Mileage is normal: used car sales increased by a quarter in spring
This spring, sales of used cars in Russia increased by 14.5–25% compared to the same period in 2025, analysts said. According to preliminary data from the Autostat agency, the annual increase was 7%. Demand was especially actively shifting towards Chinese brands, while domestic cars were adding more slowly. At the same time, the share of dealer ads increased from 13% to 16%, and an increase in the stocks of major players led to an expansion in the number of discount offers. What is behind this trend is in the Izvestia article.
Which models are in increasing demand
Since March 2026, car sales in the secondary market have been steadily growing in all regions of the country. In the spring, their volume turned out to be 25% higher than in the same period last year, market participants told Izvestia.
"The percentage may vary depending on the region, but the trend is already positive," said Igor Oleynikov, an analyst at Droma. — It can also be noted that the import of cars with a capacity above 160 hp has decreased significantly compared to previous years due to new recycling rates, and the import of cars with a capacity below this threshold has increased.
According to preliminary data from Autostat, the secondary passenger car market grew by 7% year-on-year in May 2026. This is especially true for Chinese brands: by 55%, and least of all for domestic brands: by 14%, added Drom. Sales increased at Honda Freed and Honda Stepwgn, Volkswagen Golf, as well as Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Octavia.
According to Avito Auto, this spring the demand for used cars turned out to be 14.5% higher than in the same period last year. The average price on the secondary market remained virtually unchanged and amounted to 1.28 million rubles. Haval has recorded the greatest demand dynamics — they have become more popular by 53.5% over the year. Lexus (+26.2%), Geely (24.6%), Land Rover (23.7%) and Hyundai (22.6%) also added to demand.
"One of the key trends in the spring of 2026 in the used car market is an outstripping increase in demand for Chinese brands," said Dmitry Peretz, Head of analytics at Avito Avto. — Another notable trend is the growing interest in crossovers and SUVs. Demand for SUV segment cars in the spring was 27.5% higher than a year earlier.
The secondary market is dominated by cars older than 15 years, with a 64% share. Three Lada models became the sales leaders among them — Priora, Samara and "seven". The top 5 foreign cars are Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus. Lada Granta and Lada Priora have become popular models among used cars up to 15 years old, while Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio and Toyota Camry have become foreign models.
In the first five months of 2026, Russians bought almost 2.4 million used cars, which is 6% more than in the same period of 2025, said Denis Migal, founder of the Fresh automotive marketplace. Prices also increased along with demand: by May, the average cost reached 1.19 million rubles, which is an increase of 6% compared to last year's figure.
— These are relatively official statistics that require clarification, — said the expert. — For us, a two—year-old "Chinese" or "Korean" is a mileage, there is no guarantee for him, he had a master. However, statistics can attribute such a car to new ones: it was imported from abroad, less than three years old, and it still had no owners in Russia. At the same time, the average price of used cars at dealers is higher, since they usually do not take cars from the lower segment of the market for sale, about the condition of which much is clear even without diagnostics.
According to him, the domestic Lada remains the leader, which consistently accounts for almost a quarter of all transactions on the secondary market. Japanese Toyota was most often chosen from foreign brands. It is followed by the Korean Kia and Hyundai, as well as the German Volkswagen.
Chinese brands are taking up more and more space in the used car market, confirmed Sergey Ignatov, head of the Key Customer Relations department at <url>. Their share increased to 6%. The growth is especially noticeable among cars younger than 10 years old: by the end of April, their share exceeded 15%.
"This is a new record," he said. — In the future, the demand for Chinese cars will grow, as they remain the main source of fresh cars in Russia. Another trend can be identified in the secondary market — from January to May, against the background of a reduction in private sellers, an increase in the share of dealer ads was recorded from 13 to 16%. The increase in stocks from major players has led to an increase in discount offers.
What trends have emerged in the market
Experts highlighted the increase in exports of used cars from China as one of the main trends.
— Even taking into account all the fees and delivery, it turns out to be attractive — provided that the engine is not more powerful than 160 hp, — said Denis Migal. — Yes, there is no guarantee. Yes, the filling is very different from the machines with the same name assembled in Europe, and not for the better. But the price, the general condition, and the magic of familiar brands work.
The second trend is the discernment of customers. They have become much more responsible about buying a used car, realizing that it is not known when they will be able to purchase the next one. They are studying the diagnosis for 258 points, they are asked to lift on a lift.
"Demand has also shifted to a more budget—friendly segment," the expert added. — Buyers are much more likely than a year ago to be interested in cars up to 1.5 million rubles. And they stop at options that promise the most trouble-free ownership. Color and prestige are less of a concern.
One of the factors supporting demand is the significant difference in the cost of new and used cars, confirmed Alexey Ivanov, the owner of the Alliance Trucks commercial vehicle dealership network. The price situation on the market remains heterogeneous. The cost of the machines depends on the age, brand, technical condition and region of sale.
"Another feature of the market is the gradual aging of the fleet," he said. — Relatively new machines with a proven service history are in steady demand, which ensures high liquidity and price.
This increase in sales is explained by several circumstances: loans on the secondary market are still available, the supply of new cars remains limited, and buyers are increasingly trusting proven models from previous years, says Igor Rastorguev, a leading analyst at AMarkets. At the same time, the average price of used cars rose by 8-10% year on year.
"Buyers are looking for a middle ground: too old cars are fraught with serious investments in repairs, and more recent ones significantly hit their wallets," he said. — Interesting trends have emerged on the market this spring. There has been a noticeable increase in demand for crossovers and SUVs with mileage: people appreciate their versatility and good cross-country ability.
In addition, hybrid models are being bought more actively — interest in economical and environmentally friendly cars is growing even in the secondary market. Trade‑in is also gaining momentum: many people prefer to hand over an old car at the expense of buying a more recent version with mileage — this is convenient and allows you to upgrade vehicles without significant one-time costs.
The used car market still requires extreme care: it is easy to encounter unpleasant surprises here, experts added.
— Most often there are problems such as twisted mileage, hidden consequences of an accident, unpaid fines or a car deposit, — Igor Rastorguev reminded. — In order to minimize the risks, it is worth taking time for a few moments. First of all, be sure to check your VIN and service history. Assess the condition of the body and chassis, preferably with the involvement of an independent mechanic who will notice what a layman might miss.
It is worth making sure that there are no restrictions on the registration of the car, as well as comparing its price with market offers for similar models: if the cost is noticeably lower than the average, this is a reason to be wary. In addition, if possible, it is necessary to clarify how the car was operated — in the city or on the highway, in what climate, and what driving style the previous owner used.
Checking the history by VIN, diagnostics in an independent service and careful analysis of documents remain mandatory steps before purchase, regardless of the cost and age of the car, experts emphasized.
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