Carrot Used Car: "Eco-Friendly Vehicles Dominate the Used Market Amid High Oil Prices"

Analysis of 2026 First Half Transaction Data

In the first half of this year, the used car market saw a significant increase in average transaction prices as demand surged for eco-friendly vehicles with lower maintenance costs, largely due to the impact of high oil prices.

Carrot's used car service, "Carrot Used Car," announced the results of its "2026 First Half Transaction Data" analysis on July 14.

According to the data analysis, the average transaction price for used cars rose by about 30% (2.44 million won), from 8.22 million won last year to 10.66 million won this year. By vehicle type, the average transaction price for internal combustion engine cars (diesel and gasoline) was 9.84 million won, while the average for eco-friendly vehicles (hybrid, electric, hydrogen, etc.) was 25.19 million won. The total number of listings increased by 96% compared to the same period last year.

Image of transaction data analysis results for the first half of 2026. Carrot

In particular, transaction volumes for electric vehicles (up 111%) and hybrids (up 132%) also increased, drawing considerable attention in the used car market. This indicates that the shift in demand toward eco-friendly vehicles with lower maintenance costs is accelerating.

User interest metrics were also concentrated on eco-friendly vehicles. In the first half of the year, total views of hybrid car listings increased by 54% year-on-year. Notably, in May, views for the BMW i3 surged by 3,251%, and in June, views for the Hyundai The All-New Santa Fe HEV jumped by 2,659%, showing that interest in eco-friendly cars (xEV), from older to the latest models, has expanded significantly. The number of "favorites"—another indicator of interest—also saw major gains for electric vehicle models, with the Casper EV up 180%, Model Y up 53%, and Ioniq 5 up 31%.

A representative from Carrot Used Car stated, "Looking at Carrot Used Car data for the first half of the year, value-driven consumption that takes maintenance costs into account—ranging from electric and hybrid vehicles to compact cars—was the most prominent trend in this year's used car market." The representative added, "Amid changing external conditions, we will continue to expand information and transaction convenience so that users can make more rational choices and trade safely."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.