Used Cars Are Selling Faster Than New Cars in 2026: Trends, Prices, and Mudik Tips
The Indonesian automotive market at the start of 2026 shows a contrasting shift. In the midst of weakening demand for new vehicles, the used-car market recorded a stellar performance with a 6% increase in January 2026. This phenomenon indicates that used cars are more in demand by the public in facing the current economic environment.
OLXmobbi’s director Agung Iskandar predicted that the Eid al-Fitr celebrations at the beginning of the year would be the main driving force behind growth in the used-vehicle segment. He said the Lebaran momentum always has a positive impact on transaction volumes. ‘During Lebaran 2025, interest in used cars on OLX and used-car sales on OLXmobbi both rose significantly a week after Lebaran. On OLX, demand rose by up to 22%, while on OLXmobbi, the number of buyers approached the normal sales average,’ he said in a press release on Friday (6/3).
OLXmobbi internal data show that one week before Lebaran last year, realised sales even touched 24%. This trend is expected to repeat or even surpass last year’s achievement given the market conditions that are currently buoyant.
There are several key factors making used vehicles a rational choice for consumers in 2026. The first and most crucial factor is the uptake of Eid al-Fitr allowances (THR). With THR funds, prospective buyers have better liquidity to pay down payment (DP) or even make cash purchases, encouraging them to promptly prepare a vehicle suitable for long journeys home. Using THR for productive assets or functional vehicles such as used cars is regarded as more efficient than taking on a loan for a new car that depreciates more in the early years.
Based on OLX trend data, Indonesians still have a strong preference for cars with large capacity. The most in-demand models include Toyota Kijang Innova, Toyota Avanza, Toyota Fortuner, Honda CR-V, and Honda HR-V. In terms of brand loyalty, Toyota remains firmly in first place, followed by Honda and Suzuki in the subsequent positions.
The combination of mudik travel needs, THR liquidity, and more affordable prices makes the used-car market the winner at the start of 2026. Not only as transport, cars have become a representation of identity for students to young professionals.
The Motul car oil line that has upgraded API SQ standards includes Multigrade Plus, Multipower Plus, H-Tech 100 Plus, NGEN Hybrid, and Motul 300V.
There are automotive auction houses such as JBA, Caready, ibid Lelang, Lelang Mobil/Auksi, and Universal Collection.
PRESIDENT Prabowo Subianto held a limited meeting (Ratas) at his Hambalang residence, West Java, on Sunday (11/1), to finalise the textiles industry and chip production for the automotive sector.