The Russian used-car market showed a notable uptick in value during the third quarter of 2023, with the average selling price rising by about 39 percent year over year to roughly 640 thousand rubles. This trend was highlighted in a report by TASS, which cited an analysis conducted by Avito Auto. The data points paint a portrait of a market where affordability bands are shifting and consumer demand remains resilient even as macro pressures press on prices.
Within the sub-1.5 million ruble segment, certain models emerged as the most attractive in terms of price and value retention. The Lada Priora stood out as the most popular choice in this budget tier, averaging about 430 thousand rubles. Following closely behind was the Lada Granta, with an average price near 300 thousand rubles, and the Lada 2114 Samara, priced at around 540 thousand rubles in typical listings. These findings underscore the enduring appeal of compact, domestically produced sedans for buyers prioritizing low upfront costs and reasonable long-term running expenses.
Turning to the mid-range segment — cars priced between 1.5 million and 3 million rubles — the market favored more established, widely available models. The Toyota Camry led this tier, with average prices around 2.2 million rubles, signaling continued demand for comfortable, sporting, and reliable mid-size sedans. In second place among mid-range offerings was the Kia Sportage, near 2.1 million rubles on average, followed by the Hyundai Creta at approximately 1.85 million rubles. The mix suggests a preference for well-known brands offering a balance of space, features, and perceived reliability in a price bracket that still feels accessible to many buyers.
When the focus shifts to high-value used cars priced above 3 million rubles, the Toyota Camry not only remains relevant but also dominates the upper tier, with average prices around 3.5 million rubles. The cohort also includes luxury-capable and premium models, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, typically trading at around 5.5 million rubles, and the BMW X5, which can reach about 6.8 million rubles in current listings. This distribution reveals how the high-end segment, though smaller in volume, continues to attract buyers seeking larger, capable, and image-forward vehicles despite wider economic pressures.
Industry voices note that the trajectory of price movements in Russia is shaped by a blend of policy and market dynamics. An executive who previously managed new-vehicle sales at a major dealer group pointed out that the annual rate of price increases across the market could average around 30 percent by year’s end. Among the contributing factors cited are the indexation of recycling fees, the depreciation of the ruble, and ongoing sanctions that influence both supply chains and consumer financing. The expert also highlighted that the introduction of the recycling fee system for new vehicles has added an additional cost range, with new cars now carrying price increases estimated between about 120 thousand and 600 thousand rubles, depending on the model and configuration. These insights reflect a broader pattern of price adjustment across both new and used segments as regulatory measures unfold and market sentiment shifts.
In related industry developments, statements were made about plans to expand production capabilities in Saint Petersburg, reflecting a broader effort to diversify manufacturing footprints within Russia. The context for these remarks centers on strategic decisions by automakers to localize output, potentially influencing inventory dynamics, model availability, and resale values in the medium term. Market observers will be watching how these developments intersect with consumer demand, credit conditions, and dealership incentives as 2024 unfolds. The synthesis of regulatory changes, currency movement, and corporate investment decisions continues to shape the pace and direction of pricing in the second-hand car market across major urban centers and regional markets alike. (Source: TASS via Avito Auto analysis, based on market data collected for the third quarter of 2023)