Market Report January 2025: Year-Start in the Used Car Market
January 2025: Market Overview
The first month of the year shows the expected seasonal patterns: moderate demand, motivated sellers and attractive negotiation margins. For buyers, this is traditionally one of the best times.
Current Prices by Brand
BMW
| Model | Average | Change vs. December | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| E38 7 Series | €16,915 | stable | 48 |
| E39 5 Series | €8,147 | -2% | 89 |
| E46 3 Series | €7,056 | -1% | 156 |
BMW Analysis: The E generation shows price stability with slight declines in higher-volume models. The E38 maintains its level thanks to continuous collector demand.
Mercedes-Benz
| Model | Average | Change vs. December | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | €14,234 | +1% | 35 |
| W210 E-Class | €5,892 | -3% | 78 |
Mercedes Analysis: The W140 continues its upward trend - well-maintained examples are becoming increasingly rare. The W210 remains affordable and offers excellent value for money.
Audi
| Model | Average | Change vs. December | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6 A6 | €10,292 | -2% | 92 |
| RS4 B5 | €45,678 | stable | 8 |
Audi Analysis: The C6 A6 shows seasonal weakness, making it an attractive purchase. The RS4 B5 remains stable at its high level - true rarities hold their price.
January Market Dynamics
Supply and Demand
| Metric | January 2025 | vs. December 2024 | vs. January 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New listings | 2,847 | +8% | +3% |
| Demand index | 72 | -15% | +5% |
| Avg. time on market | 34 days | +4 days | -2 days |
| Negotiation success | 12% | +3% | +1% |
Why January is Affordable
- Demand decline: -15% vs. December
- Higher supply: Dealers clearing inventory
- Private seller motivation: After Christmas expenses
- Less competition: Buyers in winter hibernation
Price Development in Detail
Price Segments January 2025
| Segment | Share | Average Price | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under €5,000 | 18% | €3,450 | stable |
| €5,000-10,000 | 35% | €7,280 | -2% |
| €10,000-20,000 | 28% | €14,650 | stable |
| €20,000-50,000 | 15% | €31,200 | +1% |
| Over €50,000 | 4% | €68,500 | +2% |
Mileage Correlation
Our January analysis shows the price correlation:
| Model Category | Correlation | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Youngtimer (20+ years) | -0.48 | Condition more important than km |
| Modern classics (10-20 years) | -0.72 | km relevant |
| Newer used (5-10 years) | -0.85 | km very relevant |
Top Deals of the Month
Under €10,000
BMW E39 520i - Average €5,800
- Seasonal low point
- M52 engine reliable
- Ideal entry options
Mercedes W210 E280 - Average €5,400
- January discounts significant
- V6 refinement
- Good value level
€10,000-20,000
BMW E38 735i - Average €14,200
- Below yearly high
- V8 classic
- Appreciation potential
Mercedes W140 S320 - Average €12,500
- Best time to buy
- Inline-6 reliability
- Underrated model
€20,000-50,000
Audi RS4 B5 - Average €45,678
- Rarity status
- Stable value development
- Interesting for collectors
Regional Price Differences
Average Prices by Region
| Region | vs. National Average | Best Deal for |
|---|---|---|
| Bavaria | +8% | Sellers |
| Baden-Wurttemberg | +5% | Sellers |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | -3% | Buyers |
| Lower Saxony | -5% | Buyers |
| Eastern Germany | -8% | Buyers |
Tip: For buyers, searching in Northern Germany and the new federal states pays off. The price difference can be 10-15%.
Market Trends January
Rising Demand
- All-wheel drive vehicles: Quattro and xDrive +12%
- Diesel models: Economy in demand
- Well-maintained classics: Collector market active
Declining Demand
- Convertibles: -28% seasonal
- High-priced sports cars: Investments postponed
- Vehicles without history: Buyers becoming more critical
Special Market Observations
Trend 1: Documentation Becoming More Important
Vehicles with complete history achieve on average 18% higher prices than comparable examples without documentation.
Trend 2: Originality Wins
Factory-original vehicles without modifications are preferred. Modifications increasingly lead to price reductions rather than premiums.
Trend 3: Electrification Anxiety
Classic combustion engines are perceived as a “last chance.” This particularly supports prices for:
- V8 and V12 engines
- Naturally aspirated engines without turbo
- Manual transmissions
Outlook February 2025
For the coming month we expect:
- Slight price increases from mid-month
- Increasing activity through tax refunds
- Convertible preparation: First spring seekers
Recommendations
Buy Now:
- BMW E39 5 Series - Use January low
- Mercedes W210 - Best bargains
- Audi C6 A6 - Before spring increase
Wait:
- Convertibles until March (further price decline possible)
- M models until spring (seasonal dip expected)
Buyer Advice for January
Optimize Timing
- Best days: Tuesday to Thursday
- Best time: Morning (dealers not yet under pressure)
- Month end: Dealers fighting for targets
Negotiation Margins
| Vehicle Type | Average Discount |
|---|---|
| Private sale | 8-12% |
| Dealer | 5-10% |
| Long standers (60+ days) | 12-18% |
Conclusion
January 2025 confirms its potential as one of the best buying months. The combination of higher supply, lower demand and motivated sellers creates ideal conditions.
Our core recommendation: Use the remaining January days for active searching and negotiation. Prices will rise again from February.
All data based on our continuous market analysis. As of: January 27, 2025