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Q: Why don't more Chinese buy second-hand cars?
Judging from what people have been telling me, it's quite rare for people here to buy second-hand cars. I was always under the impression (stereotype, I know) that Chinese people were always very meticulous and careful with their money. If that was really the case, wouldn't second-hand cars be a hit here?
At least at present times, no, second hand cars (or used ones) are not a hit in China. To understand this well, you must be very familiar with Chinese way of life, and their ideosincracy.
Lets beging with auto ownership. It is a relatively new concept in China, carownership by private individuals was unheard of 20 years ago. As a result, there is not a great number of "second hand cars" in the market today. Also, buying a NEW car gives you added "face" and "guangxi" possibilities, besides showing off your new wealth. Used cars do not at first.
Another factor is basically that Chinese do not really "trust" others. Since many are not mechanically inclined, they do not know what they are purchasing as "used" will be a good car or a piece of junk. So, instead they rather sink their savings in a new one, which they think it will work well forever, and be of a good quality since "it is new".
Good condition, well maintain used cars do not even reach the market here. They are bought privately by friends or relatives when the opportunuty arises.
But in a few more years, you will see a second hand car market develop as more cars become available, and the novelty of car ownership wears off.
I don't think the cars are maintained well, my guess. Someone told me no oil changes etc. There is an Infinity in my building, looks likes its been in a war, banged up a little, sitting on 3 flat tires and about a quarter of an inch of dust on it. Make me an offer ! It's cream colour not black tho.
Seeing how the drive the shit out of the cars here and so called "mechanics" would rather buy a new care instead of a used car until times change.
3 years ago law was passed to stop importing cars that had more than 900Kilometers or a car that was over one years old, due to the hope of stopping the emissions pollution with the mass wave of middle class being able to afford imported cars. The Upper Class wasn't a problem for they only buy the best anyway. 2nd hand cars can still be bought in China as long as it's not imported.
