From September through November 2023, the average price of used cars in Russia rose by 9 percent, climbing to 1.54 million rubles. Analysts from CM.Expert observed this shift and explained the trend in ways that reflect broader market dynamics. The uptick signals increased demand for reliable, affordable transportation as the private market responds to changing economic conditions and consumer expectations.
Looking at the split between private sellers and dealers, private sellers raised asking prices by 11 percent, reaching about 1.4 million rubles on average. Car dealers, meanwhile, reported a more modest increase of 4 percent, with average prices around 2.1 million rubles. The pace of sales also diverges between these groups: private sellers tend to move inventory faster, typically in about 26 days, while dealerships take closer to 39 days to complete a sale. This gap suggests that buyers are more cautious when dealing with dealer inventories, weighing warranty options and service histories against the convenience of showroom experience.
In November, the volume of advertised used cars rose by 8 percent compared with September, reaching roughly 1 million listings. However, this figure remains about 21 percent lower than the corresponding level in 2022, when approximately 1.3 million vehicles were on the market. The softer year-over-year comparison indicates that while demand has kept prices buoyant, the overall inventory pool has not fully rebounded to pre-pandemic or early-2023 levels, which influences pricing strategy and bargaining power for buyers and sellers alike.
Within the economy segment, vehicles aged three to ten years led the market in popularity. Standout models included the Lada Granta, Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, Volkswagen Polo, and Lada Vesta. In the mid-range category, the Toyota Camry dominated sales, followed by the Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, Kia Sportage, and Volkswagen Tiguan. For premium vehicles, the most frequently purchased models were the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 3 Series, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. These preferences reveal a clear tiered demand: budget-conscious buyers seek dependable, low-cost-to-own options, while mid- and upper-tier buyers prioritize reputation, comfort, and brand prestige, even when prices are higher.
Earlier, experts identified common car malfunctions that repair shops often decline to fix, underscoring the importance of pre-purchase inspections and reliable maintenance histories. For buyers, understanding typical failure modes—ranging from engine and transmission concerns to electrical and safety-system issues—helps in making informed decisions. For sellers, presenting verifiable maintenance records and addressing potential fault areas upfront can reduce negotiation friction and improve trust with prospective buyers. The market’s emphasis on transparency and vehicle condition remains a central factor in determining resale value and sale speed across all segments.