Brazilian drivers turn to used cars as new‑car prices surge

Rising prices for brand‑new vehicles in Brazil have led many consumers to look for affordable used alternatives, especially in the R$ 50,000 price bracket. Autoesporte highlighted five hatchbacks that compete with the popular Fiat Mobi, including the Renault Kwid and other compact models that offer low fuel consumption, modest maintenance costs and practical dimensions for city driving.

A separate Webmotors Autoinsights study of 2025 searches by drivers in Minas Gerais showed distinct preferences. For new‑car queries, pickups and SUVs dominated, with the Ford Ranger leading the list followed by the Fiat Toro and Hyundai Creta. In the used‑car segment, reliability and resale value were paramount, placing the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Gol at the top of the ranking. The findings reflect both the economic pressure on Brazilian households and regional factors such as the state’s mix of urban centers and rural roads.