In March 2023, Russia saw a robust market for used cars with 497.6 thousand transactions, marking a 17.3% rise over the same period in the previous spring. This growth was reported by the analytical agency Avtostat, which tracks consumer demand, pricing shifts, and model popularity across the country. The momentum reflects a sustained interest in affordable mobility options and a reshaping of ownership patterns amid broader macroeconomic dynamics that influence household purchasing power and vehicle depreciation cycles.
Among brands, Lada led the market by mileage share, capturing 22% of used car sales and posting strong annual growth to 108.6 thousand units, up 9% year over year. Following this domestic brand were Toyota with 58.5 thousand units (+18.7%), Kia at 28 thousand (+23.1%), Hyundai with 27.6 thousand (+18.3%), and Nissan at 26.1 thousand (+15.8%). These rankings highlight how consumer preferences in Russia balance affordability, reliability, and availability of parts, with foreign brands maintaining a strong presence alongside domestic models. The data illustrate a vibrant mix of budget-friendly options and mid-range models that appeal to buyers seeking dependable transportation and lower total ownership costs.
In terms of popular models in the secondary market, Ford Focus, Lada 2114 (Samara-2), Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris, and Toyota Corolla dominated sales for March. The top ten list also included the Lada 2170 (Priora), Lada 2107, Toyota Camry, Lada 4×4 (Niva), and Lada 2190 (Granta). This spread shows a diverse lineup where compact and compact SUV choices coexist with familiar family sedans, reflecting buyers’ needs for practicality, fuel efficiency, and resale value in a market where price sensitivity remains a key driver of decisions. Dealers emphasize the importance of availability of service networks and parts compatibility when customers evaluate used cars, particularly for popular among-models and legacy Lada variants.
Looking at quarterly performance, the first quarter of the year saw Russians purchase around 1.25 million used cars, about 10% higher than the same period a year earlier. This implies a steady appetite for pre-owned vehicles as a viable alternative to new cars, aided by improved financing options, extended warranties on older models, and a preference for negotiating total cost of ownership rather than upfront sticker price alone. The trend underscores how the used-car market responds to shifting consumer sentiment, currency dynamics, and the availability of inventory across urban and regional markets.
Industry observers also note that by the end of 2023, car-parts prices were expected to decrease by 5–10% compared with early March levels. Corroborating this expectation are reports from distributors and service centers pointing to adjustments in supply chains, competitive pricing among aftermarket parts, and more favorable import conditions for essential components. Consumers and workshop operators alike may benefit from these pricing trends, as they influence maintenance costs, repair timing, and the overall total cost of vehicle ownership during a period of economic fluctuation.