A well-maintained, sought-after used car can be worth more than a newer model if buyers have concerns about the latter’s reliability, parts availability or future costs. Mileage, service history, technical condition and legal restrictions also affect resale value.
Nikita Rodionov, a technical trainer at the Fit Service network, told RIA Novosti that a car is considered used once it leaves the showroom and is registered. Its value often falls by 10% to 20% in the first year and by 30% to 50% over five years, he said.
The rate of depreciation depends on the make, demand for the model, the market for new cars, mileage and maintenance. A well-kept, popular older model can therefore command a higher price than a newer vehicle with reliability concerns, limited parts availability or costly expected repairs.
Buyers also assess the body and interior, tires, brakes, suspension and battery, along with the number of previous owners, accident history, documented servicing and any legal restrictions. Rodionov cautioned that cosmetic detailing before a sale can conceal deferred technical problems.
An inspection should check for oil leaks, suspension knocks, dashboard check-engine warnings and overdue fluid changes. Identified faults can reduce the sale price by more than the cost of repairs.