Auto Loan Demand & Income Thresholds 2025

Auto Loan Demand Unchanged Despite Fee Hike; Income Thresholds to Rise

Auto loan demand may not surge despite recycling fee increase, as potential buyers are advised to act swiftly due to anticipated price hikes and uncertain interest rate cuts. The minimum income required for auto loans has been revealed, with changes expected in the coming years.

The increase in recycling fees from December 1 is unlikely to significantly boost auto loan demand, according to recent trends. Applications through Banki.ru's service rose by only 3% in September, down from a 10% increase in August. Interest rates also dropped by a mere 0.5 percentage points after the Central Bank's September meeting, suggesting a cautious approach from lenders.

Potential car buyers are advised not to delay their purchases. With car prices set to rise and loan amounts increasing, the minimum income threshold for auto loans is expected to climb from December 2025. Currently, the threshold stands at 87,000 rubles for new cars and 89,000 rubles for used cars. By 2025, this is projected to increase due to higher car prices, larger loan amounts, and increased overpayments. The optimal income for auto loans, with a debt-to-income ratio of 30%, is around 145,000-148,000 rubles.

The monthly payment for an average auto loan of 1.5 million rubles over 5 years is 43,500 rubles for new cars and 44,300 rubles for used cars. The total overpayment for such loans is approximately 1.1 million rubles for new cars and 1.2 million rubles for used cars.

In other news, the automatic extension of driving licenses in 2026 is set to end, following the implementation of new EU driving license regulations that aim to harmonize rules and digitalize licenses across the EU. This change, adopted by the European Parliament, will affect all EU member states. As auto loan demand remains stable and income thresholds adjust, potential car buyers should stay informed about market trends and plan their purchases accordingly.