The Irish used car market has had a dramatic few months. A fuel price shock, record NCT failure rates, and a landmark shift in EV pricing have all arrived at once, reshaping what Irish buyers are looking for — and where the real value lies. Here is everything you need to know heading into summer 2026.
The Headline: Used EVs Are Now Cheaper Than Diesel
This one caught a lot of people off guard. According to DoneDeal's March 2026 price index, used electric cars in Ireland are now priced approximately 11% below comparable diesel vehicles when matched for age, mileage, and model. The median asking price for a three-year-old EV is €28,825, versus €35,893 for an equivalent diesel.
Just three years ago, used EVs commanded a premium. Now the equation has flipped — driven by a wave of new EVs entering the market, falling new EV prices, and changed residual value patterns. Analysts say this correction appears to have stabilised, meaning if you have been waiting to buy a used EV, now is a good time to act. Prices are unlikely to fall significantly further from here.
For buyers, this is a genuine opportunity. A 2022 Kia EV6 — a genuinely impressive car with 528km WLTP range and a 7-year Kia warranty likely still active — can be found on the Irish market for €27,000–€34,000. That is extraordinary value for what is, functionally, a nearly-new premium electric car.
Fuel Prices: The Shock That Changed the Conversation
Nobody can talk about the Irish car market in May 2026 without mentioning the fuel crisis. Rising global oil prices pushed Irish diesel above €2.40/litre and petrol close to €2.20/litre in early April. It triggered a wave of protests across the country, led by farmers, hauliers, and transport workers.
The government responded with a €250 million excise package, cutting prices by €0.20/litre on diesel and €0.15/litre on petrol. As of late April, petrol sits at around €1.82/litre and diesel at €2.05/litre.
The knock-on effect for the used car market? Hybrid and electric enquiries have surged. Buyers who were on the fence about fuel efficiency are now doing the maths seriously. A Hyundai i30 hybrid saves roughly €900–€1,200 per year in fuel versus a petrol equivalent at current prices — a compelling argument for any budget-conscious buyer.
New Car Market: Healthy Numbers, But EVs Are the Story
SIMI data shows 75,074 new cars registered through April 2026, up 2% year-on-year. April itself was strong, up 17% to 10,184 registrations. The real story is EVs: new electric vehicle registrations hit 16,779 through April 2026 — a 48.5% increase on the same period in 2025. Electric now accounts for 22.35% of the new car market, second only to petrol-electric hybrids at 26.67%.
This matters for the used market: the cars registered new in 2023–2025 will start flowing into the used market from 2026 onwards, keeping supply of used EVs strong and choice wide for buyers.
What the NCT Crisis Means for Buyers
The National Car Test is in the news for troubling reasons. Pass rates have fallen below 50% for the first time in years, with over 133,000 vehicles deemed "fail dangerous" in recent testing. Tyres alone account for over 14% of failures.
For used car buyers, this reinforces the value of buying from a reputable dealer who has prepared and pre-inspected a vehicle. It also means the supply of cheap (sub-€8,000) used cars is being compressed — vehicles failing NCT are either being repaired or scrapped, reducing overall supply in the budget segment and supporting prices.
Price Trends by Segment — May 2026
| Segment | Avg Asking Price | 6-Month Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Small car (petrol/hybrid) | €13,500 | ↓ slight softening |
| Family car | €20,500 | → stable |
| SUV | €25,000 | ↑ steady demand |
| Electric | €28,825 | → stabilising (11% below diesel) |
| Van | €16,500 | ↑ seasonal demand pickup |
Figures represent typical asking prices based on DoneDeal March 2026 Price Index and market research. Individual prices vary by spec, mileage, and region.
The 5 Best Value Picks for May 2026
Here are five vehicles offering the best value on the Irish used market right now:
Best small car (under €15,000): Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2019–2022)
The Yaris hybrid is exceptional. Real-world fuel consumption of 55–65mpg, low insurance, cheap motor tax (€170), and Toyota reliability make it almost impossible to go wrong. Prices range from €9,500 to €14,500 depending on year and mileage. Search Toyota Yaris on Autoza.
Best family car (under €25,000): Hyundai i30 (2019–2022)
Ireland's most underrated family car. Comparable in quality to a Golf or Focus but typically €2,000–€4,000 cheaper for the same year and mileage. Hyundai's 5-year warranty covers many examples still. Search Hyundai i30 on Autoza.
Best SUV (under €30,000): Hyundai Tucson (2019–2022)
Supply has improved, prices are honest, and spec levels are generous. A better everyday buy than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at this budget, and typically €3,000–€5,000 less expensive. Search Hyundai Tucson on Autoza.
Best electric (under €35,000): Kia EV6 (2022–2023)
At €27,000–€34,000, the EV6 represents one of the best value propositions in the Irish used market right now. Long range, ultra-fast 800V charging, and significant remaining Kia warranty likely still active. Motor tax is €120/year. Search Kia EV6 on Autoza.
Best van (under €20,000): Renault Trafic / Vauxhall Vivaro (2020–2022)
The twin workhorses of the Irish tradesperson market. Reliable, practical, VAT-reclaimable, and still under €20,000 for a recent example. Van demand is picking up with the summer season underway. Search Renault Trafic on Autoza.
Government Incentives: What Is Still Available in 2026
- SEAI grant: €3,500 towards a new Battery Electric Vehicle (list price €14,000–€60,000)
- VRT relief: Up to €5,000 for new BEVs — active until 31 December 2026
- Combined total: Up to €8,500 in government support for new EV purchases
- Motor tax: €120/year for all BEVs
Note: the PHEV grant has been removed. Only full Battery Electric Vehicles qualify for the SEAI grant.
What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
With summer approaching, the market typically sees a pickup in private sales as people prepare for the July/August activity period. SUV and family car demand tends to firm in May and June. Van demand is already rising with the construction and landscaping season underway.
For buyers, the window between now and July is arguably one of the better periods to buy — inventory is good, prices are stable, and the summer auction clearances that push up cheaper-end pricing have not started yet.
Browse used cars for sale on Autoza →
Frequently Asked Questions
Are used electric cars worth buying in Ireland in 2026?
Yes — more so than at any time before. Used EVs are now priced approximately 11% below comparable diesel vehicles in Ireland, a reversal of the premium they once commanded. A 2022 Kia EV6 can be found for around €27,000–€29,000. Motor tax is €120/year, home charging is inexpensive, and Kia's 7-year warranty may still be active on recent examples.
What is the SEAI electric car grant for 2026?
SEAI offers a €3,500 grant towards the purchase of a new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) with a list price between €14,000 and €60,000. Combined with up to €5,000 in VRT relief (available until 31 December 2026), the total government support reaches €8,500. The PHEV grant has been discontinued — BEVs only.
Why are used car prices still high in Ireland?
Used car prices remain around 85% above pre-pandemic levels due to lasting supply disruption from microchip shortages, new car delivery delays, and Brexit. Prices are now broadly stable but are not expected to return to 2019 levels given sustained demand and permanently higher production costs industry-wide.
What is the best value family car under €25,000 in Ireland in 2026?
The Hyundai i30 (2019–2022) is consistently the best value family car in this bracket — comparable quality to a Volkswagen Golf but typically €2,000–€4,000 less for equivalent year and mileage. The Toyota Corolla hybrid is the next best option if fuel economy is the priority.