An automobile expert, Dmitry Sazhin, spoke in an interview about a sharp rise in auto parts prices across the Russian Federation. He noted that for most car enthusiasts and everyday drivers, finding spare components for a wide range of vehicles remains possible, because many parts are available for disassembly and reuse, even when the vehicle in question is a model produced by Chinese manufacturers. Yet there are notable exceptions where certain assemblies are hard to come by, delivery times stretch, or substitutions do not offer the same performance. The market has shifted in ways that challenge owners who rely on quick, affordable repairs, especially when dealing with older or less common models. Sazhin stressed that the general availability of parts should not be mistaken for universal ease, and that the supply chain disruptions complicate routine upkeep for a sizable share of the country’s vehicle owners.
According to his assessment, the bulk of ordinary components remains accessible through various channels, and many repairs can be completed with parts sourced domestically or from nearby suppliers. The sense of relief is tempered, however, by the presence of occasional bottlenecks at specific points in the car, where a few essential components dictate the pace of maintenance. This nuance matters because a malfunction in a critical junction can force owners to delay service or resort to makeshift fixes when genuine parts are scarce. The current market dynamics require buyers to plan ahead, compare suppliers, and be prepared for longer wait times for certain items while other parts stay readily available.
“This mainly concerns the suspension elements, which are destroyed very quickly,” Sazhin said. This warning highlights where risk concentrates for many drivers. The suspension system, complex and integral to safety and comfort, has seen accelerated wear and more frequent failures as the supply cycle tightens. As a result, repair strategies now often hinge on obtaining the right components promptly, rather than relying on generic substitutes. The emphasis on suspension components reflects broader patterns in how the market distributes scarce resources across vehicle systems and how owners adapt their maintenance plans to new price realities.
He added that the quality of spare parts in the Russian market has decreased due to international sanctions, which has led to a shortage of original parts. The expert noted that these were imported into the country through parallel imports, but became cheaper. The combination of reduced brand-new supply and the emergence of parallel routes has created a paradox: parts may be cheaper in some cases, but their reliability and compatibility can vary. Consumers now weigh the cost savings against potential risks to performance, warranty coverage, and long-term durability as they decide where to source components for critical repairs.
Izvestia reported that, according to surveyed insurance companies, the increase in auto parts prices in Russia since the beginning of the year has reached 78 percent. At the same time, the cost of parts for cars of German brands Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda has almost doubled. This data underscores how the economic environment is reshaping maintenance economics for a broad cross-section of vehicles, from everyday sedans to newer models. For drivers who depend on timely service, the trend translates into larger outlays and a reassessment of repair priorities as the year progresses.
Renaissance Insurance said that Skoda’s parts cost increased by 78 percent, the price of parts for Korean cars increased by 24 percent, the price of Chinese cars increased by 15.5 percent, and the price of Japanese cars increased by 6.2 percent. The breakdown reveals how price shifts vary by brand and country of origin, affecting a wide spectrum of owners. While some segments see sizable jumps, others experience more moderate increases, yet the overall direction remains upward. These figures help explain why many drivers are choosing to stock up on essential components when possible, or to adjust maintenance intervals to manage cost effectively.
Observers have long noted that car repair costs have trended upward for years, and the latest figures reinforce that trend. For many owners, routine maintenance now represents a larger share of the monthly budget, influencing choices about service options, preventive care, and even decisions about trading vehicles. The overall effect is a shift in how people approach ownership, with greater emphasis on planning, shopping for the best price, and seeking reliable, long-lasting parts to extend the life of their cars while keeping a lid on expenses.