Purchasing a new car in today’s market often feels like a risky financial move, with overpayments sometimes reaching two or three times the vehicle’s price. The root causes extend beyond sanctions and budget gaps; they intersect with broader market dynamics and dealer strategies that influence what buyers pay and when they pay it.
Another factor behind record prices is dealer hesitation to disclose the full pricing picture. Insights shared by Alfa-Leasing shed light on how secrecy shapes buyer expectations and how it can distort the perceived value of a deal.
Immediately after sanctions were imposed, exchange rates between the dollar and euro surged well above current levels. As a result, offering discounts became a direct loss for many dealers. Some market participants expect the exchange rate to rebound by year’s end and have chosen to hold large inventories, waiting for a window to soften prices rather than cutting deeper into margins now.
Meanwhile, many buyers are increasingly looking to the secondary market for cars with mileage but strong remaining value. Coverage in the leading automotive publication in Russia indicates a growing perception that cars aged 2–3 years can function effectively as nearly new with substantial savings.
On the secondary market, the savings can be meaningful. A brand new BMW X5 with a premium interior may exceed 14 million rubles, while a similar one-year-old crossover with low mileage could be found around 7 million rubles. Buyers who time their purchase wisely can unlock notable advantages by choosing well-priced late-model options with lower depreciation, translating into more affordable ownership and better resale prospects.
For prospective buyers, the current timing appears favorable for those willing to explore the secondary market, where savings of up to 50 percent on vehicles with comparable attributes are possible. Experienced guidance can prove invaluable when navigating these choices and maximizing return on investment.
Dmitry Kudryavtsev, Alfa-Leasing Deputy Risk Director, notes that Japanese brands such as Lexus and Toyota frequently offer strong value in the secondary market. Their prices tend to be more attractive than at official showrooms, and these vehicles remain relatively liquid with slower declines in value. He cautions that a price collapse is unlikely and highlights that Japanese imports tend to lose value slowly. Kudryavtsev also points to two well-known Korean models, Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris, as solid options for value seekers. Ford Focus remains competitive among used cars, though it may not outperform the top Japanese and Korean choices. Renault Logan and Renault Duster from France are selling well and can often be found at attractive prices under a million rubles.
Kudryavtsev further shares a straightforward approach to selecting a mileage car that remains practical in any market climate. The method is simple and actionable:
- Set a budget with a 10 percent cushion above the listed price. While this extra amount is not guaranteed to be spent, having a reserve helps navigate questionable offers in the lowest price brackets. Conduct thorough checks of vehicle history and service databases to save time and avoid risky deals.
- Avoid fixating on a single make or model. Market conditions shift quickly, and profitable opportunities can emerge across a range of brands and segments.
- Begin with a professional inspection by a trusted specialist who provides clear guarantees and documented assessments.
- Consider purchasing with the goal of future resale profitability, turning the vehicle into both daily transport and a potential asset.
Experts emphasize that careful planning, informed negotiation, and disciplined due diligence are essential when entering the used-vehicle market. Buyers who combine market awareness with a methodical evaluation process are more likely to land favorable terms and protect their investment over time. References to Alfa-Leasing and Kudryavtsev’s observations illustrate a broader trend: value can be found not only in brand-new units but across a spectrum of late-model options that balance price, reliability, and resale potential. [Source: Alfa-Leasing insights; Dmitry Kudryavtsev interview attribution]