Used cars, the most sought-after in Italy in 2025: surprise for the top spot

Used cars continue to command a significant market share in Italy. This sector is being driven primarily by the challenging automotive market, with new car prices skyrocketing rapidly. CarVertical, a leading automotive data collection company, has compiled a ranking of the most sought-after used models on its platform in the first half of 2025.

The most desired cars

We're usually used to seeing a Fiat model at the top of the list, but this time it wasn't like that. In first place , in fact, was the Volkswagen Golf, with 3.6% . The German car thus overtook the Fiat 500 , which only a year ago led the same ranking. In 2025, the Audi A3 (2.6%) and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2.3%) rounded out the podium.

Behind these models, there is room for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2.05%), the Fiat 500C (2%), the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (1.9%), the Fiat Panda (1.8%), the Land Rover Range Rover (1.78%), the Fiat 500X (1.76%), and the Audi Q3 (1.6%). It is worth noting that the Fiat 500C, 500X, and Audi Q3 stand out in the ranking, appearing in the Top 10 for the first time , demonstrating Italians' changing taste in used cars.

Looking at individual brands, despite losing its lead with a single model, Fiat remains the most searched for brand in 2025, with 5.6% of searches. Audi (4.3%) and Alfa Romeo (4.3%) follow. So, two Italian brands occupy the top three spots, underscoring a certain "patriotism" when it comes to cars among Italian buyers.

The cars with the most problems

CarVertical, however, didn't just collect data on used car searches, but also on the problems these vehicles encountered. Surprisingly, while the Volkswagen Golf is the most desirable car among Italians shopping for used cars, it's also the one with the most damage. Specifically, 17% of the vehicles inspected reported problems, with an average repair cost of €9,166. Behind the German car was the Audi A3, which, despite a lower percentage (13%), nevertheless recorded higher average repair costs, reaching €15,112 . Finally, third place went to the Fiat 500C with 11.2% and an average repair cost of €4,023.

Matas Buzelis, automotive expert at carVertical, commented on the issue: "Our research shows that premium German cars tend to have a higher rate of damage. Among the most common types of damage are past accidents, bodywork, and engine damage, which can compromise both the safety and value of the vehicle."

Among the most frequently highlighted problems is odometer tampering . The car that has most frequently been the subject of this scam is the Audi A3 (3.9%), followed by the Alfa Romeo Stelvio (3.6%) and finally the Fiat Panda (3.3%). In short, despite everything, the problem of some attempted scams against consumers remains. For this reason, whether at a dealership or privately, it is always best to carefully check the history of the vehicle you are purchasing.