By BMG AUTOS
Published: February 2026
INTRODUCTION
February 2026 marks an exciting turning point in Ireland's automotive landscape. With electric vehicle sales surging, hybrid technology taking the market lead for the first time, and used car imports hitting record levels, Irish drivers have more choices than ever before. But what does this mean for those in the market for a quality used vehicle?
At BMG AUTOS, we stay on top of market trends to help our customers make informed decisions. Here's our comprehensive analysis of the Irish used car market as we move through February 2026.
THE BIG PICTURE: MARKET PERFORMANCE IN EARLY 2026
The Irish automotive market has started 2026 on a remarkably positive note. According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), new car registrations in January 2026 increased by 3.3%, reaching 34,604 units compared to 33,499 in January 2025.
But here's the real headline: imported used cars have surged by an impressive 43.5% in January 2026, jumping from 5,604 units last year to 8,041 units this year. This dramatic increase signals robust demand in the used car sector and presents significant opportunities for buyers seeking value and variety.
The market's overall health reflects strong consumer confidence, with Ireland's GDP growth forecast at 4.3% for 2025 carrying momentum into 2026. Employment growth, wage increases outpacing inflation, and Budget 2025 tax cuts are all contributing to a positive environment for vehicle purchases.
IT MEANS FOR USED CAR BUYERS
RECORD-BREAKING EV GROWTH
January 2026 witnessed historic electric vehicle adoption. A remarkable 7,319 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered—the highest monthly volume ever recorded and a staggering 48.7% increase over January 2025. For the first time, over one in five new cars registered in Ireland were fully electric.
Even more telling: private consumers accounted for 75% of BEV sales, an 11% increase from last year. This isn't just fleet buyers anymore—everyday Irish drivers are making the switch.
THE HYBRID TAKEOVER
Perhaps the most significant shift in February 2026 is that hybrid vehicles (petrol-electric) have taken the market lead for the first time, capturing 28.28% of new car sales. Battery electric vehicles follow at 21.15%, with traditional petrol at 20.94%, plug-in hybrids at 14.56%, and diesel now representing just 12.48% of new sales.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR USED CAR SHOPPERS
The surge in new EV and hybrid sales is creating a fascinating dynamic in the used market:
1. DIESEL & PETROL VALUES REMAIN STRONG: Despite declining new sales, quality used diesel and petrol vehicles are maintaining excellent resale values. Many buyers in the used market still prefer diesel, particularly for long-distance driving and commercial use. According to industry analysts, decent diesel cars are "worth minding" as values remain robust.
2. EMERGING USED EV MARKET: As more electric vehicles enter circulation, Ireland's used EV market is strengthening significantly. DoneDeal's recent data shows that used EV prices have begun to stabilise after years of volatility, and resale speeds are now comparable to petrol and diesel vehicles. This maturation means greater confidence for buyers considering a used electric vehicle in 2026.
3. HYBRID SWEET SPOT: With hybrid technology dominating new sales, we'll see increasing numbers of quality used hybrids entering the market over the next 1-2 years, offering the best of both worlds—fuel efficiency and convenience without range anxiety.
POPULAR VEHICLE CATEGORIES IN 2026
SUVS REMAIN KING
SUVs continue their dominance in the Irish market. The Hyundai Tucson, despite a slight decline, remains Ireland's best-selling vehicle overall with 4,276 units sold in 2025. The Toyota Yaris Cross has surged into second place with 4,247 units, marking an increase of over 1,000 units year-on-year.
For used car buyers, this means:
- Excellent availability of quality used SUVs
- Strong variety across price points
- Proven reliability in Ireland's driving conditions
- Good resale values down the line
COMPACT & MIDSIZE CARS OFFER VALUE
While SUVs dominate headlines, compact cars like the Volkswagen Golf and midsize sedans like the Skoda Octavia continue to perform strongly. For budget-conscious buyers, these segments offer excellent value, fuel efficiency, and lower running costs.
The Skoda Octavia, in particular, has seen massive monthly surges in 2025, with a 41.1% increase in October alone, cementing its position as the second most popular model in Ireland.
VANS & COMMERCIAL VEHICLES BOOMING
Light commercial vehicle registrations increased by 21.6% in January 2026, reaching 7,579 units. For businesses and tradespeople, the used van market presents compelling opportunities, with strong supply and competitive pricing across small and large commercial vehicles.
THE USED IMPORT SURGE: OPPORTUNITY & CONSIDERATIONS
WHERE ARE IMPORTS COMING FROM?
A fascinating shift has occurred in Ireland's import sources. Japan now accounts for 58% of used car imports to Ireland—a dramatic change from the pre-Brexit era when the UK supplied 96% of imports in 2018. By 2023, UK imports had fallen to just 29%, and this trend continues in 2026.
This diversification benefits buyers through:
- Greater variety in available models
- Different specification standards
- Competitive pricing from multiple markets
- Access to vehicles less common in the European market
MOST POPULAR IMPORTS
In the used import sector, Volkswagen leads with 1,811 registrations, followed by Audi (1,092), Toyota (959), and BMW (944). The VW Golf and Polo remain the most popular imported models, offering proven reliability and widespread service network support.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The majority of used imports are four years or older, which presents both opportunities and considerations:
- Older vehicles may have higher emissions standards concerns
- Service history verification is crucial, especially from non-EU sources
- NCT/DOE preparation may be required
- Always request a comprehensive vehicle history check (95% of buyers now prioritise this)
PRICING TRENDS: WHAT BUYERS CAN EXPECT IN FEBRUARY 2026
STABILITY WITH STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
After years of significant price volatility following the pandemic and Brexit, the Irish used car market is showing welcome signs of stabilisation. Used car price inflation has moderated considerably, with the quarterly rate slowing to approximately 2.2% in recent reports—a significant easing from the sharp rises of 2021-2023.
KEY PRICING INSIGHTS:
1. DIESEL & PETROL HOLDING VALUE: Quality used diesel and petrol vehicles continue to maintain strong values, particularly in the 3-5 year age bracket. Rural drivers and those covering high mileage still favour diesel for economy, supporting demand.
2. EV PRICE STABILISATION: Used electric vehicle prices have stabilised after several years of uncertainty around depreciation. This creates confidence for buyers who previously worried about resale values.
3. SEGMENT VARIATIONS: SUVs and trucks maintain premium pricing due to sustained demand, while compact cars and sedans are seeing modest price corrections, offering value-conscious buyers opportunities for negotiation.
4. FINANCING ACCESSIBILITY: With interest rates stabilising (average APR on new vehicles dropped to 6.6% in late 2025), financing remains accessible. Personal Contract Plans (PCP) continue to dominate financing choices, and new products are emerging to extend PCP availability across the broader used car market.
BEST TIME TO BUY?
February-March typically sees strong activity due to the new registration plate change in January, meaning dealers are motivated to move inventory. Buyers shopping in February can often find competitive pricing as dealerships aim to clear space for incoming stock.
FUEL COSTS & RUNNING EXPENSES IN 2026
RISING PUMP PRICES
Budget 2026 saw carbon tax increases, adding approximately 2 cents per litre at fuel pumps. This translates to an additional €1.28 for filling a 60-litre petrol tank and €1.48 for diesel. Combined with other regulatory costs, Irish fuel prices remain among the highest in Europe.
According to Fuels for Ireland, various policy decisions over the past five years have added around €19 to the cost of filling a typical 60-litre tank, with an approximate 5 cents per litre increase at the start of 2026 alone.
EV CHARGING ADVANTAGE
While fuel prices rise, the cost of charging electric vehicles remains favourable. The 9% VAT rate on electricity has been extended to the end of 2030, keeping charging costs stable. For high-mileage drivers, the running cost advantage of EVs continues to grow.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BUYERS
When shopping for a used vehicle in February 2026, total cost of ownership calculations are more important than ever:
- A fuel-efficient hybrid or diesel may offset higher purchase prices through lower running costs
- EVs offer the lowest per-kilometer costs but require consideration of charging infrastructure access
- Petrol vehicles suit lower-mileage urban drivers who prioritise lower initial investment
EXPERT BUYING TIPS FOR FEBRUARY 2026
Based on current market conditions, here's our professional advice:
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Use platforms like Carzone and DoneDeal to understand average pricing. According to recent surveys, 57% of customers research 2-3 websites before purchasing—be one of them.
2. INSIST ON HISTORY CHECKS
95% of buyers now prioritise vehicles with full history checks. Never skip this step, particularly with imported vehicles.
3. CONSIDER YOUR DRIVING PATTERNS
- High mileage / rural driving: Quality used diesel remains excellent value
- Mixed driving / families: Hybrid SUVs offer the best balance
- Urban / lower mileage: Compact petrol or consider a used EV
- Commercial use: Diesel vans still dominate for good reason
4. TEST DRIVE MULTIPLE OPTIONS
The market's diversity means you have choices. Don't settle for the first vehicle you see—compare handling, comfort, and features across different makes and models.
5. NEGOTIATE SMARTLY
With inventory levels healthy and competition strong, there's room for negotiation. Request full breakdowns of pricing, ask about manufacturer incentives, and don't be afraid to walk away if terms don't suit your needs.
6. FACTOR IN AFTERCARE
Choose a dealer with onsite service facilities. At BMG AUTOS, our fully equipped garage means any warranty work is completed by our own qualified technicians who serviced the vehicle before you bought it—that's a significant advantage.
7. EXPLORE FINANCING OPTIONS
Shop around for car finance. New PCP products are expanding availability across the used market, and competitive rates mean monthly payments may be more affordable than you expect.
LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE IRISH MARKET?
CONTINUED ELECTRIFICATION
With government incentives extended, including the €5,000 VRT relief through end of 2026 and new benefit-in-kind categories for company EVs, electric vehicle adoption will continue accelerating. Expect the used EV market to mature rapidly, offering increasing choice and confidence.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Charging infrastructure expansion remains critical. While 2026 has started with rapid station deployment, sustained investment will determine how quickly mainstream buyers feel comfortable making the switch to electric.
HYBRID DOMINANCE
Hybrids are likely to maintain their position as Ireland's most popular powertrain choice throughout 2026, offering a practical transition path for drivers not yet ready for full electric.
IMPORT MARKET EVOLUTION
The diversification of import sources beyond the UK will continue, bringing new opportunities and requiring buyers to remain vigilant about vehicle provenance and history verification.
PRICING OUTLOOK
Barring major economic disruptions, the used car market appears headed for continued stability in 2026. The days of dramatic price swings are likely behind us, creating a more predictable environment for buyers and sellers alike.
BMG AUTOS: YOUR PARTNER IN THE 2026 MARKET
At BMG AUTOS, we've been navigating the Irish automotive market since 2021, growing from a specialist service centre to one of Ireland's trusted destinations for quality used vehicles. Our success is built on understanding market dynamics and passing that knowledge to our customers.
WHY CHOOSE BMG AUTOS IN 2026?
✓ EXTENSIVE INVENTORY: Quality used cars, SUVs, small vans, and large commercial vehicles
✓ FULLY EQUIPPED GARAGE: Our onsite service centre means genuine aftercare and in-house warranty work
✓ MARKET EXPERTISE: We track trends and pricing to ensure competitive, transparent deals
✓ NATIONWIDE DELIVERY: We've sold vehicles across every county in Ireland
✓ EXPERT TECHNICIANS: Qualified mechanics experienced with all vehicle types
✓ COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES: From NCT/DOE prep to advanced diagnostics
✓ NO-PRESSURE ENVIRONMENT: Honest advice to help you find the right vehicle for your needs
Whether you're looking to take advantage of strong diesel values, explore the emerging used EV market, or find the perfect hybrid SUV for your family, we're here to help you navigate the opportunities in February 2026's dynamic market.
CONCLUSION
February 2026 presents an exceptional environment for used car buyers in Ireland. Record import levels, stabilising prices, diverse powertrain choices, and healthy inventory across all vehicle categories create real opportunities for those who do their homework.
The market's shift toward electrification is creating value in quality used diesel and petrol vehicles, while the maturing used EV market offers forward-thinking buyers a chance to embrace cleaner technology with greater confidence than ever before.
At BMG AUTOS, we're excited about what 2026 holds for Irish drivers. Whether you're upgrading from an older vehicle, need commercial transport for your business, or are making your first purchase, the current market conditions are in your favour.
Visit our showroom to browse our selection, or give us a call to discuss your needs. With our onsite garage and experienced team, we're not just selling cars—we're building lasting relationships on the road.
CONTACT BMG AUTOS to discuss which Car, Van, Or SUV you would like to upgrade too!
We also provide comprehensive servicing and repairs for all makes and models. Book your vehicle in today.
