The expert spoke about the risks when buying a used car online

Buying a used car online is gaining popularity in Russia, but this transaction format carries a number of risks. Maxim Agadzhanov, Managing Director of Alfa-Leasing Group, shared this opinion in an interview with Izvestia on June 2.

"The main problem is that online storefronts most often consist of dealer offers, and to clarify the details — the configuration, the possibility of a test drive — the service has to contact the dealership and wait for a response. This delays the process and creates inconvenience for the buyer," the specialist explained.

In addition, according to him, online platforms are inferior to offline dealers in additional services: signing up for the service, trade-in programs and other options in online stores are less developed.

"The main disadvantage of the remote transaction is the lack of a financial guarantee. A full prepayment is often required without a personal inspection of the car. However, some brands offer installments or leasing," the expert noted.

Another threat is the difficulty of remotely assessing the condition of the car. The ad may contain false information, and the car may have hidden flaws.

Nevertheless, the expert noted the advantages of online shopping, such as an extensive selection, the ability to compare prices and specifications, as well as the ability to make a deal at any time, regardless of the opening hours of car dealerships.

The safest option, according to the expert, is to buy cars from the stock of leasing companies.

"There are about 30 thousand used cars in their warehouses now. They are being tested and have a clean history, so the risks are minimal," Agadzhanov summed up.

We've run through everything: personal cars in Russia are getting older

Most of the machines entering the services are over 15 years old.

On May 29, it was reported that in the first four months of 2025, 10.4 thousand used Chinese-made passenger cars were imported to Russia. Import growth in this segment was 550%. In other words, this is 6.5 times more than in January – April last year, when 2.47 thousand used cars from China were imported into the country.