Having processed data from the Automoto.ua aggregator, specialists from the Institute for Car Market Research identified the twenty most affordable cars in online ads on the Ukrainian market. They also found out their average age and, in fact, their prices. The analysis is based on models that appear in ads at least 3 thousand times, which ensures the representativeness of the sample.
Due to historical circumstances, the market for the cheapest cars in Ukraine is formed mainly from old models of Soviet and early post-Soviet production, as well as some models of foreign production of the 80s–90s. The prices for these cars are quite low, they can be compared with the prices, for example, of modern smartphones, and their age indicates that many of them are real “veterans” of the roads. In some places even more: cars over 40 years old in some countries are classified as “retro” vehicles, with the issuance of special registration documents and license plates. In our country, these are still ordinary vehicles.
General market structure
The average age of the cheapest cars on the list is well over 20 years. The leaders in terms of age are the Soviet Zhiguli (VAZ 2101, VAZ 2103), which have an average age of over 40 years. Such cars cost less than $600, making them the cheapest in the category. For comparison, the youngest models, such as the Chery Amulet and Daewoo Nexia, have an average age of about 17–18 years, but their price exceeds $1,500.
The three cheapest
- VAZ 2101 — average age 43.7 years, average price $500.
- VAZ 2103 — average age 43.5 years, average price $600.
- VAZ 2105 — average age 35.3 years, average price $617.
These cars are typical representatives of the Soviet automobile industry, which are still maintained on the road due to relatively cheap maintenance, simple design and availability of spare parts. At the same time, such variants are devoid of modern safety systems, comfort, consume excessive fuel, and their capabilities and technical characteristics lag significantly behind other, younger road users.
Market features
- Age and Price Difference: Although Soviet cars are the cheapest, their age significantly affects their condition. They often serve as "village cars" or for short-term use.
- Foreign-made cars: The list also includes several models, such as the Opel Kadett and Ford Sierra, with an average price of $850...$870. These cars are usually attractive due to their better comfort and reliability, although they are also more than 30 years old.
- Chery Amulet: The youngest model on the list with an average age of 16.5 years and an average price of $1,700. However, this representative of the selection is not without its drawbacks, despite its relatively “young” age (in the twenties on the slide), this Chinese-made model is from the wave that stood out only for its low prices, while other characteristics were even lower than the dealer’s prices.
Reasons for low cost
- Age and wear: Most cars are older models that have changed owners many times.
- Simplicity of design: Cars such as the Zhiguli have a simplified design, which also reduces their price.
- Lack of modern features: The lack of electronic safety systems, comfort, or modern engines does not allow for higher prices for them.
- Supply exceeds demand: Some models, such as VAZ or ZAZ, were mass-produced, and their number on the market remains high. This is a point worth considering for those who are considering buying such inexpensive options — most often it is a "one-way ticket", you can buy it, but it is unlikely to sell it — the competition is too high. Some representatives of this price category can be offered for sale for years, and then, having never found the next owner, they are sent to the scrap metal.
The cheapest cars in Ukraineʼs classifieds are a mix of old Soviet models (which filled the fleet due to closed borders) and budget foreign-made cars that began to arrive in the 1990s. They are usually purchased due to a limited budget or for specific purposes. It is clear that in the absence of affordable financing and the general (low) level of purchasing power of Ukrainians, often even the cheapest options become the first step on the path to mobility, but given their considerable age and, accordingly, mileage, which means an exhausted resource, you should be extremely careful when choosing cars in such a budget. Or it is better to consider more expensive, but still younger cars.
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