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Growth in the used car market and rising prices of new vehicles are leading Brazilians to extend the useful life of their cars
Os cars in Brazil are aging, and the average age of the fleet already exceeds a decade, recent data from Sindipeças . The current scenario reveals a worrying reality: older vehicles, often in poor condition, circulating on the country's roads and streets. This impact is driven by economic factors, including the high price of new cars and credit difficulties, which increasingly distance Brazilians from the dream of owning a zero-million vehicle.
The average age of passenger cars in Brazil has reached 11,1 years , with some segments, such as trucks, reaching 12,2 years . In addition, the number of vehicles over 16 years old already adds up 7,3 million — and, impressively, 220 thousand vehicles are over 25 years old. These numbers reflect the difficulties consumers face in keeping their cars in good condition, an increasingly challenging and expensive task.
High costs removed from full maintenance
It's no secret that keeping a car in good condition in Brazil is expensive. On average, an owner of a popular vehicle spends around R$ 30 thousand per year to keep the car in good condition. These costs include not only maintenance, but also fuel, property taxes and insurance. For older vehicles, which naturally require more repairs, the amount can be even higher.
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And this is where the “Brazilian way” comes into play. Many homeowners, in order to save money, opt for low-cost alternatives, such as remolded tires or reconditioned parts, which do not offer the same durability or safety. “In times of crisis, it is common for drivers to look for cheaper solutions to avoid heavy expenses with the car,” comments specialist Luiz Guerrero. “However, this puts everyone’s safety at risk.”
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Aging fleet: impacts on safety and the environment
The aging of cars in Brazil is not just an economic issue; it also has serious consequences for safety and the environment. Older vehicles are more likely to have mechanical failures, such as worn brakes, flat tires, and suspension problems — factors that contribute significantly to traffic accidents. According to data from Federal Highway Police , vehicles in poor condition are responsible for up to 30% of accidents registered on the highways.
In addition to safety risks, older vehicles emit more pollutants. Older models do not have modern emission control technologies, which further aggravates pollution in cities. At a time when environmental issues are becoming increasingly important, this situation becomes even more worrying.
Explosion in used vehicle sales
Unable to afford a new car, Brazilians turn to used ones. Data from Fenauto indicate that the used vehicle market is expected to break records in 2024, with more than 15 million units sold , surpassing the new car sales forecast for the year by six times. Models such as Fiat Uno, Palio e VW Golf remain among the most sought after, even though they have already been discontinued by the assemblers.
The increase in demand for used cars has also driven up prices for these vehicles, making the second-hand market more competitive. While new cars are out of reach for many consumers, demand for used cars is skyrocketing, creating an effect that increases the value of these older models.
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What to expect for the future of the Brazilian fleet?
Experts believe that the fleet will continue to age in the coming years if nothing is done to renew vehicles. The implementation of easy financing programs and incentives for exchanging old vehicles for newer, less polluting models could alleviate this situation. However, there are still no improvements in public policies with this objective.
“To reduce the average age of the fleet, it is essential that the government and the automotive sector work together to offer alternatives to consumers. This would not only help improve road safety, but would also have a positive impact on the environment,” explains Guerrero.
Meanwhile, the reality is that Brazilians will have to live with an increasingly old fleet. The preference for used vehicles and high interest rates make the scenario difficult for consumers. Do you think Brazil should adopt a fleet renewal program?
