Does the Implementation of China VI Affect Used Cars?
3 Answers
The implementation of China VI does not affect used cars. China VI Emission Standard: The China VI Emission Standard is the national sixth-stage motor vehicle pollutant emission standard, which is an upgrade from the China V standard. It requires carbon monoxide emissions and total hydrocarbon emissions to be reduced by more than 50% compared to the previous standard. It adopts the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), significantly tightening testing requirements, effectively reducing the gap between laboratory-certified emissions and real-world emissions, and laying the foundation for coordinated control of fuel consumption and emissions. Phases of China VI Standard: The China VI standard will be implemented in two phases: 6A and 6B. The first phase started on July 1, 2020, and the second phase will begin on July 1, 2023.
To be honest, the implementation of China VI emission standards has had a significant impact on the used car market. Those of us who frequently buy and sell used cars can clearly feel the changes. China V vehicles have depreciated sharply now. Cars that could previously sell for 30,000 to 50,000 yuan have dropped by 10,000 to 20,000 yuan with no buyers in sight. Many people are worried about tightening policies—in some cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, China V and older vehicles are banned from entering urban areas, so buyers fear they won’t be able to drive them after purchase. However, smaller cities in other regions are still viable, with many dealers buying at low prices and transporting the cars there for resale, which has actually increased liquidity to some extent. On the demand side, people are more inclined to buy new cars—China VI models come with subsidies, are more environmentally friendly, and offer better fuel efficiency in the long run. The used car market has cooled down, and my business has slowed considerably lately. I often have to advise buyers to think carefully and consider local policies before making a purchase, or they could suffer big losses. Overall, the impact is substantial, and we need to adapt to these changes sooner rather than later.
I'm just an average car enthusiast who loves hunting for used cars, and I recently encountered this exact issue. I initially wanted to save money by buying a used China V-compliant vehicle, but after the China VI standards came into effect, the prices of the cars I was eyeing dropped compared to previous years due to restrictions on older vehicles in some areas. For example, in first-tier cities, there's a risk of traffic restrictions—buying such a car might mean not being able to drive into the city center, which is a huge inconvenience. On the other hand, new cars are better in this regard, as China VI-compliant models have lower emissions, better fuel efficiency, and are more eco-friendly. Now I'm torn: should I take the risk with a cheaper used car or spend more for peace of mind with a new one? It feels like policies have weakened the appeal of used cars, and in the long run, older vehicles will be phased out faster. Also, when making a purchase, it's crucial to check local regulations thoroughly—otherwise, it could be a waste of money. Overall, the impact is quite direct, and I’ll need to rethink my budget.
