In recent market observations, demand for used cars in the Russian Federation showed a notable retreat, with a drop of 11 percent in November compared with October, following an 8 percent decline in October from September. Market trackers report a parallel trend: the used car segment opened October with a significant fall of 23.8 percent year over year and a 5 percent dip from September. These numbers point to a broader cooling in the segment, even as certain price signals suggest a more nuanced picture on the ground.
Price stability has not been the immediate outcome of the demand shift. On the contrary, the average price of used cars edged higher in November, increasing by about 2.6 percent from October and reaching roughly 970 thousand rubles. By comparison, October averaged 945 thousand rubles and September hovered around 967 thousand rubles. This persistence of price levels or even modest increases occurs despite softer demand, hinting at factors beyond straightforward supply and demand dynamics in the secondary market.
The autumn market has not expanded supply significantly. Current conditions reflect a tighter pool of offerings, with a particular emphasis on younger models under three years old priced near the 1 million ruble mark. In contrast, the segment for higher-priced vehicles presents a somewhat broader selection. This skew highlights how buyers are strategically choosing models and price bands in response to shifting availability and perceived value.
Overall price behavior remains closely tied to the purchase price of the vehicle, the channel through which it was acquired, and the market segment it belongs to. These variables influence how much buyers are willing to invest and how sellers position vehicles in a competitive landscape that has grown more selective over recent months.
Parallel import influence
Alongside traditional channels, parallel imports have a tangible impact on the pricing narrative. These vehicles, often low-mileage and presented as used, are typically imported with the intent to offer alternatives to new cars. As professional sellers raise the average prices on these vehicles, some pressure is applied to overall used-car pricing in the market. Yet such cars remain relatively scarce, and liquid opportunities on the secondary market are diminishing as buyers hesitate to part with their vehicles amid concerns about available new-model supply.
The broader market picture is shaped by these forces: demand retrenchment, price rigidity in the face of supply constraints, and the reweighting of buyer expectations toward value and reliability. The final outcome for a potential buyer or seller depends on a mix of factors including vehicle age, mileage, import channel, and the timing of purchase cycles that align with new-model arrivals or restocks in showrooms. These dynamics collectively define the ongoing evolution of the used-car landscape in the region.
Source: Commercial