Today, a large share of drivers own foreign cars. Roughly eight out of ten motorists in the latest surveys report owning a foreign-made vehicle. Among these, about half purchased their car used and the other half bought it brand-new without mileage. This split mirrors how buyers in the field weigh immediate cost against long-term reliability and the availability of newer features. In practical terms, a sizable portion of foreign-brand ownership emerges from workers in transport and logistics, followed closely by those in manufacturing and construction. Specifically, second-hand foreign cars attract buyers in the transport sector, representing around 15% of such purchases, with industry workers accounting for about 13%, and construction professionals about 11%. When it comes to new foreign-brand cars, the trend leans toward buyers from different industries as well, with transport specialists showing notable interest (around 11%) and retail workers making up a smaller but meaningful share (approximately 8%). These patterns reflect broader preferences for reliability, service networks, and total cost of ownership across sectors.
Domestic vehicles are held by roughly one-fifth of drivers. Among these domestic owners, the majority acquired their present car new, while a substantial minority bought a used vehicle. The balance suggests a robust market for affordable, practical transport that caters to daily needs. In terms of new domestic car purchases, interest concentrates among workers in transport and logistics (roughly 14%), the industrial sector (around 13%), and information technology professionals (about 10%). Meanwhile, households seeking used domestic cars tend to favor professions in construction (about 16%), manufacturing (roughly 14%), and retail trades (around 8%). These figures highlight enduring demand for domestic brands across a wide range of occupations and the value placed on local production and support networks.
The turnover rate for car ownership remains relatively low for many households. Only a small fraction—about 4%—change their vehicle every two years or more. A larger share, around 14%, rotates to a new car every three to four years. In other words, a meaningful portion of buyers plan for mid-term replacement cycles. Looking at longer horizons, roughly 22% switch cars every five to six years, and around 28% do so every seven to ten years. The majority, about 32%, maintain their vehicle for more than a decade. These patterns were identified in large-sample surveys that involved more than three thousand car owners across multiple regions, conducted by Rabota.ru in collaboration with SberAvto. The findings provide a window into how people balance maintenance costs, depreciation, and evolving vehicle technology when deciding whether to upgrade. Analysts note that the timing of replacements often aligns with shifts in personal finances, changes in family needs, or the arrival of newer safety and efficiency features in the market. In the current climate, buyers also weigh the reliability of service networks, financing options, and resale value when plotting a replacement timeline. Researchers emphasize that while many households keep cars longer than a decade, others prefer to refresh their fleet more regularly to access modern conveniences and improved fuel economy. These dynamics paint a nuanced portrait of vehicle ownership that extends beyond simple brand loyalty to encompass practical life-stage considerations. (Rabota.ru; SberAvto, 2024–2025 dataset)