How to distinguish between China 5 and China 6 when buying a car?
3 Answers
When buying a car, you can distinguish between China 5 and China 6 on the vehicle's compliance certificate, or you can check the vehicle's environmental protection information list. The difference between China 5 emission standard cars and China 6 emission standard cars lies in the three-way catalytic converter. China 6 emission standard cars use a higher-performance three-way catalytic converter. The China 5 emission standard is the fifth stage of national motor vehicle pollutant emission standards. The China 5 standard reduces nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions by 25% and 80% respectively, lowering the overall emissions of China 5 cars by 10% to 15%. The China 6 emission standard imposes even stricter controls on pollutant emissions.
As an enthusiastic car enthusiast who frequently pays attention to vehicle emission standards, I'd like to share my experience. The simplest and most direct way to distinguish between China 5 (Guo Wu) and China 6 (Guo Liu) vehicles is to check the vehicle's environmental information accompanying list, which is a mandatory document upon new car delivery. It will clearly indicate the emission standard, such as 'China 5' or 'China 6'. If you can't find this document, be sure to request confirmation from the salesperson, as they usually have copies on hand. When I bought my last car, I specifically checked the production date—new vehicles manufactured after July 2019 generally comply with the China 6 standard. Don't overlook this detail, as China 6 vehicles have advantages in both environmental requirements and licensing policies. Some cities like Beijing have already begun restricting the transfer of China 5 vehicles, while China 6 vehicles have higher resale value and contribute to reducing emissions. I've seen people opt for cheaper China 5 vehicles only to encounter issues during transfer due to failed environmental tests, resulting in additional costs. So, taking a few extra minutes to verify this when purchasing a car can save you significant trouble later.
As an ordinary office worker, I faced the dilemma of choosing between China 5 and China 6 emission standards when buying a car a few years ago. My advice is to directly consult the salesperson first—they have the most up-to-date information and can provide the vehicle's certification documents. What I cared about most was checking the Vehicle Conformity Certificate or environmental certification label, where the fine print specifies the detailed standards. Also, verifying the production date is crucial—most new cars manufactured after 2019 comply with China 6 standards, while older inventory models might still be China 5, which may offer price discounts but could be less cost-effective in the long run. I remember checking the government's official database online at the time—entering the VIN could verify authenticity. This matters for future annual inspections and when relocating to another city. Opting for a China 6 car felt more reassuring, with lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. In short, don't skip these steps—they helped me avoid potential pitfalls.
