Dealers explained the reduction in sales of used cars in Russia

The decline in used car sales in Russia in February was primarily due to pressure on demand from the key interest rate and a further decrease in the percentage of loan transactions. This was stated by Andrey Grishakov, Director of the Department of used cars at Avtodom Group and Avtospeccenter Group, according to the analytical agency Autostat on March 26.

The decline in the market was also influenced by the strengthening of the ruble exchange rate, which directly affects the pricing of used cars coming through parallel import channels, he believes.

The economic situation and news about the likely return of brands that have left the market also contribute to uncertainty about the further development of sales. Grishakov believes that the situation on the used car market may stabilize in the second quarter, and demand is expected to increase in the third quarter.

Evgeny Zhitnukhin, commercial director of the Fresh automotive marketplace, believes that the aftermarket has shrunk due to a reduction in the range after active sales at the end of 2024 - it has become more difficult to find a liquid model. The downward trend may be short-term if economic conditions stabilize and the availability of used cars improves, he believes.

Chasing the air: what is happening in the used car market

Russians are looking for a cheaper car on the secondary market

On March 21, it was reported that in February 2025, 397.1 thousand used passenger cars were purchased in Russia, which is 5.5% less than a month earlier and 0.6% lower than in February last year. Lada holds the leadership in the secondary market among the brands, 106 thousand such cars of the domestic brand were purchased in the last winter month.

Toyota retains the second place (39.1 thousand units). This is followed by Kia and Hyundai (21.1 thousand and 20.7 thousand units, respectively), as well as Nissan (17.4 thousand units). Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Renault and Ford rounded out the top ten.