Wanting to buy a second-hand car in Hong Kong? Due to the large number of people moving in and out of the city in Hong Kong, you can expect to find plenty of used, second-hand cars available for sale.
Take the time to learn about the used car market in Hong Kong. Used cars in Hong Kong may appear inexpensive, but there are lots of factors to consider.
It’s not just the purchase price you need to consider; but you also need to consider how many previous owners the car has had, whether the car is approaching 7 years old (in which case you’ll need to pay and arrange an annual inspection), and other factors.
Given the number of choices of second-hand cars available in Hong Kong, it’s also a good idea to think about potential resale value as you consider which used car to buy in Hong Kong.
How can I buy a second-hand car in Hong Kong?
In this article, the topics we will cover include:
- The importance of the number of previous owners
- Maintenance costs
- Questions you need to ask the owner when buying a used car in Hong Kong
- FAQs
1. Select a second-hand car with few previous owners
It’s critical to focus on the number of previous owners of a second-hand car. In Hong Kong, it’s actually one of the key factors that will determine the resale value.
There is a simple reason why fewer owners are better. It’s because, in Hong Kong, people believe that if a car has had few previous owners, then the better maintained the car would be.
In contrast, it’s considered more likely that a car with many previous owners has been less well looked after. Thus, implying that a larger number of previous owners could mean more mechanical issues down the road.
That’s why you should try to buy a vehicle that has a low number of owners. Note, the first owner is considered to be the owner number “zero.”
2. Watch out for maintenance costs when buying a used car in Hong Kong
While it might be easy to buy a good second-hand car at a low price, one of the most important factors to consider is potential maintenance costs.
You can generally expect to pay much higher maintenance costs for European vehicles.
I have seen a friend buy a luxury European car in Hong Kong at a low price, only to then spend three times the value of the initial purchase price in maintenance fees over the next 12 months as various issues popped up.
If you are looking for low maintenance costs in Hong Kong, consider Japanese carmakers. Not only are Japanese cars themselves ultra-dependable, but when it comes time to buy new parts for your car, your wallet will thank you.
3. Only buy a second-hand car in HK with full-service history from an official repair shop
It’s essential to buy a car which has a full service history. A full-service history should mean fewer maintenance costs for you, and it should also make it easier for you to resell the car at a later date.
It’s also important to note that it’s better to buy a car that has been serviced by the car maker’s official repair shop. Official repair shops tend to be more proactive about making repairs before significant issues arise.
On the other hand, if you buy a second-hand car that a back-street repair shop has serviced, it’s likely the vehicle has only had minimum repairs done.
Minimal repairs may increase the chance of more significant problems arising as the car’s quality may be compromised.
4. Be wary of second-hand cars approaching 7 years old
Vehicles in Hong Kong that are seven years and older will need a roadworthiness inspection (MOT) by a government-appointed garage for you to be able to complete the annual registration. For this reason, you will tend to find an abundance of 7-year old used cars for sale in Hong Kong.
Try to avoid buying second-hand cars that are getting close to 7 years as you may end up spending quite a lot of money getting them maintained so that they can be considered “road-worthy.”
There is so much choice in Hong Kong; we suggest buying a 2-3 years old car to achieve the right balance between the initial purchase price, maintenance costs, and resale value.
5. Buy a used car through individuals rather than dealers
It’s well known that some second-hand dealers in Hong Kong alter (lower) car mileage. For this reason, it’s often best to buy a second-hand car from an individual and, if possible, to buy a vehicle from the first owner of the vehicle.
If you can buy a second-hand car from a friend, then it’s even better. However, we still recommend asking how many owners the vehicle has had to ensure you can sell the car easily at a later stage.
6. Get the second-hand car checked by a reputable, independent mechanic
You should get any used vehicle that you are seriously considering purchasing checked by a trusted, independent mechanic.
As we said previously in this article, second-hand vehicles’ prices might appear cheap, but maintenance costs can really add up.
A trusted mechanic will check:
- vehicle body and structure
- electrical equipment
- engine
- ignition and fuel system
- cooling system
- air conditioning
- transmission
- steering system
- wheels and tires
- brakes
- suspension.
A thorough check by a trusted mechanic could end up saving you a lot of time, money, and hassle down the road.
Most importantly, you always need to think about the resale value.
If the car you purchase ends up needing major repairs, not only will you have to pay for the repairs, but all the troubles will be recorded in the service book. These issues could lower your resale value.
7. Questions to ask when buying a second-hand car
Ask about:
- the vehicle’s complete history
- mileage
- number of owners
- whether the car has been involved in any accidents
- why is the owner selling the vehicle; are they moving country, or is it instead because the car is costing them too much money in maintenance and repairs?
- whether it’s possible to take the vehicle for a test drive.
Also, be sure to look at the timing of the repairs. If a car has had small repairs that are spread out over time, it’s a good sign that the car is well looked after and gets taken for regular repairs. A flood of repairs done over a short period of time is a possible sign of bigger problems down the road.
8. You will need to obtain a Certificate of Clearance when purchasing a used car
You want to avoid being associated with any unpaid tickets. To prevent this from happening, before buying a second-hand car in Hong Kong, apply to the Hong Kong Licensing Office to obtain a Certificate of Clearance.
Be sure to finalize this Certificate before you finalize the purchase. The Hong Kong government won’t charge you for this certificate, and it will remain valid for 72 hours.
9. Car Insurance is essential when buying a second-hand car in HK
Before you finalize the purchase of your second-hand car in Hong Kong, don’t forget that it is required by law to have either your own fully comprehensive motor insurance or, at the least third-party insurance cover.
If you don’t have insurance organized, it’s illegal for you to be on the road.
The punishment for ignoring the requirement for a compulsory third-party policy can include a fine, a driving ban, and prison time.
And you can’t just carry over the car insurance from the previous owner. All new owners must organize new insurance that has been applied and purchased under their own name.
10. Know the market when you’re buying a second hand car in Hong Kong
The last point we wanted to highlight is the importance of understanding current market prices for second-hand cars in Hong Kong.
A particular deal might sound good in theory, but how annoyed would you be if you find out later that you paid more than the market price?
There are plenty of websites with car classifieds. Do your homework to find out what typical prices are for the models you are interested in.
There is a huge second-hand market for all carmakers, including Tesla, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes Benz. With a little research, you are sure to find a huge amount of information about pricing for each particular model.
FAQs
Where can I buy car insurance in Hong Kong?
We have an article which is dedicated to the topic of buying insurance products in Hong Kong. Our advice for purchasing car insurance is to use an insurance broker so they can scan the entire market and find the best insurance product for you. You can expect different insurance companies to offer both different policies and different pricing. The devil is in the detail. Take the time to know what the policy actually covers. We personally aren’t keen on talking to insurance brokers who only sell a single brand of insurance products. The more you can learn from your insurance broker about the entire insurance market, the better off you’ll be.
What are the car taxes involved with owning a car in Hong Kong?
For new cars, you’ll need to pay a First Registration Tax. This fee can be very high and is generally based on the car’s published retail price. Note, this First Registration Tax can be lower for environmentally-friendly cars (i.e., lower emissions vehicles). Other fees related to owning a car in Hong Kong include; fees for renewing your driver’s license fee and third-party insurance costs. If your car is older than six years old, you will need to pay for it to get an annual checkup.
Is third-party insurance necessary in Hong Kong?
You will need to organize third-party insurance before you finalize the purchase. Only once you have purchased insurance will you be able to complete the transfer of ownership. The cost of the third-party insurance will depend on the size of the engine, the type of car, and the number of previous owners.
Do I need a car in Hong Kong?
The answer to this question is probably not. While having a car can be convenient, especially if you are lugging small kids and many items around, the bottom line is that Hong Kong’s public transportation is excellent and inexpensive. Besides, taxis in Hong Kong are relatively expensive, and parking is super expensive. Owning a car in Hong Kong is definitely considered a luxury and not a necessity.
You may decide that leasing a car is for you. This works out cheaper than owning a car but is still more expensive than car ownership. Navigate HK tracked their journey on public transport and has produced an interesting article with costs.
What are the best places to buy a second-hand car in Hong Kong?
1) Keep your eyes peeled on Facebook; people come and go from Hong Kong frequently, you’ll likely see good quality cars pop up being sold by people who find themselves suddenly leaving Hong Kong. You can probably find a deal via this method.
2) Otherwise, check out Asiaxpat or Geoexpat. There’s no shortage of cars for sale on these platforms.
3) The Automall in Harbour Road Wan Chai is another good option. The Automall has many quality cars located right next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Stroll around, take your time, and get a good sense of market prices. A trip to this basement car-parking lot will put you in a much more knowledgeable position very quickly.
4) Vin’s Motors is another second-hand dealership that is popular and comes highly recommended.
What are the options available in Hong Kong when it comes to buying a car?
You can buy a new car directly from a dealership, or second-hand cars from a private owner, or a second-hand dealer. Brand new cars will come with a manufacture’s warranty. However, Hong Kong has one of the highest new car taxes globally, so buying brand new is expensive.
The second-hand car market in Hong Kong is huge. Plus, cars in Hong Kong tend to be very well-maintained and have low mileage. You will be spoilt for choice if you want to buy a second-hand car in Hong Kong.
How can I sell a car in Hong Kong?
It’s a lot harder to sell a second-hand car in Hong Kong than it is to buy one. We have an entire article dedicated to selling your car in Hong Kong.
Is it expensive to own a car in Hong Kong?
Owning a car in Hong Kong is expensive, mainly due to the taxes you need to pay. The cost a licence for a car is variable depending on the size of the engine. A quick guide would be between HK$2,929 and HK$15,976 a year.
Finally
We hope this article helps you when you’re buying a second-hand car in Hong Kong. With so many second-hand cars available in Hong Kong, take the time to understand the market.
If you accept the first seemingly good deal, you may end up kicking yourself later. Don’t forget that you’ve got plenty of options; do your homework, and you’ll be sure to find a great deal.
If you’ve just moved to Hong Kong, check out A Guide for Newbies in Hong Kong. We cover topics such as selecting insurance products in Hong Kong, the best places for buying second-hand goods, the best furniture stores in Hong Kong, and tips on selecting an apartment.
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