How Many Years Can a Used Car Be Driven Before Scrapping?
2 Answers
Previously, used cars were subject to mandatory scrapping after 15 years of use. The new regulations for the scrapping period of family cars: The Ministry of Commerce officially issued the mandatory scrapping standards for motor vehicles, which removed the stipulation on the operational years for non-commercial cars. At the same time, the scrapping mileage limit for private cars was set at 600,000 kilometers. The abolition of the scrapping period for family cars has raised higher requirements for the safety and technical inspections of vehicles. Under the new policy, private cars must undergo two annual inspections starting from the 15th year after registration, and those over 20 years old must undergo four regular inspections annually from the 21st year onwards. The annual inspections have strict regulations for older vehicles. During the power inspection for private cars, the chassis output power must not be less than 60% of the engine's rated power.
Speaking from my 20+ years of experience driving used cars: There's actually no fixed scrapping age—the key lies in the vehicle's condition and maintenance. A well-maintained car can easily last 15 or even 20 years. I've seen many older vehicles running more reliably than brand-new ones. For maintenance, I recommend regular oil changes, brake pad inspections, and monitoring tire wear to prevent minor issues from snowballing. Annual inspections must be done on time—China's policy doesn't mandate scrapping for private passenger vehicles, though those over 15 years require more frequent checks. Pass those, and you're good to go. Pay extra attention to chassis and engine care—it saves money and extends lifespan, making it far more economical than rushing to replace your car.