Is it advisable to purchase a commercial-to-private converted vehicle?
2 Answers
Commercial-to-private converted vehicles are not recommended for purchase. A commercial-to-private conversion refers to the process of changing a commercial vehicle into a private one. These vehicles primarily include retired taxis that have been converted to local license plates. Even after conversion, the usage period remains 8 years from the date of manufacture, after which they are mandatorily scrapped without further annual inspections or extended retirement periods. Apart from commercial-to-private converted vehicles, it is also advised not to purchase used cars with incomplete documents or procedures. Required vehicle documents include the owner's ID card, original vehicle invoice, vehicle purchase tax certificate, vehicle registration certificate, motor vehicle license, road maintenance fee certificate, annual inspection certificate, and insurance policy.
It's true that you can buy a car converted from commercial to private use. I bought one myself a few years ago, mainly because of the low price—it was 20-30% cheaper than the same model in private ownership. However, after using it, I found that the mileage was extremely high, the engine was heavily worn, and I had to frequently visit the repair shop. Most of these cars were converted from taxis or ride-hailing vehicles, driven extensively and poorly maintained, making them prone to minor issues like suspension noise and battery aging. Insurance is also more expensive. If you're on a tight budget, I recommend getting a comprehensive inspection first, checking the vehicle's history and annual inspection status. Don't let the low price fool you—maintenance costs might end up being higher. In short, be cautious if you decide to buy. Later, I preferred to spend a bit more on a regular used car, which was much more hassle-free.
