In 2025, Russia imported 81,200 second-hand passenger cars from China more than three years old, compared with only 23,500 in 2024, a year-on-year increase of about 3.5 times...

[Moscow News] The Russian used car market is being accidentally ignited by "China car sources." Sergey Tselikov, head of the analytical agency "Автостат (Autostat)", disclosed that in 2025, Russia imported 81,200 second-hand passenger cars from China that are more than three years old, compared with only 23,500 in 2024, a year-on-year increase of about 3.5 times, setting a new record in this direction.

Russian media interpret that the China market is becoming a "better to use" supplier of used cars-not because Russian consumers are suddenly fascinated by China brand used cars, but because it is easier to buy global models that Russians are familiar with in China, and many of them have newer vehicle conditions and higher configurations. Pravda.ru car commentator Alexey Chernov said in a report that the China market provides Russia with a "large number of vehicles, clear models, and low buyer perception costs," and its use and maintenance are also more reassuring.

From the perspective of brand structure, the Japanese and German brands that Russian consumers trust most are still at the forefront. Statistics show that among the used cars entering Russia from China in 2025, Toyota has approximately 15,000 vehicles, accounting for approximately 18.5%; followed by Volkswagen (11,100 vehicles), Honda (10,300 vehicles), BMW (4,700 vehicles), Audi (4,600 vehicles), and Hyundai (3,900 vehicles). China brands have also begun to occupy a place: Geely has about 3,400 vehicles and Chang 'an has about 3,300 vehicles; in addition, there are Kia (2,500 vehicles) and Nissan (2,200 vehicles).

Specific to the model, Autostat data shows that the most sought after is Toyota Corolla, with 3912 imported vehicles throughout the year. It was closely followed by the Toyota RAV4 (3476), the Honda Breeze (2269), the BMW X3 (1964) and the Honda CRV (1941). Russia generally classifies these cars as typical choices that are "easy to repair, durable, and have no worries about accessories", reflecting Russia's pragmatic orientation of used car consumption.

It is worth noting that these second-hand cars imported from China are not "old." According to the report, about 40% of the vehicles will be shipped in 2022, and about 45% will be shipped in 2021, which is generally "quasi-new". In terms of power parameters, 56.4% of the vehicle's power exceeds 160 horsepower-and this threshold became sensitive in December 2025 due to adjustments to the Russian recycling fee (commonly known as "scrapping tax/rebate fee") charging rules. Nikita Volkov, financial commentator at Pravda.ru, believes that importers are still willing to bear the rising costs because the market demand for "stronger power and better allocation" has not disappeared. Russian media also mentioned that there was an "impulse" in December 2025 before the new billing rules were fully effective, further pushing up the annual data.

[Brief Comment] For China's auto exporters, this trend of "buying used cars from China" has two sides: on the one hand, it diverts part of Russia's budget for new cars, especially medium and high-profile SUVs to a certain extent; on the other hand, it also shows that China is becoming an important vehicle source distribution center in the Russian market, and the trade chain will become more mature and professional. In the short term, the parallel import and used car businesses may continue to make structural adjustments around the "160-horsepower cost line".

Source:@tselikof (telegram)

Source: Guangdong Good Car

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