The market for used Renault Arkana models in Russia appears noticeably larger than the supply of vehicles built on the same Renault Duster platform. Analysts point to owner hesitation around buying a second‑hand Arkana with a turbo engine paired to a robotic transmission, a hesitancy that shapes current demand and pricing. This observation comes from Sergei Zinoviev, a veteran automotive expert who contributes to the publication Behind the Wheel.
On the resale market, Arkana tends to be more visible than the more common Duster. It attracts buyers with its more elaborate equipment package, and the crossover coupe styling remains in fashion with many shoppers. Yet the price parity between Arkana and Duster suggests underlying liquidity issues. The absence of hydraulic automatic transmissions, a two‑liter naturally aspirated engine, and a diesel option likely contributes to this gap, Zinoviev notes.
According to the expert, Arkana demonstrates high reliability, with breakdowns being rare for vehicles that have traveled under 100,000 kilometers. Post Renault exit from Russia, ongoing maintenance and spare parts support have been taken up by domestic Lada dealerships, which helps sustain ownership practicality. At the same time, Zinoviev cautions that data on the long‑term reliability of the 1.3 turbo engines used in Arkana crossovers is still limited, leaving some questions about durability unanswered for higher mileage or more demanding use cases.
Market dynamics also reflect price trends that have previously been seen with other popular models. Conditioning the resale value and buyer confidence are influenced by availability of service networks, parts supply, and the perceived risk associated with shifting production footprints. In all, Arkana’s balance of features, perceived reliability, and the reality of aftersales in the post‑Renault era continues to shape buyer preferences and dealer pricing strategies across the region. This nuanced landscape helps explain why Arkana remains a strong player on the secondary market while Duster maintains a steady, if quieter, presence. The market’s overall direction will likely hinge on continued service support, continued real‑world reliability data, and how quickly owners feel confident about long‑term maintenance in a changing supply environment, as observed by industry voices and market trackers cited in professional reviews.