Estonia’s used car market in January: transaction volume increased by 83%
In January 2026, a total of 6,682 passenger car ownership transfers were recorded in Estonia, which is 83% more than in January 2025, when ownership changed for only 3,661 passenger cars. However, it should be noted that the transaction volume in January last year was exceptionally low due to the introduction of a new tax law.
When compared with earlier years, the result for January this year is still lower. The typical January level over the years has been around 10,000 ownership transfers. While there is still a long way to go to reach that level, the January 2026 result nevertheless showed positive signs, giving hope that the used car market is gradually beginning to recover.
Most popular car brands in January
Top three brands:
- BMW
- Volkswagen
- Škoda
The top three brands remain the same as in December, although transaction volumes have changed slightly.
Looking at brands individually, BMW once again ranked as the most popular used car brand in January. A total of 970 BMWs changed ownership, which is 33 more transactions than in December. Volkswagen ranked second with 711 transactions, which is 23 fewer than in December. Third place went to Škoda, with 558 transactions, which is 14 fewer than in December.
When comparing the top brands with January 2025, the results are as follows:
BMW ownership transfers increased by 156%, Volkswagen by 71%, and Toyota by 80%.
This shows that BMW has maintained its leading position and increased its transaction volume, while Volkswagen and Škoda have lost ground in terms of transaction numbers.
January model rankings
Top three models:
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW 3 Series
- Volkswagen Passat
Month after month, competition among the BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, and Volkswagen Passat has remained tight. January brought no change, and the same rivalry continued among these models.
In January, the BMW 3 Series took first place with 347 transactions, followed by the BMW 5 Series with 307 transactions. Third place went to the Volkswagen Passat, with 280 transactions. Compared to December, all models in the top three recorded higher transaction volumes.
Vehicles up to ten years old
Top three brands:
- Toyota
- Škoda
- Volkswagen
In the segment of newer used cars (up to 10 years old), Toyota ranked first in January. In recent months, Škoda had held the leading position, but Toyota reclaimed the top spot. Toyota recorded 404 ownership transfers in January, which is 72 more than in December. Škoda ranked second with 352 transactions, 79 fewer than in December. Volkswagen took third place with 214 transactions, 21 fewer than the previous month.
Looking more closely at models in the up-to-10-year segment, Škoda Octavia was the best-selling model in January, changing ownership 143 times. It was followed by the Toyota RAV4 with 117 transactions, and the Toyota Corolla in third place with 86 transactions.
Vehicle age rankings
The oldest passenger car to change ownership in January was a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe. The Plymouth Special Deluxe was one of the most popular post-war American family cars, produced by Chrysler Corporation under its affordable Plymouth brand.
The highest number of transactions in January involved 2021 model-year vehicles, with a total of 488 transactions, clearly indicating a preference for relatively new used cars. These were followed by 2008 model-year vehicles with 366 transactions, and 2007 model-year vehicles with 326 transactions.
Author: Autoportaal.ee Analytics
Source: Transport Administration of Estonia
Note: The data is based on ownership transfers of passenger cars registered in Estonia.
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