What to Do with China 5 When China 6 Arrives?

[DiArianna]

China 5 vehicles can still be driven. Currently, some cars already meet the China 6 standard, but China 3 and China 4 private cars are still common on the streets. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Restricting automakers: The new standard is only intended to restrict automakers, ensuring that vehicles sold must meet the China 6 standard requirements. For vehicles already purchased under the China 5 standard, they will still operate according to the emission status at the time of purchase. This means even after the China 6 standard is implemented, China 5 vehicles can be driven with peace of mind. However, their resale value may not be as high, and the cost of replacing the vehicle may increase. 2. An upgrade from China 5: The China 6 standard is an upgrade from the China 5 standard and will become one of the strictest standards globally. Compared to the China 5 standard, China 6 will strictly control pollutant emission limits. Under conditions excluding driving cycles and test influences, carbon monoxide emissions from gasoline vehicles will be reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbon emission limits will drop by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emission limits will be tightened by 42%. Overall, the China 6 standard is based on international standards and is completely different from the previous China 3, China 4, and China 5 standards.

[AlexisLee]

To be honest, I was really worried when I first heard about the China 6 emission standards, especially since my China 5 car is only three years old. But now I've come to realize that we China 5 owners don't need to overreact. In the short term, most cities still allow normal driving, and the annual inspection standards haven't changed—just keep driving as usual. The main impact will be lower resale value and some hassle with out-of-town transfers. My current strategy is to keep driving for another five or six years until the car reaches its natural end of life, then replace it with a China 6 model. After all, major cities have built in grace periods for restrictions. My fellow veteran drivers all joke that China 5 cars can easily keep going for five more years!

[DiMariana]

Recently, while conducting vehicle evaluations for clients, I noticed that the transaction volume of China 5 emission standard vehicles has indeed been affected. Strict relocation restrictions in major cities make it difficult for out-of-town China 5 vehicles to enter, though local transactions are still manageable. Our advice as car dealers is straightforward: if you're considering changing cars, act quickly while there's still a market. China 5 inventory vehicles are currently being cleared out at prices about 10% lower than China 6 vehicles. If you're not in a hurry to change, you can continue driving as annual inspections are not affected for now. Here's an interesting niche observation: many car modification enthusiasts specifically seek out China 5 chassis, citing greater flexibility in modifying emission systems.

[StKyle]

As someone who runs a repair shop, I don't think owners of China V vehicles need to worry at all. From a maintenance perspective, parts supply for China V models will continue for another seven to eight years, so there's no issue with repairs. In fact, repairing those DPF particulate filters on China VI vehicles is more expensive and troublesome. While China V vehicles have slightly higher emissions environmentally, with proper maintenance and using standard fuel, they can fully meet factory standards. Interestingly, our experienced mechanics all say China V engines are actually more durable. We just overhauled a customer's old China V vehicle with 300,000 km on it - after replacing the cylinder head gasket, it's running like new again.