New data from January through February 2024 shows a clear pattern in Russia’s used-car market: foreign-made models dominated the listings, making up about 73 percent of the two-month activity. The most popular foreign car in the secondary market was the 2008 Ford Focus, with around two thousand units sold in the period. This takeaway comes from the National Agency for Industrial Information, which tracks such trends to gauge demand, supply, and the overall health of the market.
Among the foreign cars, the Ford Focus continued to draw buyers, albeit in a different generation. The second most popular model in this stretch was a 2012 Ford Focus, followed closely by the 2015 Hyundai Solaris in third place and the 2007 Ford Focus in fourth. The popularity of the Kia Rio from the 2017–2019 window and the Hyundai Solaris from 2011–2014 also highlights that certain compact and mid-size sedans remain highly attractive for used-car shoppers in the region.
The data reveals a broad spread in model ages, confirming that the youngest vehicle in the top rankings is five years old while the oldest is seventeen. This suggests that buyers prize availability and value more than simply chasing the newest release, and that well-maintained, older imports can stay competitive in the market alongside newer models.
On the domestic side, Russians still favored the 2008 Lada Priora, which sold about four thousand copies in the observed period. The Priora family itself also made its way into the top three with the Priora 2011 model, and the Samara 2007, demonstrating enduring popularity for certain home-developed cars even as imports retain a strong foothold.
Beyond sheer sales, the market reveals preferences about vehicle condition and ownership history. Observers note that Daewoo Nexia and Ford Focus units frequently appear in better mechanical condition than some peers because they have been owned longer by a single driver. The pattern suggests that one-owner cars can accumulate fewer transfer-induced wear, translating into more favorable assessments by buyers and technicians alike. Meanwhile, Skoda Kodiaq crossovers tend to leave the market faster, with owners typically parting with these SUVs after about three years of ownership, pointing to a tighter cycle for larger, practical vehicles in the current landscape.
Another element shaping the market is the cost barrier associated with bringing foreign vehicles into the country. Earlier reports indicated that the customs clearance expenses for imported cars are notably higher, a factor buyers and sellers weigh when evaluating total ownership costs and resale potential. This dynamic helps explain some of the pricing dispersion seen in the used-car sector and why certain foreign models maintain strong resale appeal even as compliance costs rise.
Overall, the two-month snapshot underlines a robust demand for foreign makes in Russia’s pre-owned market, complemented by steady interest in domestic options that have aged gracefully and retained a loyal buyer base. The mix of models at the top of the charts reflects a balance between cost, reliability, and brand familiarity, with both imports and domestic cars vying for attention in a market characterized by diverse consumer preferences and evolving regulatory considerations.