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Cars and TransportationVenezuela

Venezuela's car crisis: Why do used cars cost as much as new ones?

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Enrique Delgado
October 8, 2025

Why do old cars in Venezuela cost as much as new ones? Years of halted imports, sky-high tariffs, and economic collapse have left drivers stuck between aging Toyotas and pricey Chinese SUVs in a distorted market.

Venezuela’sused car market is unlike anywhere else in the world — prices are sky-high, even for decades-old vehicles. Years of halted imports, hyperinflation, and economic collapse have created a bizarre situation where a worn-out Toyota from 2008 can cost as much as a brand-new model. With public transport in crisis and new cars rare and expensive, Venezuelans are forced to choose between costly, old vehicles or untested new models, often from Chinese brands. This report dives into why used car prices remain inflated, how buyers navigate the market, and whether there’s a path toward change in this deeply troubled economy.

Enrique Delgado REV
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