Data sourced from autoza.ie and Irish market analysis — Week of 30 March 2026
Market Snapshot
The Irish used car market enters Q2 2026 in cautious confidence. Imported used car volumes surged 36.5% in February 2026 YoY (YTD imports up 40%), beginning to ease mid-range stock shortages. Diesel prices spiked to an average of €1.90/litre in March (up 18c from February) after Middle East tensions, before the government cut excise duty 20c/litre on diesel and 15c/litre on petrol (valid to end of May 2026). Buyers are shifting toward hybrids and EVs.
Most In-Demand Models This Week
- Hyundai Tucson — €18,000–€28,000. Ireland’s best-selling SUV, the practical family workhorse.
- Toyota Yaris Cross — €19,000–€26,000. Compact hybrid SUV, up to 56 mpg — ideal in the current fuel climate.
- Skoda Octavia — €12,000–€22,000. Enormous boot, VW-group reliability, sharp resale. Estate versions particularly popular.
- VW Golf Mk7/8 — €13,000–€24,000. The dependable hatchback, with the 1.5 TSI mild-hybrid gaining traction.
- Nissan Qashqai — €10,500–€21,000. The gateway compact SUV — high volumes, with the 1.5 dCi diesel manual the pick of the range.
Best Value Picks
Under €10,000
2016–2018 Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi — €7,500–€9,800 on autoza.ie. Five-star Euro NCAP, efficient diesel, rock-solid reliability. Prioritise full service history.
Under €15,000
2016–2018 Skoda Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI — €12,000–€14,500. More boot space than any SUV at this price, better to drive, cheaper to insure. Check timing belt history.
Under €20,000
2019–2021 Hyundai Tucson 1.6 CRDi — €17,500–€19,800. Modern family SUV with ADAS, Apple CarPlay, heated seats. Diesel manual is reliable; avoid the DCT auto without fluid-change history.
EV Corner
Used EVs are now 11% cheaper than comparable diesels (DoneDeal, March 2026). The three-year-old EV median sits at €28,825 vs €35,893 for an equivalent-age diesel. Used EV sales were up 31% in 2025 (15,425 units). The SEAI grant offers €3,500 plus up to €5,000 VRT relief, and annual motor tax is just €120. The first wave of 2020–2022 EVs is hitting the market in volume — prices have stabilised and depreciation fear has dissipated.
Running Costs
Diesel averaged €1.90/litre in March (up from €1.72 in February); petrol €1.81/litre (up from €1.73). The government announced excise cuts on 25 March: -20c/litre on diesel, -15c/litre on petrol, valid to end of May 2026. A 26-cent spread was recorded between forecourts 200m apart on Merrion Road, Dublin. Use FuelWatch.ie for the best local price.
Market Outlook
Import volumes up 40% YTD should ease supply at the €12,000–€22,000 bracket through April–May, creating mild downward price pressure. The sub-€6,000 market remains undersupplied — prices up 7.6% YoY. Move when you find the right car; the supply improvement is gradual.
All data free to use with attribution to Autoza.ie. Contact [email protected] for comment or data cuts.
