The car market in North America and Canada is facing shifting dynamics, with new car sales showing a notable slowdown while the used car segment gains attention as buyers seek value. Yet the trend remains nuanced. The question of where to find reliable, well-maintained vehicles in this climate is on many buyers’ minds, and industry voices emphasize a careful, informed approach. This overview consolidates recent observations from seasoned automotive experts and publishers to help readers understand what to expect in today’s market and how to evaluate options in the current environment.
Insights from Igor Shagapov, a recognized car selector who shares practical guidance via the Autopicker’s Tips channel, highlight several key points about current demand and market behavior.
Sales have softened in part due to broader economic shifts and mobilization debates, yet the market remains active. Buyers are increasingly scanning well-known marketplaces to find viable three- to five-year-old vehicles, with popular platforms such as Avito Auto and Autocode Search continuing to drive inquiries and listings. This heightened activity reflects a sustained appetite for value-driven purchases rather than a complete stall in demand.
In the resales arena, sellers of less sought-after makes and models report greater difficulty moving inventory. Vehicles that typically underperform in a normal cycle tend to linger on bulletin boards and online listings for extended periods, underscoring a mismatch between supply and immediate buyer urgency for certain segments. This dynamic elevates the importance of accurate pricing, up-to-date condition disclosures, and transparent service histories to attract interested buyers.
Market observers note that premium brands have become less popular in the current cycle. Autocode data points to a cooling interest in luxury vehicles, with some luxury models seeing price stabilization or reductions compared with earlier months. Discounts in the range of a few percentage points have appeared as part of a broader normalization effort, signaling dealers’ attempts to maintain turnover while addressing shifting demand patterns.
Repair costs have risen sharply for many owners, driven by higher spare parts prices and longer wait times. European-brand parts are commonly more expensive, with increases often reaching 30 to 50 percent, while Asian brands show more moderate escalations, typically 15 to 30 percent. Availability bottlenecks mean certain original parts can be scarce or temporarily unavailable, and delivery times frequently stretch beyond two to three months. This reality complicates ownership for many drivers and can influence decisions about whether to repair, replace, or move on to different models with more straightforward maintenance networks.
Against this backdrop, a measure of resilience has emerged through parallel import channels. Buyers and sellers are adjusting expectations, weighting affordability and practicality while still seeking reliable options. Parallel import activity provides alternatives for those who want access to a varied inventory, especially when official supply lines are constrained. Industry observers stress the importance of verifying vehicle history, ensuring clear title status, and understanding warranty implications in these channels to protect buyers from unforeseen expenses.
For more real-time perspectives, consumer-focused media outlets continue to publish practical advice on what to look for when evaluating used vehicles, how to interpret pricing signals, and where to find trustworthy listings. Readers who stay informed through multiple sources tend to make more confident choices, balancing price, condition, and long-term ownership costs. The ongoing conversation about market conditions and maintenance costs remains an essential resource for anyone navigating today’s car market.
- Meanwhile, the parallel import has started to work – we’ve learned what to expect now.
- “Behind the wheel” can be read in Odnoklassniki.