With the Arrival of China 6, How Should Used Cars Be Handled?
3 Answers
If the China 6 standard is indeed implemented, all vehicles for sale and registration must meet the China 6 emission standards, while vehicles below these emission standards will be prohibited from sale, registration, and transfer. For China 6, there are two phases: China 6A and China 6B. The former serves only as a transition, which is relatively easy to understand literally, while China 6B is the true and complete China 6 standard. The implementation of this standard will be stricter than Euro 6. The removal of the used car migration restriction policy has begun to be implemented gradually. Currently, except for a few cities requiring China 5, China 4 vehicles can generally be transferred. The specific future policies remain unknown, but regardless of the emission standard, local circulation should not be a problem.
The recent implementation of the China VI emission standard has indeed caused headaches for many car owners. I have a China V car that I've driven for several years, and I need to get rid of it quickly. In big cities, these older vehicles are already restricted from driving, especially when it comes to transferring ownership of out-of-town license plates, which is particularly troublesome. I suggest first checking local policies online—for example, some areas allow continued use but prohibit ownership transfers, in which case it's best to sell to used car dealers or friends as soon as possible. If the policies are strict, trading it in for a new car at a 4S store might be more cost-effective, as many brands offer subsidy programs. Also, don’t overlook a thorough vehicle inspection—get a professional evaluation to avoid being lowballed. I’ve done the math: the longer you wait, the faster it depreciates, so acting decisively saves both hassle and money.
As an environmental advocate, I think the implementation of China VI emission standards is a good thing, as it significantly reduces pollution. However, for those of us with older vehicles, handling them requires caution. My suggestion is to prioritize upgrading to new-energy or China VI-compliant vehicles, as the government encourages such low-carbon replacements. You can even receive subsidies for scrapping old cars—details can be found on official websites or by consulting professional agencies. If you choose not to replace your car, the used car market may cool down, so it's best to trade through legitimate platforms to avoid illegal transactions. Regular maintenance is also important; periodic checks on the emission system can extend the vehicle's lifespan. But in the long run, reducing driving frequency is even more eco-friendly.
