The used car sector in Ukraine is gaining momentum. This is facilitated by a number of factors: the condition of roads abroad, the quality of fuel and lubricants, as well as regular maintenance at official service centers. Therefore, it is not surprising that in October the number of transactions in the secondary market was ten times higher than the sales figures for new cars.
In the first nine months of the year, 76 thousand new cars were sold in the country, while more than 355.6 thousand transactions were concluded in the secondary market. This result is 47% higher than the same period last year.
1. USA
The leading position with a share of 30.3% is occupied by cars from the USA. The reason is that most Americans, after an accident, immediately send the car to an auction site and, having received an insurance payout, buy a new car.
Ukrainian buyers choose American used cars because of a more attractive price compared to European options and rich equipment. This is true even for premium European brands, and even more so for locally assembled models. For example, a two-year-old Toyota Camry at an auction in the USA will cost $15–20 thousand including delivery and customs clearance. In Ukraine, it is almost impossible to find such a car in the secondary market, and a new one costs about $30 thousand.
However, one should be careful: often some part is missing in the interior of such a car. Unfortunately, no one searches people at the entrance and exit of auction parking lots, and entire groups from Balkan and Mexican diasporas specialize in stealing interior elements. Therefore, before buying, always check the car's history.
2. Germany
The second place in the ranking, with a significant gap from the third, is occupied by Germany. This country is the main European supplier of used cars to Ukraine. German cars are valued for outstanding engineering and build quality.
Judging by current trends, cars from Germany and the USA will be in demand among Ukrainians in the coming years: the former for quality, the latter for affordability.
3. Belgium
Unexpectedly, small Belgium, which has no automotive industry of its own, made it into the top three. However, cars from the domestic market of this wealthy country attract Ukrainians with an optimal combination of condition, equipment, and cost.
4-5. Lithuania and the Netherlands
The fourth and fifth places are occupied by traditional suppliers of "euro plates" to Ukraine. Cars from Lithuania and the Netherlands are relatively inexpensive compared to neighboring markets, are of good quality, and are delivered quickly. Recently, Lithuanian used cars have been getting more expensive due to changes in document flow, so the Dutch option will likely soon move to the fourth position.
