In recent years, drivers in Russia have faced rising costs for maintaining popular foreign cars, with reports highlighting how models like the Volkswagen Polo and the Skoda Rapid have become notably expensive to service. The concerns were aired by a spokesman for the Fresh automotive market, reporting through Rossiyskaya Gazeta and citing Alexander Nosko, who serves as a service manager. According to the discussion, the surge in maintenance expenses is part of a broader trend across the automotive sector in Russia, driven by higher prices for parts, consumables, and labor. Nosko emphasized that the average cost of keeping a car in good condition has climbed, while some mass-market models have become disproportionately costly to operate. The Polo and the Rapid were singled out as examples of vehicles whose ongoing upkeep now demands more frequent and costly service intervals. [Rossiyskaya Gazeta, via Alexander Nosko]
Statistics gathered by industry professionals suggest that the overall maintenance spend per vehicle has risen as a national average, with a noticeable spike this year. Nosko noted that drivers typically cover about 17 thousand kilometers annually, and over a five-year period this translates to roughly six service visits. For the Polo, the cumulative maintenance cost over such a span can approach 68.6 thousand rubles, while for the Rapid it can reach about 85.2 thousand rubles. These figures illustrate how routine servicing and parts replacement can accumulate rapidly, even before the addition of any unexpected repairs. [Rossiyskaya Gazeta, via Alexander Nosko]
The core driver behind the higher maintenance outlays, according to Nosko, is the rising price of spare parts and consumables for foreign brands. In particular, he pointed to a noticeable year over year increase in 2023 for certain components, such as headlights and related fixtures for Korean-made vehicles, which grew by around 36 to 47 percent. For Japanese and French models, the costs of bumpers, headlights, and neutralizers surged by as much as 90 percent in some cases. The pattern reflects broader supply chain pressures, currency fluctuations, and changes in import tariffs that collectively push up the price tag of essential car parts. [Rossiyskaya Gazeta, via Alexander Nosko]
The situation is not isolated to consumer reports alone. Earlier in the year, AvtoVAZ announced revisions to its own maintenance pricing, signaling that domestic manufacturers are also adjusting to the same economic environment that affects foreign brands. The development underscores a shifting landscape in which both imported and domestically produced vehicles require more careful budgeting for upkeep. For owners weighing the pros and cons of different models, these cost dynamics play a significant role in long-term ownership considerations. [Rossiyskaya Gazeta, via Alexander Nosko]