What impact does the implementation of China 6 have on used cars?
3 Answers
After the implementation of China 6, used cars can still be sold and transferred, but those that do not meet the China 6 emission standards will not be eligible for license plate registration. Below is relevant information about China 6: Implementation Timeline: According to regulations, China 6 is divided into two phases, a and b. By July 1, 2020, at the latest, all light-duty vehicles sold and registered must comply with China 6a requirements. Starting from July 1, 2023, all light-duty vehicles sold and registered must meet the China 6b emission limit requirements. Emission Standards: China 6 is more stringent than previous standards and is based on the Euro 6 emission standards. It applies the same standards to diesel vehicles, meaning that after the domestic standard is officially implemented, carbon monoxide emissions from gasoline vehicles will be reduced by approximately 50%.
As an average car owner, I've been looking into the used car market recently, and the implementation of the China 6 emission standards has had a significant impact. The most noticeable effect is the sharp depreciation of China 5 emission vehicles—their prices have dropped considerably, making it easier for buyers like me to find bargains. However, there are also considerable hassles. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have strict requirements for newly relocated used cars. While China 5 cars are still drivable now, stricter restrictions in the future could make purchasing them a poor decision. Additionally, older China 4 emission vehicles are in an even worse situation, with many regions outright prohibiting their transfer of ownership. So, I strongly advise checking the emission level and local policies before buying a used car—don’t just go for the cheapest option. Overall, the market has become more chaotic, with fewer good-quality vehicles and more problematic ones. The China 6 standards are also pushing more people toward new cars or leasing options. I think this might accelerate the upgrade of the used car market, but the transition is bound to be a hassle.
I frequently deal with buying and selling used cars, and the introduction of China 6 emissions standards has really given us a hard time. The sales of China 5 vehicles have plummeted, as buyers worry they'll become obsolete in a few years, leading to aggressive price cuts and severe inventory pile-ups. We dealers are in a rush to clear out China 5 stock while also pushing more China 6 used cars, but the supply of China 6 vehicles is limited, and costs are higher. Some smaller cities still allow the transfer of China 5 vehicles, but policies are tightening, requiring more thorough inspections during transactions to avoid disputes. Additionally, maintenance and repairs have become more complicated, with China 3 vehicles now completely unwanted, accelerating the demise of these older cars. The market has split into high-end and low-end segments, and I feel consumers are becoming increasingly savvy. The China 6 standards are forcing us to improve service quality, which might be beneficial in the long run, but in the short term, it's a real headache.
