Top 10 most wanted car brands in 2025: Romanians rely on second-hand cars and cheap maintenance

The car market in Romania continues to be clearly oriented towards affordable cars both for purchase and for maintenance. The most registered car brand in the country is Volkswagen, and the SUV model is preferred in Bucharest.

Romanians prefer cars with low maintenance costs. Archive photo

Romanians choose their cars based on price, durability, availability of parts and services, equipment, low maintenance costs and financial efficiency, so that 7 out of 10 cars registered in 2025 are from the used car category, according to official DRPCIV data, analyzed by Plus Auto experts.

The analysis takes into account car registrations at the national level and data related to makes, models and engine types. In total, 548,612 cars were registered in 2025. Of these, 71.47% were used cars, and 28.53% were new cars.

“This analysis provides a clear and relevant perspective on the car market in Romania in 2025, based on concrete figures and real purchase decisions. Beyond the charts and rankings, the data shows us how purchasing behavior is evolving, which brands are consolidating their position and which trends are becoming dominant. It is a useful x-ray for both consumers and industry professionals who want to understand the direction in which the car market is heading.

The used car market remains dominant, but the new car segment has grown compared to previous years. Romanians choose used cars because, for the same budget, they get more: a bigger car, better equipped and with lower costs in the long run. The fact that more than 70% of registered cars are second-hand clearly shows the market's orientation towards affordable purchases, where the rapid depreciation of a new car and high initial costs are avoided. Brands considered safe, predictable and easy to exploit with a controlled financial risk are preferred”said car expert Veronica Negru.

The analysis that includes data at the national level also shows that limited budgets, increasing maintenance costs, inflation and economic uncertainties lead Romanians to look for already depreciated but still reliable cars, models with verifiable history and low operating costs, better equipment for the same budget compared to a new car, cars that meet the same needs for different people: commuting, mixed roads, city, family, costs kept under control.

For these reasons, Volkswagen, Dacia and BMW brand cars are the most sought after by Romanians. Of the total number of cars, 27% are Volkswagen, which means that over 148,000 cars registered in Romania are this brand, mainly the Golf model.

As for new cars, less than a quarter of all new cars were registered. Dacia is the most purchased brand in this category, with 41,598 registrations, which means 29.29% of all new cars analyzed. In other words, almost one in three new cars registered in 2025 was a Dacia.

What Romanians choose concretely: engines, traction and models

Regarding the type of engine, diesel cars are preferred.

Almost half (48%) of all cars registered in 2025 run on diesel, with 262,553 units. In the next place is the gasoline engine, with 128,896 units, respectively 23.50% of the total. The Type 01 hybrid reached 102,229 units, or 18.64%.

Electric cars are still a small segment with 13,191 units, and Type 02 hybrid models registered 15,727 registrations. LPG remains relevant with 25,064 units, while other fuel combinations are insignificant in terms of volume.

In terms of traction, things are even simpler. Front-wheel drive dominates the market, with 344,901 cars, or 68.87% of the total. It is a practical choice, cheaper to maintain and sufficient for most daily use scenarios.

Top 10 car brands preferred by Romanians in 2025

According to official DRPCIV data analyzed by Plus Auto Marketplace, car models and brands considered reliable, durable and affordable dominate purchasing preferences.

“Romanians choose more carefully than in past years. They look at real costs, reliability, how much the car will cost them in the long run and how easily they can resell it. In this context, a model like Volkswagen becomes a suitable choice for many buyers. At the same time, Dacia remains one of the most important brands on the Romanian car market, confirming its status as the preferred national brand, especially in the segment of affordable and functional cars“, adds the Plus Auto representative.

Here are the car brands Romanians bought most often in 2025, according to DRCPIV:

1. Volkswagen: ldetached market leader, chosen for reliability, variety of models and predictable long-term costs. It dominates both the used car area and a significant part of the new segment.

Volkswagen reached 26.59% of all registrations in Romania. Practically, one out of four cars registered in Romania is a Volkswagen.

2. Dacia: the brand preferred by those looking for an affordable price and low maintenance costs. Very strong in the domestic market, especially in big cities and in the area of ​​affordable SUVs.

3. BMW: the choice of customers who emphasize performance and image. Sales are more concentrated in large counties and in the premium used car segment.

4. Listen: a brand appreciated for comfort and technology, very present on the second-hand market. It attracts buyers who want an extra touch of sophistication without stepping up to extreme luxury segments.

5. Renault: strong in the area of ​​family cars and fleets. It is chosen for decent costs and a varied offer in the compact and medium segment.

6. Mercedes-Benz: landmark in the premium area, with smaller but constant volumes. It is preferred by customers looking for comfort, safety and status.

7. Skoda: a brand appreciated for space, reliability and a good price-equipment ratio. Very present in the segment of family cars and fleets.

8. Ford: a balanced choice for those who want a practical, easy-to-maintain car. Compact and estate models remain popular with budget-conscious buyers.

9. Toyota: known for reliability and offering hybrid models. It is growing steadily, especially in cities, where low consumption matters more and more.

10. Opel: present especially on the used car market, with affordable and easy-to-operate models. A pragmatic option for daily use.

Which cars do Romanians prefer depending on the county

Volkswagen is the most registered car in Romania, preferred in over 70% of the counties in the country, more precisely in 30 counties. Dacia predominates in 8 administrative units, including Bucharest.

• Volkswagen Golf: Alba, Arad, Bacău, Bistrita, Botoșani, Caraș-Severin, Cluj, Covasna, Dâmbovița, Giurgiu, Gorj, Ialomița, Iasi, Mehedinți, Mureș, Neamț, Olt, Prahova, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Timiș, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vâlcea and Vrancea

• Volkswagen Passat: Constanța, Galati, Sălaj and Teleorman

• Dacia Logan: Argeș and Calarasi

• Dacia Duster: Brăila, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ilfov, Maramureș and Bucharest

• BMW: Dolj – particularly preferred the BMW 320D model

“Analyzing model preferences, we can observe certain patterns: Volkswagen Golf dominates where people want balance, Passat where space and comfort are important, and Dacia Logan and Duster are a choice that remains strong where the practical part is preferred, not the features or the image, but where the total cost is as low as possible and easy maintenance. In Bucharest and Ilfov, we can see the trend towards city SUVs, with a higher driving position and a feeling of safety. In counties with more varied roads, Dacia Duster wins through versatility, without taking the budget into the premium area.

Where BMW is preferred, there is a real demand for premium driven and people are willing to go for performance and comfort, even if maintenance may be more expensive“, explained Veronica Negru.

The electric car segment continues to grow, and DRPCIV data shows an increasingly clear competition between Tesla and BYD. The Plus Auto analysis highlights the adoption differences between the two brands and how Romanians relate to electromobility in 2025.