Survey reveals clear splits in preference for European and Chinese cars
A recent survey shows that 52 percent of respondents favor European used cars and 25 percent lean toward similar new Chinese cars when the price is the same. The research was conducted on the Avito Auto site and reflects consumer sentiment across multiple regions.
Additionally, male respondents demonstrated stronger loyalty to Chinese brands, with 29 percent open to considering a vehicle from China. This insight highlights a gender-based dimension in brand perception that marketers may want to consider.
Among the perceived advantages of Chinese brands, buyers highlighted budgeting ease at 57 percent, better access to spare parts at 50 percent, and a diverse model lineup at 33 percent. Concerns include the perceived lower quality of assembly at 33 percent, the quality of finishing materials at 28 percent, and lower liquidity for resale at 26 percent. These factors help explain why some buyers proceed with caution when evaluating Chinese options.
For European cars, Russians particularly value reliability at 52 percent and safety at 39 percent, along with a wide market selection at 30 percent and strong resale liquidity at 30 percent. These attributes often shape a preference for established brands and known service networks.
Potential drawbacks cited for European used cars include higher maintenance costs at 59 percent, greater overall expense at 37 percent, and concerns about unclear ownership history at 30 percent. Such worries can influence the overall cost of ownership and long term trust in a used European vehicle.
In total, the Avito Auto study surveyed six thousand motorists from diverse regions within the country, providing a broad picture of buying intentions and practical considerations for used car buyers.
Interpreting these results for North American audiences shows a familiar pattern: price parity between brands often shifts the decision toward reliability, supply networks, and resale value. While the data originates from a Russian market, the fundamental tradeoffs between European reliability and Chinese pricing are echoed by buyers in Canada and the United States who weigh cost, availability of parts, and long term value when choosing a used car.
Overall, the study underscores that price is not the sole driver of choice. Brand familiarity, service infrastructure, and the potential impact on total ownership costs consistently emerge as decisive factors for buyers evaluating European and Chinese offerings in a competitive market.
Source and attribution: Avito Auto survey results tracking consumer preferences and perceived strengths across regional markets.