Buy second hand cars in Bangkok

What to consider

The Covid 19 pandemic boosted the growth of Thailand's used cars market by up to 30 percent. And it is not expected to slow down anytime soon. Before the pandemic hit, the market recorded a yearly average growth of just 10 percent. 

Buying a used car in Bangkok (if you did your part in researching, comparing your options and negotiating) offers many advantages. One of the big advantages has to do with money savings. On average, used cars cost up to 40 percent lower than their newer counterparts.

If you consider buying a used car, here are some of the important factors to consider to get the best deal:

 

1. Model of the car

If you look at the roads of Thailand especially in major cities like Bangkok, you'll easily notice two familiar trends. The first is the popularity of Toyota and Honda cars. The next one is the significant number of pickup trucks on the road.

There is a reason behind the popularity of these brands. For one, they are manufactured in Thailand so they have lower taxes than imported cars. As for the pickup trucks, they have reduced excise tax, making them a popular choice for many.

Moreover, with these brands, there are many certified local mechanics, and parts are easy to come by. This translates to lower repairs and maintenance costs of your vehicle. 

It is safe to say that cars manufactured in Thailand are the best choice if you want to get an affordable set of wheels. However, if you wish to get an imported used car, be ready to spend 3 to 4 times more than how much the same used cars cost in Europe or the US.

 

2. Condition

You can only save money on a used car if it is still in good running condition with no significant damage that requires a major overhaul or repair. Needless to say, checking the overall condition of the car is very important and something you should take very seriously.

When checking the condition of the car, it's a good idea to bring a mechanic or car expert who could inspect the inside, outside and underside of the car. 

Aside from the physical examination, it's also important to schedule a test drive. Some things may not be visible to the naked eye but you can hear or feel it once the car is already running. So watch out for rattling sounds or irritating noise during the test drive. You should also get a feel of the car if it is running smoothly, if the brakes and clutch are responsive, and if all the gauges are working just fine.

Aside from test driving it yourself, you could also request your mechanic to test drive the car for you. Oftentimes, a mechanic can easily spot noise and other abnormalities in the operation that a regular person won't be able to see. 

When it comes to the condition of the car, you don't want to get something that will require expensive fixes just shortly after purchasing. So as a general rule, don't agree to buy a used car without conducting a thorough inspection or test driving it. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny and check for red flags such as:

• Touch-ups or inconsistencies in the paint
• Filler on the engine block
• Gauges and components that aren't working properly

 

3. Price

When it comes to price, you should already have a general idea of how much a particular model and mileage of the car costs. This is important because it's difficult to tell if a used car is fairly priced or is overpriced without identifying your benchmark cost. 

As mentioned earlier, locally manufactured cars are way more affordable than imported cars. However, among the same brand, the price still greatly varies depending on the mileage and the condition of the car. 

When checking the price, it's important to take into account the different factors including the model, mileage and condition of the car. So if you have five options available, you should weigh every factor, not just the price, before making a decision.

Moreover, even if a used car is a bit pricier compared to your other choices, don't remove it outright from your options. Check first if the unit comes with a longer warranty period, insurance package or maintenance offer. Some sellers already include any or all of these three, making their used cars a bit more expensive.

4. Seller

There are many places where you can buy used cars in Thailand. One of the popular options are legitimate websites such as Cars 24. These websites are typically user-friendly, easy to navigate, and easy to filter which makes researching and comparing a lot easier. At Cars 24, they also assist buyers in finding the right insurance for their vehicle. 

Another good place to find used cars are car dealerships commonly known as "tents." These places sell used cars with limited warranties, and majority of what they are selling are sold as "seen." Some tricks such as fake parts and wounded up mileage are common in these places so buyer beware. 

Some buyers are also lucky enough to buy their dream car from auctions and private listings. At auctions, the highest bidder gets the unit. If you are not experienced in participating in auction sales, you may end up paying more than you are prepared to pay. As for private listings, you'll usually find them in newspaper ads or social media. There's a bigger risk of buying from a private seller especially if you don't know the person and there are no available reviews that you could check for reference. The advantage is that you can easily negotiate with a private seller.

Knowing what to consider when buying a second hand in Thailand can give you more confidence when making a purchase. Although this list is not all-inclusive, it covers the most important factors that you need to take into account.