Used car prices: Taking advantage of trends for affordable car financing
30 Apr 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The prices for used cars have stabilised after the record years, while a turnaround in loan interest rates is emerging. This market situation opens up a window of opportunity for savvy buyers to secure particularly favourable car financing and save hundreds of euros.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Used car prices have stabilised at a high level in 2024/2025, while falling base interest rates are enabling affordable car loans.
Choosing the right form of financing (installment loan, three-way financing) and the right timing can reduce total costs by hundreds of euros.
The residual value forecast is crucial: Used electric cars lose significantly more value at 48.5 percent compared to petrol cars at 36 percent over three years.
Der Gebrauchtwagenmarkt in Deutschland zeigt nach einer Phase extremer Preisanstiege eine deutliche Beruhigung. Laut DAT-Report kostete ein Gebrauchtwagen 2024 durchschnittlich 18.600 Euro und verharrte damit auf dem hohen Niveau des Vorjahres. Gleichzeitig hat die Europäische Zentralbank im Juni 2025 die Leitzinsen erneut gesenkt, was Ratenkredite tendenziell verbilligt. Für Autokäufer bedeutet dies eine doppelte Chance: Sie können von stabilen Fahrzeugpreisen profitieren und gleichzeitig die Weichen für eine vorteilhafte Finanzierung stellen. Dieser Artikel erklärt fundiert und mit konkreten Praxisbeispielen, wie Sie die aktuelle Gebrauchtwagenpreise-Entwicklung für eine günstige Autofinanzierung nutzen, die richtigen Finanzierungsmodelle wählen und Ihre Verhandlungsposition entscheidend stärken.
Market Analysis 2025: Stable Prices Meet Falling Interest Rates
Used car prices started stable at the beginning of 2025, averaging €27,059, just 1.2 percent below the same month of the previous year. This stability, following the turbulent previous years, provides a solid planning basis for buyers. At the same time, the European Central Bank (ECB) lowered the key interest rate to 2.0 percent by June 2025, making refinancing cheaper for banks. This combination of predictable vehicle prices and potentially falling loan interest rates creates an optimal environment. Buyers who act now can secure attractive conditions before demand, and thus possibly prices, rise again. A loan for young used cars becomes particularly interesting as a result. The right strategy now depends on cleverly combining these two market factors.
Optimising Timing: Determine the Best Time to Buy for Maximum Savings
The right time to buy a car can significantly affect your total costs. Historically, the summer months are often marked by promotional offers, as demand typically decreases slightly due to seasonal factors. Here's an example calculation: A price reduction of just three percent on a used car worth 20,000 euros means a direct saving of 600 euros. Even more important is the trend in interest rates over a four-year financing period. If the effective annual interest rate falls from six percent to five percent, you save more than 400 euros in interest costs on a loan amount of 20,000 euros over the term. Anyone who wants to quickly calculate financing should carefully examine current interest offers. The key is to match a good purchase price with the lowest point in interest rate trends.
Financing options used strategically: Three ways to lower monthly payments
Choosing the right form of financing is crucial for your monthly payments and overall costs. According to a study by the Bankenfachverband, 55 per cent of car financing is through traditional instalment loans. Here is an overview of the three most common models:
Traditional Instalment Loan: Offers maximum planning security with fixed rates and terms. Ideal for buyers who wish to own the vehicle at the end.
Three-Way Financing: Allows low monthly payments through a high final instalment. At the end of the term, the car can be returned, purchased, or refinanced.
Balloon Financing: Similar to Three-Way Financing, but the final instalment must be fully settled at the end, often requiring follow-up financing.
Our Expert Tip: A flexible Three-Way Financing is suitable if you are unsure about keeping the car long-term. However, pay careful attention to the conditions of the final instalment to avoid cost traps.
Maximising Negotiation Leeway: How Price Analysis Strengthens Your Position
Comprehensive knowledge of the current market situation is your strongest lever in price negotiations. Although used car prices are stable, there are regional differences of up to €2,000 for the same model. Use online valuation portals to determine the exact value of your desired vehicle. A well-informed buyer who pays cash can often negotiate an additional discount of three to five percent. This is possible by obtaining the car loan directly from a bank instead of the dealer. Another option is to trade in the old car, which can further enhance your negotiating position. This ensures that you benefit not only from the general market trends but also from individual negotiation skills.
Creditworthiness and Contract Details: Laying the Foundation for Top Conditions
Your personal creditworthiness is the key to the best interest rates. A good Schufa score indicates a low risk of default to the bank, which is rewarded with lower interest rates. You can improve your chances by requesting a free data copy from Schufa before applying for a loan and having any errors corrected. Consolidating several small loans into one can also improve your score. Even an improvement of the annual percentage rate by one percentage point can mean savings of several hundred euros over the term. Therefore, it is advisable to review your financial situation before obtaining quotes. Even a car loan with average creditworthiness is possible, but preparation is crucial for fair conditions. This is how you lay the foundation for a truly affordable car financing.
Your next step: Personalised analysis for your optimal car financing
The current market situation presents a rare opportunity to set the course for advantageous vehicle financing. Stable used car prices combined with a tendency for declining loan interest rates create an ideal environment for car buyers. As shown, careful planning, the right timing, and the appropriate financing strategy lead to significant savings. Your creditworthiness and negotiation skills are the crucial tools at your disposal. Use this knowledge to achieve your personal goals, whether it's securing the lowest possible monthly payment or the quickest repayment.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimization suggestions.
More useful links
Statista offers statistics on average used car prices in various German cities.
Statista provides data on average prices for used and new vehicles in Germany.
DAT offers an article about purchasing prices when buying used cars.
DAT provides the DAT report on this page.
DAT Group offers a summary of the DAT Report 2025 in PDF format.
Federal Statistical Office provides an interactive graphic on prices in the automotive and transport sectors.
Statista offers the consumer price index for used passenger cars in Germany.
Deutsche Bundesbank publishes statistics on interest rates and yields for consumer loans that are relevant for car financing.
FAQ
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einer Ballon- und einer Drei-Wege-Finanzierung?
Beide Finanzierungsarten zeichnen sich durch niedrige monatliche Raten und eine hohe Schlussrate aus. Bei der Drei-Wege-Finanzierung haben Sie am Ende der Laufzeit jedoch drei Optionen: das Auto zurückgeben, die Schlussrate bezahlen oder eine Anschlussfinanzierung abschließen. Bei der Ballonfinanzierung muss die Schlussrate in der Regel vollständig bezahlt werden.
Wie kann ich meine Bonität für einen Autokredit verbessern?
Überprüfen Sie Ihre Schufa-Einträge auf Korrektheit. Fassen Sie außerdem, wenn möglich, mehrere kleine Kredite zu einem einzigen zusammen, um die Anzahl Ihrer Gläubiger zu reduzieren. Eine höhere Anzahlung verbessert ebenfalls Ihre Verhandlungsposition und die Kreditkonditionen.
Ist es sinnvoller, den Kredit beim Händler oder bei einer Bank abzuschließen?
Indem Sie einen Kredit bei einer unabhängigen Bank aufnehmen, können Sie beim Händler als Barzahler auftreten. Dies verschafft Ihnen oft einen besseren Verhandlungsspielraum und kann zu Preisnachlässen von drei bis fünf Prozent führen. Vergleichen Sie aber immer die Gesamtkosten beider Optionen.
Welche Laufzeit ist für einen Autokredit empfehlenswert?
Eine kürzere Laufzeit, beispielsweise bis zu fünf Jahre, führt zu höheren monatlichen Raten, aber geringeren Gesamtkosten, da Sie über einen kürzeren Zeitraum Zinsen zahlen. Längere Laufzeiten senken die monatliche Belastung, erhöhen aber die Summe der gezahlten Zinsen.
Verlieren Elektroautos wirklich so stark an Wert?
Ja, aktuelle Analysen bestätigen das. Ein dreijähriges Elektroauto hat im Schnitt nur noch einen Restwert von 51,5 Prozent des Neupreises, während ein Benziner bei 64 Prozent liegt. Dies liegt an schnellen technologischen Fortschritten und der Unsicherheit über die Batterielebensdauer.
Was bedeutet bonitätsunabhängiger Zinssatz?
Ein bonitätsunabhängiger Zinssatz bedeutet, dass alle Kunden mit ausreichender Kreditwürdigkeit denselben Zinssatz erhalten, unabhängig von ihrem individuellen Schufa-Score. Dies schafft Transparenz und erleichtert den Vergleich von Kreditangeboten.
