Even during the summer vacation season, demand remains steady in the used-car market for sedans priced below 10 million won that have lower running costs than SUVs. Mobility platform Whistle's used-car service PickDeal on Tuesday released its outlook for the July used-car market based on actual transaction data linked to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and AI price analysis.

PickDeal forecast that July prices for the three models it analysed would all edge down slightly from June. Hyundai Motor's Grandeur HG is expected to average 5.70 million won in July, down 1.9 percent from the June average purchase price of 5.81 million won. By fuel type, gasoline accounts for 77.8 percent, while LPG, which carries a lower fuel-cost burden, makes up 14.6 percent. Black accounts for 53.7 percent of colours, a majority share.

Hyundai Motor's Avante AD is expected to average 8.80 million won in July, down 0.9 percent from the June average of 8.88 million won. Gasoline models account for 92.0 percent, while colours were led by white at 52.2 percent, followed by grey at 28.8 percent. Renault Korea's SM6 is expected to average 6.78 million won in July, down 1.6 percent from the June average of 6.89 million won. Gasoline accounts for 70.0 percent and LPG 21.1 percent, which the company said reflects demand that prioritises economy.

A Whistle official said more consumers in the used-car market are considering both vehicle prices and running costs, keeping demand steady for sedans in a reasonable price range. PickDeal supports drivers considering a vehicle change so they can make more reasonable choices based on actual transaction data and AI analysis, the official said.