The process of finding the best used car deals in China is as varied and rapidly expanding as the automotive market. In 2022, about 16 million second-hand cars were sold in the country — a figure made possible by more affordable prices and variety range of models. The likes of AutoCango, Renrenche and Uxin offer thousands of listings for buyers in search of the best deals at different specifications and pricings.
That's a wide range and of course age, miles, and brand play huge roles in the price of used cars in China. For example, some domestic brands like BYD and Geely can find a car for as little as US$5,000 to two or three years old. On the other hand, used luxury cars from manufacturers like Audi or BMW can be priced starting at $20,000 and that's if they are 5 to 7-year-old vehicles. Again, bear in mind that these price differences result not just from the state of the cars themselves but also from the cachet of an import luxury brand being sold on the Chinese market, a place where foreign luxury vehicles tend to have higher residual values.
Mileage is important in how a used car is valued in China. Cars with fewer than 50,000 kilometres of wear on the treads generally sell for about 10-15% more than identical examples that have turned a bit more in mileage. That being said, some well-engineered cars can still be found at high mileage and provide solid value for the dollar — particularly those from trust brands with years-old records of durability (we're looking your way here Toyota and Honda). In China, these brands have a long service life and low maintenance costs.
Of course, getting the best deal means accounting for those arguably more important long-term costs — maintenance and fuel efficiency — not just the upfront cost. China Electric vehicles (EVs) booming in secondary market, cheap as $8,000 for 3-year-old BYDs They save on fuel as well as maintenance expenditures, which can be kept to a minimum as electric vehicles promise lower maintenance costs than internal-combustion cars.
Many dealerships also offer certified pre-owned (CPO) programs in addition to buying your traditional platforms. One way to manage some of this risk is through programs that back purchases with warranties and inspections, giving buyers added confidence. CPO cars are typically more expensive, but sometimes the extra money is worth it for peace of mind.
And in China the resale market is also boosted by government incentives to increase sales of used cars for the sake of cutting down on environmental impacts. Such programs include subsidies to switch older, high-emission vehicles for newer, more efficient or electric models that several provinces already offer. In China alone, the initiative has helped spur a 20% increase in sales of used cars over the past two years, according to a 2022 China Automobile Dealers Association report.
Ultimately, the best deals in the used car in china lies in balancing price against condition, brand reputation and added long term savings such as maintenance or fuel economies. Not only do websites like this provide safe access to a variety of vehicles, but the selection itself makes tracking down an amazing bargain on any type of vehicle from leftovers or budget-friendly domestics all the way up to luxury cars —quick and easy.