In Japan during mid-2022, the market for used Toyota vehicles reflected a shift that surprised many observers. Prices for several models climbed above zero in a way that signaled a fundamental change in consumer dynamics, according to a Japanese edition of Nikkei.
Specifically, data from June showed that the average price for a used 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser ZX reached about 17.05 million yen, which converts to roughly 7.6 million rubles at current exchange rates. That price was more than double the cost of a brand new unit, illustrating a rare inversion in value that many buyers did not anticipate. The hybrid variant of the 2021 Toyota Alphard minivan carried an average price of about 8.25 million yen (around 3.58 million rubles), while a new Alphard from the same generation was priced near 7.75 million yen (approximately 3.13 million rubles). Beyond these examples, other popular models such as the Harrier and the Corolla Cross were trading at costs that exceeded those of their new counterparts.
The publication linked these unusual price movements to a broader shortage of new cars entering the market. With new-car inventories tight, buyers found themselves facing longer wait times and a temporary preference for near-new options. This supply constraint started to shift how people value used vehicles, with a willingness to pay a premium for immediate driving mobility rather than delaying purchase while waiting for a new model to become available. In Japan, the backlog of unfulfilled Toyota orders rose to about one million vehicles, highlighting how supply and demand pressures were distorting traditional pricing dynamics.
For customers who place an order for a new Toyota Land Cruiser through a dealer today, delivery timelines have stretched to roughly four years. Other Toyota crossovers tend to have shorter, but still lengthy, waits of approximately one year. These extended lead times underscored the resilience of demand for popular models despite the tight supply situation.
Earlier reports on the Russian market noted a different trend. In the second quarter of 2022, the average cost of a used car in Russia declined by about 4.5 percent compared with the first quarter of the year. This contrast between markets underscores how regional factors such as inventory levels, exchange rates, and consumer expectations can drive divergent pricing patterns for used vehicles in rapid succession.
Experts observing the Japanese market in 2022 emphasized that the pull of used vehicles was not merely about price. It also reflected the value consumers placed on rapid access to mobility during a period of ongoing supply constraints. The situation demonstrated how global auto manufacturers and local dealers navigated a complex landscape shaped by production pauses, supply-chain frictions, and evolving consumer preferences for immediate vehicle ownership.
In summary, the Japanese used-car market in mid-2022 experienced notable price acceleration for specific Toyota models, driven primarily by a shortage of new cars and extended wait times. The phenomenon highlighted how buyers responded to limited availability by turning to nearby stock and paying premium for speed. Meanwhile, neighboring markets showed different dynamics, with Russia seeing a dip in used-car prices during the same period. The evolving environment pointed to broader shifts in the automotive sector, where supply constraints and consumer urgency could temporarily invert traditional price relationships between new and used vehicles.