How Many Years Can a Used Car Be Driven Before Scrapping?

[LeBrantley]

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.

[KaydenLee]

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.

[DeKai]

When it comes to the scrapping age of used cars, I need to explain it in conjunction with regulations: In China, there is no mandatory scrapping time for small private cars, but this doesn't mean they can be driven indefinitely. Safety and emissions are the key factors. As a car ages, for example, after 15 years, the annual inspection requirements become stricter. If it fails the inspection, it must be scrapped or repaired to meet the standards. In terms of safety, aging brake and steering systems can easily lead to accidents, so I remind everyone not to overlook this. Additionally, national emission standards are upgraded quickly, making older cars more likely to exceed emission limits. Therefore, the right approach with a used car is to conduct regular comprehensive inspections, not just focus on the age.

[Louise]

I've driven several used cars, and the scrapping time really depends on cost: maintenance expenses often surge when a car is 8 to 10 years old. Replacing an engine or transmission can cost more than buying a new car. That's when it's time to scrap it. No matter how well you maintain it, with higher fuel consumption and increased insurance costs, the total expenses of an old car are greater. That's how I made my last car change decision: as soon as the repair bill came, I replaced it, saving both time and money.