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With an ‘unbreakable’ engine that runs 300,000 km, 14 km/l fuel economy, and cheap maintenance, the Volkswagen car remains number 1 among used vehicles, leaving Onix and HB20 far behind in the April 2026 ranking.

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published on 09/05/2026 at 13:52
Updated on 09/05/2026 at 13:53
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Volkswagen Hatch maintains absolute leadership among used cars in Brazil, driven by accessible maintenance, wide availability of parts, and strong presence in the national market. April 2026 ranking shows dominance of flex compacts and continuous growth in negotiations of vehicles over 13 years old.

The Volkswagen Gol remains the best-selling used car in Brazil and maintains a comfortable lead in the pre-owned and used car market.

Even out of production since 2022, the German brand’s hatchback continues to be a benchmark among consumers looking for simple maintenance, affordable parts, and low running costs.

In April 2026, the model registered 61,175 transfers nationwide, according to data released by the National Federation of Automotive Vehicle Resellers Associations (Fenauto).

The Gol’s trajectory helps explain the model’s continued presence at the top of the ranking.

Produced in Brazil for over four decades, the hatchback accumulated millions of units sold and built a reputation for mechanical robustness.

Furthermore, the car still has an extensive technical assistance network and a large supply of parts in the independent market, factors that help preserve its liquidity in the used car segment.

The most recent versions of the Volkswagen Gol used a 1.0 MPI three-cylinder flex engine, capable of delivering up to 84 horsepower with ethanol and 10.4 kgfm of torque.

Volkswagen Gol leads used car sales in Brazil in April 2026; see the 10 most traded models.
Volkswagen Gol leads used car sales in Brazil in April 2026; see the 10 most traded models.

The model was also offered with a 1.6 MSI flex engine of up to 120 hp.

Depending on the configuration and fuel used, the hatchback achieved averages close to 14 km/l on the highway with gasoline, numbers considered competitive for the category even after production ceased.

Another point that keeps the Gol valued in the market is its relatively low maintenance cost.

The simple mechanical assembly, well-known to independent workshops, contributes to cheaper revisions compared to more modern and technological models.

Even so, industry experts point out that older versions require attention to suspension items, cooling system, and internal trim wear.

Used car market remains larger than the new vehicle market

The Brazilian used and pre-owned vehicle market registered 1,113,854 transactions in April 2026.

The volume represents an 8.7% drop compared to March, when 1,219,484 transactions had been recorded.

Despite the monthly retraction, the sector showed a 2.8% growth compared to April 2025.

The numbers reinforce the strength of the used car segment in Brazil.

Volkswagen Gol leads used car sales in Brazil in April 2026; see the 10 most traded models.
Volkswagen Gol leads used car sales in Brazil in April 2026; see the 10 most traded models.

For comparison, the pre-owned and used vehicle market was 370.6% larger than that of new cars and light commercial vehicles in the same period.

In April, registrations of zero-kilometer models totaled 236,712 units in the country.

According to automotive industry analysts, high interest rates for financing and the increase in the average price of new cars continue to drive consumers towards the used car market.

Furthermore, older models still offer a cost-benefit ratio considered attractive by buyers.

Chevrolet Onix, HB20, and Fiat Strada appear among the best-sellers

Although the Gol maintained a significant lead, other compact hatchbacks also registered expressive numbers.

The Chevrolet Onix came in second place, with 38,937 transfers carried out throughout April.

The model has consolidated itself in recent years as one of the most popular vehicles in the country, especially for offering good energy efficiency and a wide range of versions.

Currently equipped with 1.0 naturally aspirated and 1.0 turbo flex engines, the Onix can achieve averages exceeding 17 km/l with gasoline in more efficient versions, depending on usage conditions.

The hatchback also gained traction among consumers due to its technology package and safety equipment.

Volkswagen Gol leads used car sales in Brazil in April 2026; see the 10 most traded models.
Volkswagen Gol leads used car sales in Brazil in April 2026; see the 10 most traded models.

Right behind it is the Hyundai HB20, which recorded 37,388 transactions during the period.

The South Korean compact stands out for its interior finish and engine options, including versions with a 1.0 turbo flex engine of up to 120 hp.

The model also typically shows good fuel consumption rates and appreciation in the resale market.

Among light commercial vehicles, the Fiat Strada continues to lead by a wide margin.

The compact pickup truck recorded 36,777 sales in April and appears in fourth overall position in the ranking.

The model also remains the best-selling new vehicle in Brazil in 2026.

List of the 10 best-selling used cars in Brazil in April 2026

PositionVehicleSales
1stVolkswagen Gol61.175
2ndChevrolet Onix38.937
3rdHyundai HB2037.388
4thFiat Strada36.777
5thFiat Palio31.970
6thFiat Uno31.638
7thToyota Corolla25.011
8thFord Ka23.377
9thFord Fiesta21.820
10thVolkswagen Saveiro21.777

Source: Fenauto

Cars over 13 years old lead used car sales

Vehicles classified as “old-timers,” a category that includes cars 13 years old or older, were the most traded in April.

In total, this group moved 563,451 units, equivalent to 36.8% of the entire Brazilian used car market during the period.

Next are the so-called “young used cars,” aged between four and eight years, which recorded 357,606 sales.

As for the semi-new cars, up to three years old, they totaled 345,682 transfers in the month.

The “mature used cars,” a range that includes models between nine and 12 years old, were the least traded in April, with 263,369 units sold.

The predominance of older cars in sales directly reflects the Brazilian economic scenario.

Models with more years of use typically have more accessible prices and lower insurance and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, consumers have been looking for vehicles already known for their mechanical reliability and ease of resale.

Industry experts estimate that the used car market should remain heated throughout 2026, especially as new vehicle prices remain high.

The expectation is also that compact flex models will continue to dominate transfers, especially in large urban centers.

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Alisson Ficher

A journalist who graduated in 2017 and has been active in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints at free-to-air TV channels, and over 12,000 online publications. A specialist in politics, employment, economics, courses, and other topics, he is also the editor of the CPG portal. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, wish to report an error, or suggest a story idea related to the topics covered on the website, please contact via email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept résumés!

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