Market Report December 2025: Year-End Sprint in the Used Car Market
market-analysis december-2025 monthly-report price-trends
December 2025: Market Overview
The last month of the year shows typical seasonal patterns. Demand drops while dealers prepare their year-end closings.
Current Prices by Brand
BMW
| Model | Average | Change | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| E38 7 Series | €16,915 | +2% | 52 |
| E39 5 Series | €8,147 | stable | 94 |
| E46 3 Series | €7,056 | -1% | 167 |
| E39 M5 | €34,989 | +3% | 18 |
Mercedes-Benz
| Model | Average | Change | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | €14,234 | +2% | 38 |
| W210 E-Class | €5,892 | stable | 82 |
| W124 E-Class | €12,456 | +1% | 41 |
Audi
| Model | Average | Change | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 A4/S4 | €6,234 | stable | 71 |
| C6 A6 | €10,292 | -2% | 98 |
| RS4 B5 | €45,678 | +1% | 9 |
Seasonal Analysis
Why December is Affordable
- Demand decline: -18% vs. annual average
- Dealer pressure: Balance sheet optimization before year-end
- Less competition: Buyers focus on Christmas
Optimal Negotiation Time
- Best days: December 15-23
- Avoid: December 24-31 (holidays)
Top Deals of the Month
Under €10,000
BMW E46 320i – Average €5,200
- Reliable M54 engine
- Affordable spare parts
- Good winter suitability
Audi B6 A4 1.8T – Average €4,800
- Quattro available
- Solid build quality
- Moderate running costs
€10,000-25,000
BMW E38 740i – Average €15,500
- V8 luxury at mid-range price
- Youngtimer potential
- Comfort for winter
Mercedes W140 S320 – Average €12,800
- Indestructible inline-six
- Best long-distance capability
- Value stable
Market Trends December
Rising Demand
- All-wheel drive: Audi Quattro models +15%
- Sedans: Comfort for winter travel
- Well-maintained classics: Collector market active
Declining Demand
- Convertibles: Seasonal -25%
- High-priced sports cars: Investments postponed
Mileage Correlation
Our December analysis shows:
| Model Type | Correlation | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Youngtimer (20+ years) | -0.45 | Condition more important |
| Modern used (5-15 years) | -0.82 | Mileage very relevant |
| Classic (25+ years) | -0.35 | History decisive |
Outlook January 2026
For the coming month we expect:
- Price stability after new year
- Increasing activity from mid-January
- New listings from dealer clearance
Recommendations
Buy Now
- BMW E38 7 Series – Before further price increases
- Mercedes W140 – Use December discounts
- Audi C6 A6 – At low point, good quality
Wait
- Convertibles until spring
- High-priced M/AMG models until Q1
All data based on our continuous market analysis. As of: December 8, 2025