Sri Lanka’s Car Market – July 2025 Insights

How the Market is Moving—and What It Means for You

Despite fluctuating economic conditions, Sri Lanka’s vehicle market remains remarkably resilient. From fuel concerns to price hikes, mobility is still a necessity—not a luxury. And month after month, ikman continues to serve as the country’s largest and most active classifieds hub, reflecting real-time shifts in demand and supply.

Our July 2025 market data offers valuable insights into what Sri Lankans are buying, which cars are getting listed most often, and how sellers can align with current trends. Whether you’re planning to sell your car or searching for a new ride, this update is your shortcut to smarter decisions.

📊 Market Snapshot: What’s Driving the Listings?

In July, over 6,100 cars were actively listed on ikman:

• Used cars: 3,839 listings (~63%)
  
• Brand-new cars: 1,266 listings
  
• Reconditioned/rebuilds: 995 listings
  

The dominance of used cars isn’t just a trend—it’s a direct response to affordability challenges and high import duties. Sellers continue to find strong interest for well-maintained pre-owned vehicles, while buyers are prioritizing value and longevity.

💡 For Sellers:

If you’ve got a used car—especially an SUV, hybrid, or a Japanese brand—it’s a great time to list. Visibility and buyer interest are high.

⚙️ Gearbox Trends: Automatics Are the New Norm

Urban congestion and lifestyle shifts are driving preferences toward automatic transmissions. Here’s the breakdown:

• Automatic: 4,537 listings
  
• Manual: 968 listings
  
• Triptonic/Semi-Auto: 587 listings
  

The convenience of automatics is no longer a luxury—it’s expected, especially in city environments like Colombo, Kandy, or Galle. For daily commutes, automatics offer smoother navigation through traffic and appeal to both new and experienced drivers.

💡 For Buyers:

Looking for an everyday city car? Prioritize automatic gearboxes—they’re easier to drive and quicker to resell down the line.

🌍 Vehicle Origins: Trust Still Drives Demand

Of the 5,724 listings with brand origin data:

• Japanese cars dominate: 3,881 ads (68%)
  
  • Toyota: 1,807
    
  • Honda: 790
    
  • Suzuki: 647
    
• European models account for 1,256 ads (22%)
  
  • Mercedes-Benz and BMW lead the luxury segment
    
• Korean, Indian, and Chinese brands: 587 ads
  

Japanese brands maintain a firm grip on the market thanks to their durability, fuel efficiency, availability of spare parts, and strong resale value. Toyota, in particular, continues to be the top choice for both buyers and sellers.

🚙 Body Types & Fuel Preferences: What’s Being Listed—and Why

When it comes to the style and fuel type of vehicles, practicality is shaping the market.

🔧 Top Body Styles:

• SUVs/4x4s: 2,298 listings
  
• Hatchbacks: 1,515
  
• Sedans: 1,395
  
• Station wagons/MPVs: 380 combined
  

SUVs are preferred for their road clearance, family capacity, and adaptability to Sri Lankan roads—urban or rural. Hatchbacks are still popular for first-time buyers and city-based users looking for agility and fuel economy.

⛽ Fuel Preferences:

• Petrol: 3,784 ads
  
• Hybrid: 1,200
  
• Diesel: 986
  
• Electric: 125
  

Petrol remains dominant due to its availability and infrastructure, but hybrids are gaining momentum fast. They offer a middle ground between fuel cost savings and lower environmental impact. EVs, while still niche, are slowly emerging, bolstered by government incentives for EV imports via remittances.

📈 What’s Fueling These Trends?

Here’s what’s shaping buying and selling behavior on ikman:

• Economic Pressure: Buyers are prioritizing long-term value. Reconditioned vehicles and hybrids are rising as alternatives to brand-new cars.
  
• Fuel Reliability: Recent fuel disruptions have made petrol and hybrid vehicles safer, more predictable choices.
  
• Ease of Use: Automatic gearboxes reduce driver fatigue in daily traffic, especially in cities.
  
• Brand Loyalty: Japanese cars continue to earn trust for their balance of quality and affordability.
  
• Green Awareness: Rising environmental consciousness is supporting the gradual move toward hybrid and electric vehicles.
  

“Car prices may have risen, but demand hasn’t dropped. In fact, it’s evolved. Buyers are smarter, more informed—and ikman gives them the visibility and variety they need to make confident choices.”

📣 What Should You Do If You’re a Seller?

Now is a good time to list—especially if your vehicle fits any of these categories:

✅ Well-maintained SUVs or Hatchbacks
✅ Toyota, Honda, or other Japanese brands
✅ Hybrids or Automatic gearboxes
✅ Vehicles priced under LKR 7 million

Pro Tips:

• Add 5–7 clear images
  
• Mention key specs (mileage, service history, gearbox)
  
• Use strategic keywords like “Japanese,” “Hybrid,” or “Automatic” in your title
  

👉 Post Your Ad on ikman Today – It only takes minutes to reach thousands of buyers.

🧭 Shopping for a Car?

Browse smarter. ikman has filters to help you find exactly what you need—price, location, fuel type, gearbox, and brand.

Start exploring:

• 🔍 Used SUVs on ikman
  
• 🔋 Affordable Hybrid Cars
  
• ⚙️ Automatic-Only Listings
  

📝 Final Thoughts

The Sri Lankan car market isn’t slowing down—it’s simply changing gears. Buyer preferences are shifting toward efficiency, convenience, and trusted brands. Meanwhile, sellers have a real opportunity to connect with motivated, informed buyers—if their listings align with market demand.

With its scale, reach, and user-friendly platform, ikman remains the most powerful place to buy or sell a car in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re making space for something new or hunting for your next ride, we’re here to help you move forward.