In the Russian secondary car market, sales of vehicles older than a decade rose significantly in the first nine months of 2023, climbing by 39.4 percent according to findings from a market intelligence firm, NAPI. This momentum stands out even as the broader used-car sector reported healthier growth elsewhere in the same period.
Specifically, the nine‑month period saw the overall volume of older-than-10‑year cars reach new heights, with buyers showing steadier demand for these models. In contrast, overall turnover across the used-car market expanded by 32.2 percent, while the segment of vehicles up to three years old gained only about 5 percent. The slower uptake for the newer, low-mileage segment reflects several market realities—chief among them being the limited supply of such cars and the reluctance of owners to part with relatively new vehicles in a time of shifting prices and financing conditions.
For the January through September window in 2023, Russia recorded the sale of approximately 2.97 million cars aged over ten years, up from 2.13 million in the same timeframe a year earlier. This rise underscores a broader trend toward affordability and practicality among buyers, a pattern that can be observed in many North American markets as well where depreciation and total ownership costs shape consumer choices.
Among the more enduring segments in the mass-market category, the maintenance costs and long‑term reliability profile of older cars continue to influence purchasing decisions, with some models earning reputations for robust performance and lower running expenses over time. The data hints at a market where buyers balance budget constraints with the desire to secure dependable transportation, often opting for established, well‑maintained machines rather than newer, pricier options. A closer look at model longevity, spare parts availability, and service network reach helps explain why certain cars remain popular long after their debut, even as newer competitors enter the scene. The findings from this period also invite comparisons to consumer patterns in North America, where price sensitivity, financing terms, and used-car supply dynamics similarly shape buying behavior. (Cited from the NAPI market study and regional follow-ons.)