Russian consumers continued to put a strong emphasis on the used-car market, with a surge in overall spending and sales that reflect shifting preferences for affordable transportation. The latest figures shared by the analytical agency Avtostat and financial group Otkritie Avto, as reported by TASS, show a substantial rise in activity in the sector. The emphasis is on how affordability and value are shaping buying behavior in a market where many buyers weigh reliability, maintenance costs, and long-term ownership prospects when choosing a vehicle.
Analysts note a meaningful jump in the number of transactions. The cohort of residents acquiring second-hand vehicles expanded notably, indicating that more households are considering used cars as a practical option for daily commuting and family mobility. This broader demand underscores a shift toward owning a car that delivers predictable expenses and a reasonable likelihood of continued performance without the higher upfront investment tied to new models.
Money spent on these purchases followed suit, with a sizable portion allocated to a wide range of vehicles. A closer look reveals that a large share of the expenditure went toward older models, reflecting a strategy by buyers to maximize value while balancing reliability and running costs. At the same time, a substantial portion was directed toward newer, under-five-year-old vehicles, illustrating the dual appeal of fresh warranties and modern features within the used-car category. The market thus exhibits both a preference for value at the lower end of the age spectrum and sustained interest in relatively young used options that offer modern conveniences at a lower price point than new cars.
Within the used-vehicle segment, Japanese-made cars attracted particular attention from buyers. This category showed the strongest growth in monetary terms, driven by the perception of durability, known reliability, and a broad availability of popular models. The expansion in value and units indicates that customers are increasingly seeking proven brands that can deliver lower maintenance costs and longer service life, contributing to a diversified landscape of import used cars in the market.
Industry observers also noted a downward trend in production for certain segments of the broader vehicle market, reflecting adjustments in manufacturing in response to demand levels. The shift suggests that manufacturers are recalibrating their output to align with changing buyer preferences, including a growing appetite for cost-effective used mobility solutions and more efficient, affordable new models where demand supports it. As the market evolves, buyers, dealers, and financiers are all recalibrating their strategies to navigate a landscape where affordability, reliability, and availability drive choices and opportunities across different vehicle categories.