Autostat, Moscow and St. Petersburg have released a detailed look at the most popular used cars across the two largest cities in Russia. The release, posted on the agency’s official site, offers a yearly snapshot that helps buyers understand what models remain in demand in the pre-owned market and how consumer preferences shift over time.
In the calendar year 2023, a total of 8,160 used vehicles changed hands in Moscow, underscoring a robust market for second-hand cars in the capital. Within this landscape, the Ford Focus led the charts, maintaining momentum as the most sought-after model. It was followed closely by the Skoda Octavia, which registered 7,790 units, the Kia Rio with 6,385 units, the Toyota Camry recording 6,327 units, and the Hyundai Solaris at 6,277 units. This lineup reveals a strong preference for compact and midsize sedans and hatchbacks that balance reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance in the used-car segment.
Looking at the brand performance in Moscow, the Lada group claimed the top spot with an impressive sales figure approaching 37,000 units for the year. Premium and performance-oriented brands also figure prominently in the rankings, with BMW occupying second place in the brand standings and Mercedes-Benz following close behind in third. These results illustrate a market that values a mix of practical, affordable options from local manufacturers and aspirational, well-known names from global automakers, all within reach in the used-car space.
In St. Petersburg, the most popular second-hand vehicles mirrored many of Moscow’s favorites, with Ford Focus, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, and Skoda Octavia leading the way. In terms of brands, LADA, Volkswagen and BMW secured the top positions, reflecting a regional blend of domestic appeal, European practicality, and performance-focused choices among buyers in the northern capital. The data highlight how local preference items converge with broader national trends while still showing distinctive regional tastes that influence the pre-owned market in St. Petersburg.
Earlier reports from AvtoVAZ highlighted ongoing developments for Lada Largus, noting that the early configurations will emphasize simpler, more affordable equipment levels. The Izhevsk-assembled model is planned to roll out in basic trim initially, with higher-tier versions expected to follow as demand dictates. This staged approach aims to broaden the model’s appeal by keeping upfront costs accessible while still offering desirable upgrades later on, aligning with a market that often balances price sensitivity with features that customers want as their needs evolve.
There have been notable incidents connected to urban parking facilities as well, such as a recent event where the roof structure of a Moscow parking facility collapsed, affecting a number of parked cars. While rare, such occurrences underscore the importance of reliable parking infrastructure in major cities where car ownership remains high and the urban environment presents ongoing challenges for vehicle storage and safety.