Is the Scrap Subsidy for Sedans Really 18,000 Yuan?
4 Answers
The scrap subsidy for sedans is not that high, and only vehicles that meet the standards for early scrapping can receive the subsidy. Therefore, under normal circumstances, when a sedan is scrapped, it can only fetch a residual value of around 300-600 yuan. Unlike the scrapping age for other vehicles, the scrapping of private cars is based on mileage, with 600,000 kilometers as the threshold. Once the mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide the scrapping. If the car is over 15 years old and the mileage has not reached 600,000 kilometers, the vehicle needs to undergo two annual inspections each year. If it fails the inspection, it will be forcibly scrapped.
I previously scrapped a 12-year-old sedan and actually received a subsidy of 7,500 yuan. I heard some people say the subsidy could be as high as 18,000 yuan, but that's basically nonsense. The current policy encourages scrapping old vehicles, with subsidies generally ranging between 5,000 and 12,000 yuan, depending on the vehicle's age, engine displacement, and location. In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, the amount might be slightly higher but rarely exceeds 12,000 yuan. I believe the purpose of the subsidy is to promote environmental protection and emission reduction, not to make people rich, so don't trust online rumors blindly. The most reliable way is to check the latest standards directly at your local vehicle management office or on the government website. When submitting for scrapping, bring your vehicle license and ID card—the process is simple, but the amount is nowhere near as exaggerated as the rumors suggest. Remember, the subsidy is assessed based on the vehicle's condition, not a fixed price. My experience in Nanjing went smoothly, and a friend in Suzhou received around 6,000 to 7,000 yuan. An 18,000-yuan subsidy is way too unrealistic—it might be misinformation or a scam trap.
As an environmentally-conscious car enthusiast, I'd say the vehicle scrappage subsidy is aimed at reducing pollution emissions. The amount is really not as high as 18,000 yuan. Typically, local governments offer subsidies ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 yuan, depending on the vehicle model and emission standards. For instance, there might be preferential policies for new energy vehicles, but I've never seen a sedan scrappage subsidy exceeding 10,000 yuan. The subsidy's purpose is to promote green transportation, not for excessive profits. I usually check announcements from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and encourage friends to verify information directly on official websites rather than believing rumors. The amount varies by region, but the core objective is to facilitate the replacement of old vehicles—don't just focus on the monetary figure.
From an economic analysis perspective, a subsidy of 18,000 is simply unrealistic. Based on my calculations, the recovery cost is low for old vehicles, and subsidies typically range in the thousands, with 5,000 to 8,000 being common. Even subsidies for new cars rarely reach 18,000, let alone for scrapped vehicles. This is a policy adjustment tool, not a get-rich-quick opportunity—advising not to be fooled.
