1. Take it with you
One of the most common paths to consider is simply taking the car along for the journey. The documentation required for border crossing stays consistent regardless of purpose: ownership papers, temporary import paperwork, insurance, and a diagnostic card. The diagnostic card is now especially important and should not be overlooked, as some border authorities increasingly request it.
Yet this option isn’t right for every traveler. Certain categories of citizens may be restricted from transporting a vehicle across borders for various reasons. It is essential to verify the rules for temporary admission in the destination country, including the permitted length of stay, which can differ from country to country.
There can be practical hurdles as well. The local service network might not know the vehicle model well, making on-site maintenance difficult. A car built for smooth asphalt in a region with rough roads may suffer suspension wear or be impractical to drive on poor surfaces.
With these factors in mind, it is wise to weigh the cost and feasibility of keeping the vehicle in the destination country.
Temporary import rules differ by country. For instance, in Russia the limit is six months, after which the car must return home. If the plan is to settle permanently in a different country, the process for legalizing the vehicle should be clarified locally at the outset.
2. Sell
Arguably the most financially attractive option, selling removes ongoing concerns and can provide immediate cash. The market has shifted recently, making sales more challenging in some cases. Overall demand for used cars has shown volatility since the mobilization announcement, with reports of fluctuations in both buyers and sellers.
Analysts tracked varied trends: some noted a drop in demand for used cars in the first week after the announcement, while others observed a temporary increase in supply. In March, car dealerships, both official and informal, showed heightened activity in buying and selling used vehicles. Online marketplaces remained active, though some platforms paused buyouts to rebalance inventories.
As conditions evolved, offering the vehicle below market price emerged as a practical route to a quick sale, especially when supply pressures intensified. The year saw a shift away from typical seasonal price rises, with demand cooling in many segments.
This environment highlights the importance of pricing strategy and seller readiness if selling is the chosen path.
3. Leave with security
Choosing a parking solution requires careful consideration. Parking on the street can expose the vehicle to theft or vandalism as visibility rises while the owner is away. Opting for a secure location is a prudent precaution.
Even a garage arrangement does not guarantee complete safety. Some parking facilities have faced closures or reconstruction, so it is important to confirm that a chosen site is protected and, if possible, part of a municipal or private security program.
When possible, an enclosed, covered space such as a multi-storey garage provides better protection. The terms of payment should be discussed directly with the landlord, and costs will vary by city, parking type, and access arrangements. Typical monthly fees can fall within a broad range depending on location.
Keeping a modern vehicle idle is rarely advantageous. Even fuel systems have evolved, and modern batteries can retain charge longer when removed from the vehicle and stored separately. This approach reduces risk of chemical leakage and lowers the chances of theft or tampering.
4. Rent
Private individuals rarely embrace car rentals in Russia due to the inherent risk of relinquishing control over a valuable asset. Still, there are reputable platforms that connect vehicle owners with rental buyers. Those platforms often promise returns in the range of a few tens of thousands of rubles per month for a mid-range sedan.
As with any mobile asset, higher-value cars typically generate more income, but ongoing maintenance and incidental costs can complicate the picture. Prospective rental arrangements should be evaluated carefully, with attention to insurance, liability, and local regulations.
5. Leave it with a trusted contact
Another viable option is to place the vehicle in the care of a trusted person who has secure storage space. A garage within a guarded facility or a private residence with a sheltered area can provide reliable protection.
Clear arrangements are essential. Ensure there is a written understanding about how the car will be stored, who is responsible for upkeep, and what happens if travel plans change. It can be helpful to add the arrangement to the vehicle’s liability policy and to specify maintenance expectations.
- Visible driving content and instructions can still be found on online platforms such as YouTube.