What is the impact of China VI implementation on used cars?
4 Answers
After the implementation of China VI, used cars can still be sold and transferred, but those that do not meet the China VI emission standards cannot be registered. If registration is necessary, it can only be done in regions where China VI has not been implemented. As of June 2019, according to China's used car emission standard requirements, most provinces and cities have adopted the China IV standard or above, with some retaining the China III standard. More details are as follows: 1. Along with the rollout of China VI, first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have banned China III standard vehicles from being driven on the road. Some cities have announced schedules for phasing out China III standard vehicles, such as Guangdong, Hainan, Tianjin, Shandong, Henan, and Hebei provinces, which will phase out China III standard vehicles by the end of 2020. 2. From the national implementation timeline of China VI, starting from July 1, 2020, all cars sold and registered must comply with the China VI-A standard, and from July 1, 2023, all cars sold and registered must comply with the China VI-B standard. 3. China VI is stricter than other standards, referencing the Euro VI emission standards, and applies the same standards to diesel vehicles. This means that after the formal implementation of the domestic standard, carbon monoxide emissions from gasoline vehicles will be reduced by about 50%.
I think after the implementation of the China VI emission standards, the prices of used cars have dropped significantly, especially for China V vehicles. The used car market used to be quite active, but now that China V cars are restricted in big cities, many people are in a hurry to sell, so prices have naturally dropped a lot. I've heard many car dealers say they're losing money on inventory, with profits halved. But there's also a silver lining—budget-conscious young buyers like me can snag a cheap China V car to drive in smaller cities, saving money for a new car. However, transaction volumes are decreasing as many people turn to China VI new cars or the electric vehicle market, which has slowed down the turnover of used cars. In the long run, environmental protection is the driving force, but I'm concerned about maintenance issues caused by low prices, such as more cars in poor condition. In short, it's essential to thoroughly inspect a car before buying and check if the emission standards match local policies.
After the implementation of China VI emission standards, the impact on used cars varies significantly across different regions. In first-tier cities, China V vehicles are largely excluded, making registration difficult and causing prices to plummet, with some owners losing tens of thousands. However, in smaller towns or rural areas, people are less concerned about the standards, so prices remain relatively stable, and transactions are still active. I know a few old friends in the used car business who say cross-regional sales are a headache, requiring transfer procedures that cost both money and time. Consumers are also affected: young people working in cities can only buy new China VI-compliant cars, while experienced drivers like me can still use China V vehicles for suburban commuting, but must be aware of stricter annual environmental inspections. The overall market now places more emphasis on vehicle age and emissions—good cars retain their value, but poor-quality cars are harder to sell. Policies might loosen in the future, so used car owners are advised to evaluate local regulations early to avoid regret over depreciation later.
As a beginner buying a used car, I found the China 6 emission standard has complicated the market. China 5 cars are cheaper, but face driving restrictions in first-tier cities, making them nerve-wracking to drive and only suitable for suburban use. Demand has shifted towards China 6 or new energy used cars, which are more expensive but hold their value better. On the supply side, dealers are stuck with excess inventory, and good car sources have decreased. What I learned is to always check the emission level when choosing a car and not to overlook policies for the sake of a cheaper price. Although the impact may not be significant now, long-term maintenance costs could increase as standards have been upgraded.
