Can National 5 Vehicles Still Be Purchased Now?

[McAlex]

In regions where the National 6 emission standards have not yet been implemented, National 5 vehicles can still be purchased and remain a good option. If you do not plan to resell the car after purchase, as the National 6 standards approach, remaining National 5 vehicles at dealerships will be discounted, allowing buyers to enjoy certain benefits. More details are as follows: 1. For areas where the National 6 standards have already been implemented, the deadline for registering National 5 vehicles is the date the local National 6 standards take effect. Some regions may have extended policies for registering National 5 vehicles, such as allowing registration by August 1 for vehicles purchased before July 1. 2. In provinces like Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi, where the National 6 standards have not yet been implemented, National 5 vehicles can still be registered as usual.

[AriannaLynn]

As someone who has been driving for many years, I think it's still possible to buy a China V vehicle now, but it depends on the situation. Your location matters a lot: in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, policies are strict—new China V vehicles are hard to license, and even second-hand transfers are restricted. However, in second- and third-tier cities like Chengdu and Wuhan, the second-hand market for China V vehicles is still active, and they can be registered and used normally. The price is indeed cheaper, potentially saving you tens of thousands compared to a China VI vehicle, especially if buying second-hand—it's a great deal for short-term use over three to five years. But be cautious about future risks, as environmental standards are upgrading, and China V vehicles may face driving restrictions or rapid depreciation. Before buying, check the latest regulations at your local vehicle management office to avoid future hassles. Additionally, thoroughly inspect the vehicle's condition—don’t just go for the cheap price and overlook issues like high fuel consumption or expensive repairs, which could end up costing you more. In short, China V vehicles still have purchasing potential and are suitable for those on a tight budget or living outside urban core areas.

[DeRachel]

From the perspective of environmental policies, I genuinely believe that purchasing China 5 vehicles requires caution. The current push for China 6 emission standards by the government aims to reduce emissions, as China 5 vehicles have higher pollution coefficients and face strict restrictions in major cities. For instance, Beijing has prohibited new registrations of China 5 vehicles since 2020. If you buy a China 5 vehicle, you might frequently encounter obstacles in second-hand transactions due to policy uncertainties. There's a risk that the vehicle could depreciate significantly if a driving restriction is imposed shortly after purchase. In contrast, China 6 vehicles, with their newer and more environmentally friendly standards, are more durable and retain their value better over time. Although the lower price of China 5 vehicles might be tempting, investing a bit more in a China 6 vehicle offers greater peace of mind in the long run. I recommend paying close attention to local government announcements and checking the regulations on the environmental protection bureau's website to avoid losing more than you gain. With increasing environmental awareness, supporting cleaner vehicles is an undeniable trend.

[SanNorah]

I'm all about being budget-conscious, and buying a China 5 emission standard car now is quite cost-effective. Prices are significantly lower in the used car market—for example, the same model with China 5 can save you 10,000 to 20,000 yuan compared to China 6, which is great for those on a tight budget. The key is to consider the purpose: it's perfectly fine for short-term commuting or driving in remote areas, and costs like maintenance and fuel are pretty much the same. However, be wary of future resale difficulties—it might depreciate quickly or become unsellable, like my friend's China 4 car that ended up being sold for scrap value. I'd recommend prioritizing well-maintained used cars and avoiding older models, while also comparing prices across multiple dealers. Overall, China 5 cars are still a viable option, but don't expect to drive them for a decade or more.