Market Report August 2025: Summer Slump with Opportunities
August 2025: Market Overview
High summer traditionally brings a lull in the used car market. Vacation time means fewer active buyers - but also motivated sellers. Those searching now can find real bargains.
Current Prices by Brand
BMW
| Model | Average | Change | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| E38 7 Series | EUR 16,915 | -1% | 48 |
| E39 5 Series | EUR 8,147 | -2% | 89 |
| E46 3 Series | EUR 7,056 | -3% | 158 |
| E39 M5 | EUR 34,500 | stable | 16 |
The summer slump is particularly evident in everyday vehicles. Collector pieces remain price-stable.
Mercedes-Benz
| Model | Average | Change | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | EUR 14,234 | stable | 35 |
| W210 E-Class | EUR 5,892 | -2% | 78 |
| W124 E-Class | EUR 12,456 | +1% | 38 |
The W124 defies the trend - classic status protects against summer slump.
Audi
| Model | Average | Change | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 A4/S4 | EUR 6,234 | -2% | 68 |
| C6 A6 | EUR 10,292 | -3% | 92 |
| RS4 B5 | EUR 45,000 | stable | 8 |
August Seasonal Analysis
Why August is Affordable
- Vacation time: -22% buyer activity vs. annual average
- Dealer pressure: Storage costs drive willingness to negotiate
- Private sellers: Quick sale desired before vacation ends
- Season change: Convertibles at lowest prices
Average Price Discounts in August
| Vehicle Type | Discount vs. Spring |
|---|---|
| Sedans | -3 to -5% |
| Wagons | -2 to -4% |
| Convertibles | -8 to -15% |
| SUV/AWD | stable to -2% |
Top Deals of the Month
Under EUR 8,000
BMW E46 325i - Average EUR 6,200
- M54 inline-six with 192 hp
- Good spare parts availability
- Perfect balance of power and consumption
- View all E46 listings
Audi B5 A4 1.8T - Average EUR 4,500
- Quattro option available
- Turbo power with tuning potential
- Solid build quality
- View all B5 listings
EUR 8,000-15,000
Mercedes W124 E280 - Average EUR 11,500
- “Indestructible” inline-six
- Classic with appreciation potential
- Best long-distance capability
- View all W124 listings
BMW E39 530i - Average EUR 9,200
- Refined M54 engine
- 5 Series luxury made affordable
- Good equipment options available
- View all E39 listings
EUR 15,000-20,000
BMW E38 740i - Average EUR 17,500
- V8 flagship at mid-range price
- Growing collector interest
- Best buying opportunity before autumn revival
- View all E38 listings
Regional Price Differences
| Region | Price Level vs. National Average |
|---|---|
| Southern Germany | +5-8% |
| Northwestern Germany | -2-4% |
| Eastern Germany | -5-8% |
| Major cities | +3-6% |
Tip: August is ideal for nationwide searching. Buyers’ willingness to travel decreases - use this for negotiations on distant vehicles.
August Mileage Analysis
Our analysis of over 500 current listings shows:
| Mileage | Market Share | Price Correlation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100,000 km | 18% | Reference |
| 100,000-150,000 km | 31% | -15 to -20% |
| 150,000-200,000 km | 28% | -25 to -35% |
| Over 200,000 km | 23% | -40 to -50% |
For youngtimers like W140 and E38, condition matters more than mileage. A 250,000 km vehicle with complete history can be worth more than a 120,000 km example without documentation.
August Market Trends
Rising Demand
- Classics: W124, E34 - collector season begins
- Daily-driver youngtimers: E46, W210 - sensible prices
- Low-budget performance: B5 S4, E39 530i
Declining Demand
- Convertibles: Best buying time now!
- High-priced examples: M5, AMG - investors wait
- High mileage: Harder to sell
September 2025 Forecast
For the coming month we expect:
- Demand increase: +15-20% after vacation end
- Price adjustments: Slight increase for sedans
- AWD models: Rising demand before winter
- Convertibles: Last chance for summer prices
Recommendations
Buy Now
- BMW E46 3 Series - Lowest prices in August
- Mercedes W210 - Excellent value for money
- Audi B5 A4/S4 - Performance at budget price
- Convertibles all brands - 10-15% below spring price
Wait
- M/AMG models - Prices stable, no summer pressure
- Luxury sedans over EUR 25,000 - Limited negotiation margin
- Accident vehicles - Supply increases in autumn
Negotiation Tips for August
- Address time on lot: “This vehicle has been listed for 6 weeks…”
- Use vacation pressure: “I can decide and pay immediately”
- Search nationwide: Use regional differences for negotiation
- Pay cash: Particularly attractive for private sellers under vacation stress
August 2025 Conclusion
August offers the best buying opportunities of the year for:
- Everyday vehicles in the mid-price segment
- Convertibles and roadsters
- Vehicles with longer time on lot
Classics and collector pieces remain price-stable. Those looking to buy here should focus on quality rather than discount.
The autumn revival from mid-September will increase prices and competition. Now is the optimal time to act.
All data based on our continuous market analysis. As of: August 25, 2025