Expert Reveals Used Car Pricing Crisis in Egypt: A Market Without a Ruling Price

There is no fixed benchmark. Egypt's used car market is grappling with a persistent pricing crisis driven by the absence of clear valuation standards, leaving vehicle values largely subject to owner discretion and supply-demand dynamics rather than any defined ruling price. This was revealed by Hisham El-Zini, editor-in-chief of Ahram Auto, during an interview on the "Kol El Abaad" program broadcast on Extra News and presented by anchor Hadir Abu Zeid.

No Central Authority: How Are Used Cars Priced?

El-Zini explained that the used car market lacks a specific entity responsible for setting prices, unlike other organized markets. New car prices do influence used vehicle values, yet this impact follows no structured formula. The result? Wide price variations between identical models from the same year.

The Owner Becomes the Pricer

Every car owner believes their vehicle deserves a certain price. This mindset — as El-Zini describes — creates a gap between what sellers demand and what buyers are willing to pay. Supply and demand ultimately decide, but the absence of a unified standard leaves the market exposed to sharp fluctuations. The consumer pays the price.

Used vehicles represent a massive share of Egypt's automotive transactions, with many buyers turning to them as an alternative to new cars amid soaring prices. The lack of fair pricing erodes buyer confidence and delays purchase decisions. That delay ripples across the entire market.

New Car Prices: A Pressuring Factor

New car prices exert indirect pressure on the used market. When prices for new Toyota models rise, for instance, some buyers shift toward used alternatives, boosting demand for specific models. El-Zini notes that this effect exists but remains unregulated, since each owner sets their price based on personal judgment.

The bottom line is that the market needs a more transparent pricing mechanism. Its absence harms not only buyers but also confuses sellers. A market without a ruling price remains an unstable one.