Is a First-Hand Car the Same as a New Car?
2 Answers
So-called first-hand cars are new vehicles purchased from car dealerships, directly coming off the production line. Here is some extended knowledge: Advantages of used cars: 1. Cost-effective Used cars are generally not the latest models on the market, usually lagging behind by about two years. For the same brand and model, buying a used car one or two years later can save you several thousand yuan. Additionally, with rising fuel prices, the cost of commuting continues to increase. If you're on a tight budget and just need a car for daily transportation, buying a used car is a very economical choice. 2. Lower Depreciation Rate Any car, once registered and licensed, depreciates in value every year. Generally, a car loses 20% of its value after one year, 35% after two years, and up to 50% after three years. According to Fair Price used car evaluations, the higher the car's value, the greater the depreciation rate, which can amount to over 10,000 yuan annually. If you buy a used car, you're essentially letting someone else pay for the depreciation. The cost of a new car could get you two good used cars, and even after using them for a few years, you wouldn't lose much when selling them. 3. Less Heartache Over Scratches Many car buyers are beginners with limited driving experience and skills, making minor scratches and bumps on the road inevitable. With a new car, every scratch might require touch-ups and maintenance, adding up to significant costs. But with a used car, the emotional and financial impact of such incidents is much smaller. Minor scratches can be overlooked, and a major refurbishment or detailing can address most issues.
I learned my lesson the hard way when buying a car two years ago. The seller kept emphasizing it was a 'first-hand car', but later I realized this concept is completely different from a 'brand-new car'. A first-hand car simply means no ownership transfers, but it could have already been driven 30,000-40,000 km. Once I saw a display car labeled as 'quasi-new', with the salesperson claiming the owner had only driven it for three months - but maintenance records showed it was insured last year. To determine real condition, focus on the number of registrations in the vehicle title, tire wear, and brake disc groove depth. Don't take odometer readings too seriously, as mileage rollback is too easy nowadays. If you truly want a new car, go directly to a 4S dealership for a 0-km vehicle - don't be fooled by the 'first-hand' label.
