In late October, a market analysis tracked how buyers in Russia approached the used-car market. Toyota emerged as the clear leader in demand among brands, capturing roughly 15.2 percent of all second‑hand car sales during the month. The data highlight how a single brand can shape market sentiment as buyers weigh reliability, availability, and price across a competitive lineup.
Mercedes-Benz held the second spot with a 10.9 percent share, while BMW was close behind at 10.8 percent. Rounding out the top five were Kia at 9 percent and Hyundai at 6.8 percent, illustrating a mix of premium and mainstream labels that together drive demand in the Russian used-car market.
The average price for a used car in October stood at about 2.5 million rubles, a decline of 5.7 percent from the same month a year earlier. At the same time, the supply of second‑hand cars rose markedly, up about 41 percent year over year, while overall demand grew 8.4 percent. This combination of more inventory and resilient demand helped soften price levels while keeping appetite strong for buyers who seek value in a shifting market.
New passenger car sales also surged in October, rising by about 51 percent compared with the previous year. This increase came despite higher recycling fees. Since the first of October, recycling rates for newly imported cars have climbed by roughly 70 to 85 percent, reflecting policy shifts that affect the cost of new imports and the financing landscape for buyers.
Shoppers were warned about potential fraud when applying for car loans, a reminder that financing can carry risk alongside opportunity in markets grappling with rapid price shifts and evolving policies.
For readers in Canada and the United States, these patterns offer a lens on how used-car demand can tilt with price swings, supply changes, and financing terms. While regional markets differ, the interplay of brand appeal, value preservation, and financing structures resonates with broad consumer behavior in North America. Market participants can watch these indicators to gauge when to buy, when to sell, and how loan terms may shape decisions in the weeks ahead.
Additional dynamics influence both used and new car segments, including dealer incentives, currency movements, and import controls. When more used cars enter the market, buyers may gain leverage in negotiations, while higher fees for new models can steer attention toward late‑model, well‑maintained used options. The ongoing balance between supply and demand remains a key driver of affordability and mobility in any sizeable market.