SEO positioning or qualified visits are essential for increasing the chances of sale.
How do I choose the ideal car for my dealership?
When buying a used or nearly new car, it is essential to follow a strategy that allows it to be turned over quickly and to achieve an acceptable margin.
Establish the models that statistically sell best in your dealership.
Avoid troublesome brands, models or mechanicals, no matter how well they sell. They are a short-term fix and tomorrow's headache (bad reviews, higher warranty costs.
Research the brands and models with the highest demand on the internet. With tools such as Google Keyword, we can obtain a great deal of information.
Check reviews and expert and user comparisons.
Check the vehicle's history and request a traffic report.
Inspect the car in person and, if possible, take it for a test drive.
We recommend specialising in a vehicle segment (low cost, premium..), and building that brand image.
Conclusions and future outlook
The used car market in Spain continues to grow and establish itself as an attractive option for buyers. SUVs and medium-sized vehicles remain the most in demand, while energy efficiency and connectivity are becoming increasingly important in the buying decision.
Specialist portals such as Wallapop play a fundamental role in this market, making it easier to search for and compare vehicles, as well as increasing the visibility of adverts. In the future, demand for electric and hybrid cars is expected to keep rising, and buyers will continue to look for vehicles that offer good value for money and a pleasant buying experience.
