During the June–July 2023 period, Russia saw a notable surge in the import of used cars, rising by 181.1% when compared with the same months in 2022. This growth was highlighted by TASS, citing a study conducted by Avito Auto, which noted the sustained appetite among Russian buyers for pre-owned vehicles. The dynamics point to a broader shift in consumer behavior, where more people are looking for value in the used-car market rather than investing in brand-new models in an economy that remains sensitive to price movements and maintenance costs.
Across the full year, consumer interest in second-hand cars built momentum, growing by about 81.2%. The typical price tag for an imported used vehicle hovered around 1.9 million rubles, a level that kept such imports accessible to a wide range of buyers who seek a blend of reliability and affordability. In the mid-year window of June–July 2023, the most frequently imported brands from abroad included Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, and Nissan, signaling a preference for well-established makers whose used models often carry strong resale value and dependable performance records.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stood out as the leading model imported from overseas during this period, with an average price of roughly 2.75 million rubles. This crossover’s popularity underscores a preference for spacious, versatile vehicles capable of serving family needs and daily commutes alike. Following in second place was the Nissan Note, available at about 995 thousand rubles, illustrating a demand for compact practicality and lower running costs that still deliver essential features and reliability. In third place came the Honda Fit, priced near 910 thousand rubles, reflecting demand for subcompact efficiency with a reputation for longevity and easy maintenance. These price points reveal how buyers balance purchase cost against expected depreciation, fuel economy, and the practicality of owning a used car in urban and regional markets across Russia.
Earlier reports also noted that the Geely Coolray emerged as the brand’s most popular model among Russian buyers in July, highlighting a shift toward modern crossovers from a broader mix of imports. This move suggests that consumers are increasingly prioritizing style, interior space, and contemporary technology packages, even when shopping in the used-car sector. The ongoing appeal of these models aligns with a larger pattern seen in several markets, where crossover utility vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality and value, attracting buyers who want versatility without paying premium prices for new vehicles. In the context of broader global trends, the continued interest in imported pre-owned cars indicates a resilient demand for cost-effective mobility solutions, with buyers weighing total ownership costs, availability of parts, and the ease of importing vehicles from abroad.