In July 2023, Russia’s used-car market registered 511.8 thousand transactions, marking an 18.9% rise from the same month a year earlier. Avtostat, a key analytics firm tracking consumer demand and supply trends in the country’s second-hand auto sector, reported this momentum. The growth reflects sustained affordability considerations, widespread familiarity with popular models, and an expanding inventory across major cities and regional hubs, creating a robust environment for buyers and sellers alike.
Top-brand activity in the July frame underscored strong loyalty to familiar names. Lada led the market with 105.8 thousand used cars sold in July, up 1.8% from the previous year. Toyota followed with 64 thousand units, up 34.9%. Kia reached 29.6 thousand, a 24% increase, while Hyundai posted 29 thousand units, up 21.3%, and Nissan delivered 27.7 thousand, up 23%. Collectively, these five brands accounted for just over half of all July transactions, highlighting consumer preference for reliable, widely available models and the perceived value of these names in the pre-owned segment.
June showed a similar pattern of brisk sales among popular models. The Ford Focus led with 10.9 thousand units sold, signaling a 13.7% year-over-year improvement. The Kia Rio followed with 9.9 thousand units, up 3.1%, and Hyundai Solaris stood at 9.8 thousand, up 3%. Lada’s lineup remained competitive, with the 2114 Samara achieving around 9.8 thousand units despite a slight dip near 3% from the prior period, illustrating the enduring appeal of affordable, straightforward sedans. The Toyota Corolla also demonstrated resilience with about 9.6 thousand units sold, up 26.4% year over year. The broader top-ten list in June featured several Lada models such as the 2170 and 2107, alongside favorites like the Toyota Camry, Lada 4×4, and the Volkswagen Polo, reflecting a mix of budget options and more established, higher-value prospects in the used market.
Through the first seven months of 2023, Russians purchased roughly 3.26 million used cars, marking a 25.5% increase compared with January–July of the previous year. This sustained expansion signals persistent demand for affordable mobility and a growing willingness among buyers to consider a wider array of brands and body styles as depreciation makes pre-owned vehicles more attractive relative to new ones.
Analysts note that dealers anticipate continued upward pressure on used-car prices, driven by ongoing supply dynamics, currency considerations, and demand patterns across urban centers and regional markets. Buyers have shown a preference for reliable, well-maintained vehicles with accessible service networks, a combination that supports price resilience even as financing conditions evolve. Overall, the Russian used-car market during this period demonstrates a robust cycle of demand, brand variety, and price formation shaped by consumer needs and market constraints, with implications for both domestic buyers and regional trade partners.