The demand for used Chinese auto imports has seen notable increases recently, with requests for vehicle history checks surging by 16.5% compared to the previous year. According to the auto history verification service "Автотека," this trend highlights growing consumer interest and confidence as the used car market continues to evolve.
Chinese vehicles have climbed the ranks, achieving the eighth position among countries for the volume of history checks, representing 2.4% of all inquiries. Within Tatarstan, several Chinese brands have emerged as consumer favorites, with Geely leading the pack at 21.6% of requests, followed closely by Chery at 21%, and HAVAL coming in at 15.5%. These figures reflect not only the rising popularity of Chinese automobiles but also the increasing recognition of the necessity to verify vehicle history before making purchases.
Among the specific models capturing interest, users have frequently queried the Geely Emgrand EC7 and Chery Tiggo (T11), each accounting for 4.9% of the total requests. The top five models also include Geely Coolray and LIFAN X60, together forming the forefront of this growing market segment.
Andrey Tumkin, the managing director of Автотека, pointed out the remarkable uptick for some models. He noted, “The number of requests for HAVAL Jolion increased by 95.9%, and for Geely Coolray—by 33.1%. This is associated with the increase in supply of Chinese vehicles on the used car market.” Such statistics indicate shifts not only toward greater acquisition of these vehicles but also underline the competitiveness of pricing and features of imported models.
Meanwhile, the overall market for new vehicles is showing upward trends, with average prices soaring by 7.1% as of January 2025 alone. This hike stands out as the highest among Russian regions, reinforcing the rationale behind consumers leaning toward used solutions as economic alternatives.
The analysis published for Krasnodar Krai also aligns closely with these trends, where evaluation requests for premium cars—those costing over 3 million rubles and aged fewer than three years—rose sharply by 34.3%. BMW particularly captured consumer attention, as it emerged as the leading brand for inquiries, followed by Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. The BMW X5 model is noted as having the highest request frequency.
Tumkin observed, “Verification of vehicle history is becoming an indispensable part of the informed approach to investing in cars.” This is particularly evident among premium vehicle buyers who seek to safeguard substantial investment amounts through careful checks before purchasing—looking not just at mileage but also maintenance history and document status.
The strong interest shown by consumers reflects not only the practicality involved but also encapsulates shifting buyer attitudes toward utilized vehicles. Car enthusiasts today are proving increasingly sophisticated, utilizing resources such as Автотека to gather the necessary background they need for informed purchasing decisions, thereby enhancing their overall buying experience.
Across markets, these patterns reveal broader societal changes—where prudent consumerism is on the rise. History checks are transitioning from mere afterthoughts to pivotal steps taken prior to purchase. Buyers no longer simply rely on vehicle conditions or sales pitches but seek the real story behind their potential new car.
Through initiatives like those undertaken by Автотека, consumers are equipped not only to navigate used car sales with confidence but also to contribute to shaping market dynamics. The incorporation of thorough checks has hence become etched as part of the standard practice in purchasing vehicles, leaving behind the days of uncertainty.
Such shifts are promising for the industry. They amplify the necessity for transparency, allowing buyers to make clearer, trust-based decisions, thereby engendering stronger relationships between consumers and dealers. Looking forward, the anticipation is set for amplification of checks and balances as more consumers join the wave of conscientious car buying and as the market for used vehicles continues to grow.