ByUDI ETZION/WALLA!

The year 2025 is one most car importers would rather forget. The rush to import cars into Israel before last year’s increase in electric vehicle taxes, combined with shifting consumer preferences this year, has resulted in a surplus of tens of thousands of vehicles that have reached the “aging” stage — meaning they were registered as used after not being sold within 12 months of arrival. These cars are now being sold as “0 km” vehicles at discounts of tens of thousands of shekels off the importer’s list price for the same new model.

Car importers and leasing companies are now holding a series of clearance sales to liquidate this stock — in some cases, for models that were bestsellers just a year ago. The BYD Atto 3 electric crossover, which was Israel’s top-selling vehicle in 2023–2024, is currently being offered by importer Shlomo Motors for NIS 151,000 — a discount of NIS 20,000 from its new price — for the Comfort trim, registered as a 2025 model.

The Geely Geometry C 480 Pure electric model, the long-range version that was a hit just a year ago, is now offered by leasing company Albar, which bought a large stock from the importer, for NIS 147,000 — NIS 22,500 less than the importer’s new-car price — also registered as a 2025 model.

And these are not the biggest discounts currently available on aged EVs. The compact MG4, 2024 model, is now being sold by importer Lubinski in its long-range (520 km official range) version for NIS 145,000 — NIS 28,000 below its original list price.

The MG5 electric station wagon breaks the record: NIS 109,000 for a 2024 model that has been sitting on the importer’s lots for over a year — a full NIS 50,000 less than its original price when new. The Chery FX electric crossover, about 4,000 units of which have recently been “aged,” is now offered at NIS 137,000 for the “Sense” trim level — NIS 15,000 less than its original price as new.

What should you check before buying?

  1. Maintenance: Has the car undergone its scheduled maintenance one year after arriving in Israel, according to the manufacturer’s instructions? Without this, you may lose the warranty. Demand written confirmation from the importer.

  2. Tires: After standing still for a year, all four tires must be replaced. Make sure this has been done, and take a test drive to ensure there are no vibrations caused by damaged tires.

  3. Warranty period: On paper, you’ll receive 5–8 years of warranty for the car and 7–8 years for the battery. However, the warranty period begins from the date the car was registered as used — not from your purchase date. Try to negotiate for an extended warranty.

  4. Registration status: Remember — this is not a brand-new car, even though you’re buying it from the importer. It’s already registered as a used vehicle, so the large discount isn’t a “gift” but reflects its proper used-car value. Check the used-car price listings and make sure you’re getting at least the expected discount for a one- or two-year-old model registered as “0 km.”

  5. Negotiate: 0 km inventory loses value every month, and the importer or leasing company pays interest on the stock they hold. Use this to your advantage to get the best possible offer.

MG5. An electric station wagon now priced lower than a new Kia Picanto.
MG5. An electric station wagon now priced lower than a new Kia Picanto. (credit: Walla System / Yatir Davidovich)

10 Highlighted Deals Right Now

  • Opel Mokka Electric, 2024: NIS 138,000 (NIS 27,000 discount from new-car price)

  • Opel Astra Turbo Gasoline, 2025: NIS 141,000 (NIS 27,000 discount from new-car price)

  • BYD Atto 3 Electric, 2025: NIS 151,000 (NIS 20,000 discount from new-car price)

  • Geely Geometry C 480 Pure, 2025 (Albar): NIS 147,000 (NIS 22,500 discount from new-car price)

  • DS3 Rivoli Electric, 2024: NIS 189,000 (NIS 30,000 discount from new-car price)

  • Mazda CX-5, 2L Gasoline Executive, 2025: NIS 167,000 (NIS 22,000 discount from new-car price)

  • MG4 X-Range (Long Range 520 km official), 2024: NIS 145,000 (NIS 28,000 discount from new-car price)

  • MG5 Station Wagon, 2024: NIS 109,000 (NIS 50,000 discount from new-car price)

  • Citroën e-C4X Electric, 2024: NIS 127,000 (NIS 27,000 discount from new-car price)

  • Peugeot 2008 Turbo Gasoline, 2025: NIS 133,000 (NIS 18,000 discount from new-car price)

  • Chery FX Electric Sense, 2025: NIS 137,000 (NIS 15,000 discount from new-car price)

Prices based on current importer and leasing company sales (Geely Geometry C price from Albar’s ongoing sale).