Rising prices for used cars in: reasons, trends and how to save

Experts attribute the current situation to a whole range of factors: from a global shortage of new cars to local problems with lending and logistics. In this article we will analyze the key reasons for rising prices, figure out which models have risen in price the most, and give practical recommendations on how to buy a used car profitably in 2026 - without overpaying and without the risk of running into a problem car. Let’s also touch on the issue of alternatives: maybe it’s now more profitable to consider car sharing, leasing, or even used electric cars?

1. The main reasons for rising prices for used cars in 2026

The main driver of the price increase is shortage of new cars, which has been going on since 2020. The pandemic, disruptions in supply chains, and later sanctions against Russia and the closure of many foreign production facilities have led to the fact that the market for new cars has almost halved. According to Association of European Businesses (AEB), in 2023, only 680 thousand new cars - this is 40% less than in pre-Covid 2019. As a result, demand has moved to the secondary market, where supply simply cannot keep up with requests.

The second key reason is withdrawal of foreign brands from the market. After leaving Renault, Volkswagen, Toyota and other giants, a vacuum has formed in the secondary market: new foreign cars are either unavailable or are sold at exorbitant prices through parallel imports. Buyers who previously relied on Skoda Octavia or Hyundai Creta from the showroom, now we are forced to look for analogues on the secondary market - and this automatically raises prices.

• 🔧 Sanctions pressure: restrictions on the import of spare parts and components have made repairs of foreign cars more expensive, which has affected the cost of used cars.
• 💰 Inflation and lending rates: in 2023–2026, car loan rates increased to 15–20%, which reduced the solvency of buyers and forced them to reorient to cheaper (but now more expensive) used cars.
• 🚗 Demand for budget models: Lada Granta, Datsun on-DO and Kia Rio became the main “hits” of the market, their prices increased by 25–40% over the year.
• 🔄 Speculative factor: some sellers deliberately inflate prices, expecting further growth, which creates an artificial “bubble”.

⚠️ Attention: If you see an ad where Toyota Camry A 2015 model costs more than the same 2018 model, a clear sign of speculation. It is better to skip such offers or bargain aggressively (the price may be inflated by 30–50%).

2. Which models have risen in price the most: TOP-5 “leaders” of growth

Not all used cars have risen in price at the same rate. The maximum jump in prices was recorded for budget foreign cars and domestic models, which have become the main alternative to unaffordable new cars. According to the portal Auto.ru, record holders for price growth for 2023–2026:

An interesting trend: prices for premium used cars (for example, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class) grew not so much - by 10–15%. This is due to the fact that their buyers are less dependent on loans and are willing to wait or consider alternatives (for example, leasing). But the budget segment, where demand is generated by taxi drivers, couriers and young families, has become extremely overheated.

Another paradox: some old japanese cars (for example, Toyota Corolla 2010-2012) are now more expensive than similar cars from 2015-2016. This is due to the fact that newer models often have “sanctioned” components (for example, electronics) that are difficult to repair.

3. Sanctions and their impact on the market: what has changed over the year

The sanctions pressure on the Russian economy had a direct impact on the used car market. Main consequences:

• 🚫 Closing of official dealers: care Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan and other brands has led to the fact that new foreign cars are now sold only through parallel imports - with a markup of 30–50%.
• 🔧 Spare parts shortage: many components (for example, electronic control units for BMW or Audi) are now being shipped with delays or at speculative prices.
• 💸 Increase in the cost of compulsory motor liability insurance and comprehensive insurance: insurance companies have increased rates for foreign cars due to the risks of a shortage of spare parts and expensive repairs.
• 🔄 Refocusing on Chinese brands: Chery, Geely, Haval have filled the niche of departed Europeans, but their used models are still rare on the market.

The sanctions hit owners especially hard European diesel cars (for example, Volkswagen Passat or Skoda Superb). Due to restrictions on the import of fuel equipment (for example, injectors Bosch or Denso) Repairing such machines now costs 2–3 times more. As a result, the demand for them has fallen, and prices on the secondary market are either stagnant or even declining - despite the general trend towards rising prices.

⚠️ Attention: If you are considering purchasing European diesel older than 2018, be sure to check the availability of spare parts for its engine. For example, turbine repair Garrett on Ford Mondeo Now it can take 2-3 months and cost 150-200 thousand rubles.

On the other hand, sanctions gave impetus to development domestic production. Lada increased output Vesta and Granta, and MosTransAuto (former plant Renault) started assembly Hyundai Solaris under the brand Moskvich. However, these cars do not yet cover the shortage, and their prices are also rising.

4. Is it worth buying a used car in 2026: pros and cons

The decision to buy a used car in the current environment depends on your goals and budget. Let's look at the arguments for and against:

Pros of buying now:

• ✅ No alternatives: if you urgently need a car (for example, for work), the choice on the secondary market is wider than among new cars.
• ✅ Less risk of depreciation: Given the shortage, used car prices could rise another 10-15% by the end of 2026.
• ✅ Possibility of bargaining: despite rising prices, many sellers are ready to discount 50-100 thousand rubles if there are alternative offers.

Disadvantages and risks:

• ❌ Overpayment for “rarity”: some models (eg Toyota Land Cruiser 200) are now as good as new, although their mileage is far from ideal.
• ❌ Difficulties with credit: banks have tightened requirements for collateral cars, and rates have increased to 18–22%.
• ❌ The risk of running into a “problem” car: due to high prices, scammers are more active in counterfeiting vehicle titles, inflating mileage, or selling cars after an accident.

If you still decide to buy, here optimal strategy:

1. Look for cars 2019–2021 model year — they haven’t yet gone up in price much, but have already passed the peak of depreciation.
2. Give preference to models with simple engines (for example, Kia Rio with motor 1.4 MPI instead of turbocharged 1.0 T-GDI).
3. Check history via Autocode or CarVertical — this will save you from buying a stolen or damaged car.

Check the history through Autocode or CarVertical|Inspect the car on a lift (look for signs of body repairs)|Make sure the availability of spare parts for the model|Compare prices of 3-5 similar offers|Try to bargain (even if the seller says that the price is fixed)-->

5. Alternatives to purchasing: what is more profitable in 2026

If used car prices seem too high to you, consider alternative options:

• 🚗 Leasing: some companies (for example, Europlan or VTB Leasing) offer programs with redemption after 3 years at the residual value. This may be more profitable than buying a used car on credit.
• 🔄 Car sharing: for city trips services like Delimobil or BelkaKar are cheaper than maintaining your own car (especially if you take into account insurance, parking and repairs).
• 🔌 Used electric cars: used prices Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model 3 fell by 20–30% due to low demand. The main risk is the condition of the battery, but with proper checks you can find a profitable option.
• 🏠 Giving up the car in favor of public transport: in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other million-plus cities, the infrastructure of the metro and MCC is being developed, which makes a personal car not always necessary.

Particularly interesting is the situation with electric cars. For example, Nissan Leaf 2018 can now be bought for 1.2–1.5 million rubles - cheaper than Lada Vesta in a similar configuration. The main thing is to check the battery capacity (optimally if it is not lower than 80% of the factory one) and the availability of charging infrastructure in your city.

⚠️ Attention: If you're considering an electric car, keep in mind that resale in 2-3 years may be difficult due to rapid advances in technology. For example, Tesla Model S 2015 is now 2-3 times cheaper than the new model.

Another option - buying a new domestic car. Despite rising prices, Lada Vesta or Granta in the basic configuration they are cheaper than used foreign cars of the same class. For example:

However, new Lad there are disadvantages: poor sound insulation, simple interior trim and risks with build quality. If comfort and reliability are important to you, it may be better to pay extra for a used foreign car with a good history.

6. Forecasts for 2026: what awaits the used car market

Experts disagree on future price dynamics. The optimistic scenario assumes that by the end of 2026 - beginning of 2026 the situation will stabilize due to:

• 🏭 Launch of new productions: Chinese brands (Chery, Geely) and domestic factories will increase the production of available models.
• 📉 Reducing lending rates: if the Central Bank starts a soft monetary policy, car loans could fall in price to 12–15%.
• 🔄 Normalization of logistics: Parallel imports will adapt to the sanctions, and prices for new foreign cars will begin to decline.

However, there are also risks of further price increases:

• 🛢️ Rising fuel prices: if gasoline rises in price to 60–70 ₽/liter, the demand for economical used cars (for example, Toyota Prius) will increase.
• 🔧 Tightening environmental requirements: introduction of new standards (for example, Euro 6) could take older diesel cars off the market, reducing supply.
• 💥 Geopolitical instability: New sanctions or logistical disruptions could push prices up again.

According to analysts Agency Autostat, the most likely scenario is slight reduction in used car prices by mid-2026 (by 5–10%), but only for models older than 5 years. Cars from 2019–2022 will likely maintain current prices or rise in price by another 5–7%.

7. How to buy a used car profitably: step-by-step instructions

To avoid overpaying and ending up with a problem car, follow this algorithm:

1. Set your budget and priorities: decide what is more important - reliability, efficiency or status. For example, Toyota Corolla will cost more Lada Vesta, but will last longer.
2. Study the market: look at prices for similar models on Auto.ru, Avito and Drom.ru. If a car costs 15–20% more than average, this is a reason to be wary.
3. Check the history: Request a VIN report via Autocode or CarVertical. Please note:
   • Number of owners (optimally 1–2).
   • The presence of an accident (even small accidents can affect the geometry of the body).
   • Mileage (average annual mileage is 15–20 thousand km; if more than 30 thousand, the car could be used in a taxi).