By the end of February, the market for used cars purchased from dealers showed the first uptick in prices after a three-month stretch of easing. Analysts note that this reversal in direction reflects shifting buyer interest and evolving market dynamics. In the immediate term, the tailwinds behind price growth come from a renewed appetite for newer models and intensified competition among brands, which has pushed manufacturers to roll out incentive promotions to attract buyers.
Looking ahead, the trend appears set for continued price gains in the coming months. Industry observers anticipate that March and April will see stronger price increases, driven in part by policy developments related to the recycling fee on cars imported from countries within the Eurasian Economic Union. As these rules tighten, the overall cost of imported vehicles is expected to rise, contributing to higher price levels for used cars as well.
For the dealer market, the average asking price has edged upward. The average bid cost among dealers rose from around 2.08 million rubles to about 2.10 million rubles in January, with February continuing the upward momentum. This shift underscores a broader pattern of price normalization after earlier declines and signals cautious optimism among retailers about near-term demand.
Similarly, private sellers have observed a steady price increase for used cars. This trend, which began in the latter part of the previous year, persisted into February. When comparing February to January 2024 figures, the typical price for used cars sold by private owners crept from approximately 1.45 million rubles to about 1.47 million rubles, indicating a broad-based uplift across both dealer and private channels.
Shifting gears to maintenance tips, experts advise car owners on common transmission concerns. When automatic transmissions exhibit harsh or abrupt gear changes, the first check should be the transmission oil level. Keeping the oil within its normal range is crucial because a low level can contribute to jerky or delayed shifts and may signal other related issues.
On a separate note, there was a widely discussed online moment involving a man firing a firearm, captured in a video that appeared to depict harm to both people and property. This content has no bearing on vehicle pricing or maintenance topics and is not representative of industry guidance. It is important for readers to focus on verified information about car values, vehicle care, and safe driving practices rather than sensational clips that do not reflect market realities.