The Era of “Every Car Sells” in the Second-Hand Market Is Coming to an End

Otomerkezi.net, one of the players in the second-hand car market, shared its expectations for the future of the sector. Company CEO Muhammed Ali Karakaş stated that with the improvement of financing conditions by 2026, the market will settle into a more rational balance, adding, “The era where every car could be sold under any conditions is over. From now on, trust, transparency, and accurate pricing will take center stage.”

The automotive market, which had been stagnant in the first quarter of the year due to high interest rates and financing restrictions, picked up again starting in the summer months. Karakaş said that consumer behavior has also changed significantly during this process: "Citizens are no longer solely focused on price; they are also paying attention to factors such as efficiency, durability, and warranty. This situation is increasing demand for affordable, low-mileage, and well-maintained used vehicles. Our inventory turnover is around 40 days; well-prepared vehicles change hands within a few weeks."

Sustainable success is no longer hidden in sales figures, but in managing trust.

Karakaş emphasized that although one out of every two vehicles sold is over 10 years old, consumers are now selective even in this segment:

"The era where every car sells is over. Buyers now want vehicles with a known history, that are well-maintained and documented. We are also increasing our investments in maintenance, warranty, and certification in line with this. Our goal is to create a reliable used car ecosystem.

"Karakaş, who predicts that potential easing on the financing side will revive credit demand, has defined 2026 as a “year of rationalization” for the sector.

“Consumers are no longer looking for ‘new’ vehicles, but ‘sensible’ ones. We are supporting this with digitalization. The pricing engine we have developed analyzes market data in real time to offer the most competitive price. Our goal is to provide the same standard of reliable used car service in every province of Turkey.”

Karakaş summarized his message about the future of the sector as follows:

“The automotive sector is inherently volatile. However, brands that inspire confidence will survive. We are focused on bringing together technology, service quality, and customer trust.”