Sant Julià de Lòria Used Vehicle Fair Draws 200 Cars Amid Economic Pressures

The eighth edition of the Sant Julià de Lòria Used Vehicle Fair opened this weekend at Borda Huguet, drawing around 200 vehicles from about a dozen to 20 exhibitors. Organised by the parish council, the event has established itself as a key fixture in the local commercial calendar amid rising interest in second-hand cars due to economic pressures.

Judith López, the parish councillor for tourism, inaugurated the fair and described it as a highly anticipated occasion for both buyers and dealers. She noted that residents look forward to it each year to upgrade their vehicles, allowing them to inspect options closely and compare models in one location. López highlighted last year's success, with roughly 80 sales completed during the fair and in the following weeks, and expressed hope to match that figure. While visitor numbers are not officially tracked, she stressed that transactions remain the main measure of success.

López attributed the growing appeal of used vehicles to broader economic challenges, pointing out that household budgets are increasingly strained, boosting demand for more affordable alternatives over new cars.

Exhibitors reported a positive atmosphere despite lower overall attendance linked to the long weekend and start of school holidays. Sources indicated fewer visitors than last year—when sales were exceptionally strong—but those who came showed genuine buying intent, with no casual browsers dominating. Every dealer secured at least one sale over the two days, some reaching around 10, with an average of four or five expected pending final tallies next week. Lower-priced cars saw stronger movement compared to previous editions.

Dealers like NiceCars, JG Cars Solutions, and Marc Mas Motors described a robust second-hand market in Andorra, driven by a large vehicle fleet and frequent renewals. Jordi Viles from NiceCars said the local market caters to all budgets, from €3,000 to €150,000, with SUVs proving most popular—nearly 40 of their 60+ exhibits fell into that category for their versatility in daily and local driving conditions. Eduard Tejero of JG Cars noted stable prices and shifting buyer priorities, particularly among younger customers seeking tech features like smartphone connectivity. Marc Mas observed steadier sales in higher-end segments, while cheaper models felt more market fluctuations, though Andorra remains relatively insulated.

The fair, free to enter and running through Sunday evening, also featured live music, food services, and family activities. It coincides with the opening of the nearby Senzill park, aimed at boosting footfall in the area. Official sales data will follow in coming days as negotiations conclude.