Romanians' preference for second-hand cars imported from abroad hides major risks for road safety and for buyers' budgets. According to a recent study by the carVertical car verification platform, almost two-thirds of imported vehicles hide accidents in their past, and the risk of mileage fraud remains alarmingly high. However, the data shows an important change in the mentality of Romanian drivers: safety and a clean past are starting to take precedence over low price.
It is no longer news that Romanians prefer second-hand cars imported from other countries, to the detriment of those that have been driven exclusively in Romania. Data collected by the platform between January 2025 and March 2026 confirms this trend: 60.4% of all cars checked in the country came from abroad.
But this preference comes with considerable risk. Of all imported vehicles analyzed during this period, no less than 61.9% had a history of damage. In comparison, the share of damaged cars is lower for those that were used only in Romania, standing at 53.1% – a percentage that, although lower, remains high.
In addition to repaired bodies, imported car buyers face another classic automotive market trap: altered odometers. The study indicates that vehicles brought from abroad are two to five times more likely to have their mileage reversed compared to locally-made cars.
Despite market vulnerabilities, Romanians' purchasing behavior is clearly maturing. An extensive survey conducted by the same company, in which 14,000 drivers from Europe (including 1,500 from Romania) participated, demonstrates that a transparent past has become a priority.
Specifically, 80.7% of Romanian second-hand car buyers said they prefer a car with no damage history. Surprisingly for a market traditionally guided by strict budgets, only 10.7% of respondents still consider price to be the most important criterion in the purchase decision.
Romanians have also become extremely skeptical about cars that have only been repaired on the surface. The same research shows that 68.1% of Romanian drivers would never buy a car that has been in a serious accident, even if it looks aesthetically impeccable at the time of sale.
Moreover, the desire to avoid hidden technical problems is leading many to dig deeper into their pockets: 50.3% of those surveyed admitted that they would be willing to pay a higher price for a vehicle that they can be absolutely sure has never been involved in an accident. Last but not least, for 89.6% of drivers, the severity of previous damage is a factor of extreme importance before shaking hands with the seller.
In conclusion, the Romanian used car market remains flooded with vehicles with an uncertain past, where the external appearance can easily deceive an untrained eye. In the context where most imported cars hide expensive or even dangerous secrets, a thorough check of the car's history and technical expertise are no longer simple options, but mandatory steps to avoid a regrettable investment.