Russia Sees Growing Demand for Imports of Used Cars in Good Condition
Experts note a rising interest among Russians in purchasing quality used cars from abroad. The demand is reflected in market activity, with more listings for foreign-used vehicles appearing on major platforms.
On Avito Auto, advertisements for used cars imported from abroad surged by 127% in January through November 2022 compared with the same period a year earlier. This jump highlights a shift in consumer interest toward international options and the growing availability of imported vehicles in the market.
The typical price for a used car from abroad hovers around 1,370,000 rubles, indicating a balance between affordability and perceived value for buyers seeking reliable options from outside the domestic market.
From the seller side, certain brands dominate the import-and-sell segment. The most frequently offered used cars ordered from abroad include:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Nissan
- Kia
- BMW
When it comes to model mix, buyers most commonly seek the following as order-delivered options: Honda Libereta (approximate average price 900,000 rubles), Toyota Prado (about 2.5 million rubles), Toyota Alphard (around 1.4 million rubles), Nissan Note (roughly 870,000 rubles), and Honda Fit (about 790,000 rubles). These figures reflect strong preference for versatile family models and compact cars with proven reliability.
In 2022, imported-used cars accounted for roughly 1.6% of the total used-car supply in the country. A notable share of these vehicles entered Russia via the Far East, with Vladivostok serving as a primary entry point (about 51% of imports). The data also show that many of these cars were three years old or newer at the time of entry.
Top 10 brands most often offered on order from abroad during January 1 – November 15, 2022 across Russia (Avito Auto data):
|
Brand |
Share in the abroad-used car supply |
Average price of a car from abroad (rubles) |
|
Toyota |
27.6% |
1,135,000 |
|
Honda |
12.5% |
935,000 |
|
Nissan |
8.4% |
860,000 |
|
Kia |
6.3% |
2,350,000 |
|
BMW |
5.4% |
3,350,000 |
|
Hyundai |
5.4% |
2,450,000 |
|
Mitsubishi |
3.2% |
795,000 |
|
Mercedes-Benz |
2.9% |
3,250,000 |
|
Volkswagen |
2.7% |
1,950,000 |
|
Mazda |
2.5% |
1,100,000 |
The information reflects market activity recorded by Avito Auto during the period reported.
Note: the data underscore how import channels from the Far East continue to shape the used-car landscape in Russia, with certain brands and models enjoying notable appeal among buyers looking for good-condition, non-national market options.
Vote participation: respondents are invited to take part in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll to help identify the top car novelties of the year. Participants who complete the questionnaire are eligible for rewards as a token of appreciation for their time, with more details shared in the survey period running through late February of the referenced year.