Economic struggles in Russia are pushing many people to look for cheaper options when it comes to cars. Instead of modern vehicles, many Russians are turning to older, Soviet-era models.
These cars, once considered outdated, have become a practical solution for those trying to save money in tough times.
For nine months in a row, the Lada 2107 has been the most purchased and registered used car in Russia, according to Moto.
This model, first introduced in the 1970s, outsells much newer vehicles. In the first 10 months of 2024, 113,510 units were sold.
This puts it ahead of modern options like the Kia Rio, which sold 102,995 units, and the Hyundai Solaris, with 99,793 units sold.
Affordable and Simple
The Lada 2107’s popularity is tied to its affordability and simplicity. It is cheap to buy and easy to repair.
Spare parts are abundant because the car was produced for 30 years across Russia and Ukraine.
Despite production ending in 2012, over 1.5 million Lada 2107s are still on the road. For many, it is a reliable and cost-effective solution in an economy where new car prices are out of reach.
Economic conditions have made older cars even more attractive. Rising prices and limited incomes mean many Russians cannot afford modern vehicles.
Chinese and Korean brands like Kia and Hyundai are growing in popularity, but they still cost more than many can afford. The Lada’s low price and simple mechanics make it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The Lada brand remains dominant in Russia’s used car market, with over 1.2 million vehicles sold this year.
Toyota is the second most popular brand, with 515,438 sales, followed by Kia and Hyundai.
However, Lada’s dominance is slowly declining. Modern imports, particularly from China, are gaining ground.
