How to Sell a Car Quickly in Hong Kong – 11 Most Important Tips

Want to know how to sell a car in Hong Kong?  

No matter how easy it may sound, selling a second-hand car in Hong Kong can be very challenging. The difficulties involved with selling a used car often relate to either achieving the sale price you want, getting your car sold within a set period of time, or both.

But don’t worry we are here to help you with the process of selling your car.

How to sell a car quickly in Hong Kong? 

To help you sell a car in Hong Kong as quickly as possible, we will discuss the following 11 tips:

• The best websites for selling your car
• When to start the process
• What you can do to help get your car sold as quickly as possible
• Don’t forget to use your personal network
• Get all your documents in order
• Be honest with sellers
• Be realistic with your price expectations
• Allow test-driving
• Decide on your absolute minimum price
• Consider approaching companies that pay instant cash for used cars in Hong Kong
• Consider shipping your car to your next destination

1. The best place to sell a car quickly

Summary:

• More people are leaving Hong Kong than coming to Hong Kong – so, advertise your car widely! 
• Websites favored by ex-pats for selling a car are Asiaxpat and Geoexpat. However, we strongly recommend you try to reach a broader range of potential customers.

What to do:

• Place an ad on www.28car.com. This website is not available in English, but it is worth your time posting an ad on this site.
• Another website you should consider is www.hkcartrader.com – it’s bilingual.

What you should consider:

• When placing an ad, take the time to check out what is being offered in the market; a better understanding of pricing, scarcity, and demand should help put you in a better position to understand the value of your car.  

2. Second hand car HK? Start the process early! 

Summary:

• By beginning early, you will have more time to achieve better pricing, and it will give you more time to reach a greater number of buyers. So, it’s always best to start the process of selling a used car early. 

What to do:

• Even before listing your car for sale, start to understand the used-car market as well as the prices on offer. 
• If possible, start preparing to sell a second-hand car 4-6 months before you plan to leave Hong Kong. Starting the process so early may not be feasible, but the less time you have to sell your vehicle, the harder it might be to sell.

What you should consider:

• If you don’t give yourself enough time to sell a second-hand car, you will likely end up selling your car for less money than might be possible otherwise.  

3. Used cars Hong Kong –  put in the effort to make your car look good 

Summary:

• You should spend the time and money to make your used car look as good as it can. Making your used car look good might not get you extra money, but if there are similar used cars for sale, it might mean that it’s your car that actually gets sold.
• It’s the look and feel of your car that can make or break the sale. So take out some time to wash and clean, maintain it to its best look, and get it serviced thoroughly.

What to do:

• Consider repainting wheel rims to remove curbing and scratches, cutting and waxing the car, steam cleaning carpets to remove any odors, and repairing or repainting small areas or dents.
• It will always be the car that looks good and has functionality that gets picked first by buyers. Also, you never know when your buyer might request a test drive.

What you should know:

• In Hong Kong, you will be able to get repairs done cheaply and quickly. There are several car repair and cleaning sheds in places like Kwun Tong, North Point, and Mong Kok. Not only are these services cheap and effective, but they also tend to be done much more quickly than fixes done at dealerships.

4. Use your personal network to sell a second-hand car Hong Kong

Summary:

• People will generally feel much more comfortable buying a second-hand car from someone they know or have come referred to them by someone they know.  

What to do:

• Your personal network can play a significant role in getting the best leads, so don’t hesitate to spread the word that you are selling your car. Often the best way to spread the word is by posting on social media. 

What you should consider:

• People looking to buy second-hand cars often feel more satisfied and confident buying from a known person than a stranger. ie., A personal network helps to create an unsaid guarantee and trust for both the buyer and the seller.

5. Have the car’s documentation ready when you sell a second-hand car

Summary:

• Having all the documents ready will increase your credibility and help to get your car sold.  

What to do:

• Ensure you have every document related to your car ready to show potential buyers, from the owner’s manual, logbook to service records.
• To increase the chance of selling a second-hand car, pull together all the service records so potential buyers can see your car has been looked after. If you have spent money on tires or any other car parts, be sure to keep all the receipts intact.

What you should know:

• Having all your papers in place shows you are actually willing to sell your car and that you want to crack an honest deal and are not just haggling around. This creates a good impression.

6. Honesty is the best policy when selling a car

Summary:

• Transparency in your conduct and dealings should help. Anyone who plans to buy a second-hand car will want to be well-informed before making a final decision. The honesty factor definitely counts.

What to do:

• The best way to sell a used car is to be honest about both the good and bad points. Make sure to list any issues you had fixed with your car before putting your car for sale in Hong Kong.

What you should consider:

• Be sure to mention any faults that still need fixing and be willing to decrease the price if that is the case. 

7. Set a realistic price range when you sell a car in Hong Kong

Summary:

• The price that you set for your second-hand car is the biggest deciding factor about whether you will get the deal done or not. Therefore, it’s important to do research before setting a price for your second-hand car sale. 

What to do:

• Do some market research to check out the current status of cars for sale in Hong Kong, specifically for your car model, and quote a price accordingly. An overpriced car won’t attract potential buyers.

What you should consider:

• However, if you insist on sticking to a price above the market value, be ready to explain why your price makes sense and what makes your car worth it. Are you selling it along with any special accessories, or have you had your car modified?  

8. Allow test drives when selling second hand cars Hong Kong

Summary:

• Allowing people to test drive your car might increase your chances of selling your car.

What to do:

• Though the test driving culture is not that popular in Hong Kong, as people resist handing over their car keys to strangers, opting for it will increase the chances of getting your car sold at the best price.

What you should consider:

• You just need to be a bit more careful when allowing someone to test drive your car. Can you take a deposit? Will you accompany them on the test drive?

9. Determine your minimum selling price for your second-hand vehicle 

Summary:

• Before you put your car for sale, work out the lowest price that you will accept. Once you reach that price, ask the buyer to either seal the deal or walk away.

What to do:

• Trying to conclude the sale of your second-hand car might require some tricky negotiations. However, having a clear floor in mind will help you make decisions more easily. 

What you should consider:

• Check what similar cars are selling for in order to understand the lower limit for your car.

10. In a hurry to sell used cars Hong Kong? Try instant cash

Summary:

• If you’re in a hurry and haven’t found a buyer for your car, consider approaching companies that pay cash for second hand cars.

What to do:

• Vin’s Motors and Quick Cash Cars will both buy second-hand cars for cash.
• Vin’s Motors: 42, G/F, Tin Hau Temple Road, North Point, 2571 5867.
• Quick Cash Cars is an online company that stands by the claim that within 30 minutes from the technical inspection, they can give you cash for your car.

What you should know:

• If you go down this path, you can expect pricing to be lower than you would otherwise receive, but instant cash will sometimes trump all other options. 

11. Can’t sell your car? Consider importing your used car 

Summary:

• If you own a high-quality car, you’ve looked after it well, and you don’t want to sell it at a crazily low price; you could consider importing the car to your home country or next destination.

What to do:

• In Hong Kong, some companies can help you with the process of getting your car to your next destination. 
• There are many good shipping companies, but we have found that Teresa Yuen of Wilhelmsen Ships Service Ltd provides a good service at a reasonable price. Teresa’s details: +852 2880 1612 or Teresa.yuen@wilhelmsen.com

What you should know:

• There are actually quite a few rules to know.  For example, there are certain countries for which you must have owned and used your car for a specific period of time before importing it. Also, there are some countries for which import permits are required.
• You will also need to check shipping costs and import duties and whether your particular car is allowed to drive on the new country’s road.  
• Since there are different import and export rules for different countries, a professional can be a great help to get you through the process.

FAQs about cars for sale in Hong Kong

Should you allow potential buyers to test drive a second-hand vehicle in Hong Kong?

Though there are no set rules about test driving in Hong Kong, when it comes to selling used cars, you should be prepared beforehand if your potential buyer asks for it. If you allow a potential buyer to test drive your car, it should give them more confidence in your vehicle.  If you are worried about the possible risks involved with allowing someone to test drive your car, consider doing the following: taking photos of the potential buyer’s ID Card, ride along, meet in a public place, bring a friend, and screen potential buyers.

Should I import my car to another country from Hong Kong?

Importing your car to another country can be a good option because vehicles in Hong Kong generally have low mileage and remain in good condition. You’ll need to check the next location’s specific requirements, but this can be a really good option that is often overlooked.

What is the best way to sell a second-hand car in Hong Kong?

Above all, advertising your car is really important. You should advertise your car both through word of mouth and online advertising. Both methods have their own advantages in terms of helping you achieve the best deal. Word of mouth marketing will bring in more trusted people and references; whereas, exploring the online ad option will open doors for a wider audience across Hong Kong.

Whichever option you select, be very careful about what details you’ll be sharing. Avoid giving your home address in an online ad but don’t forget to highlight any extras that your car has to increase its chances of getting sold.  In short, intelligent advertising is what you must do across all mediums.

Do you have to test drive a used car in Hong Kong?

You don’t have to test drive a used car before buying it although, we highly recommend it. You’ll be able to get first-hand experience of what it’s like to operate the car. Also, a test drive will allow you to check the car more thoroughly for potential issues relating to wear and tear.

Why is it so hard to sell a used car in Hong Kong?

Yes, selling second-hand cars in Hong Kong can take a lot longer than expected. Why? This is because the number of used cars in Hong Kong available for sale generally exceeds the number of people wanting to buy second-hand vehicles. This imbalance has been exacerbated in recent years as more ex-pats leave than arrive in Hong Kong.

Finally

If you want to sell a car in Hong Kong, start the preparation as soon as possible; this includes getting the paperwork ready and getting your car in tiptop shape.

Not only do you need to get your used car ready and in good condition, but also, don’t forget to take the time to have a good understanding of the market before you put a price on your beloved vehicle. 

Have we missed any tips about how to sell a car in Hong Kong? If so, please don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below. 

If you’re leaving Hong Kong, check out our Conclusive Guide to Leaving Hong Kong. This guide covers topics such as; the best moving companies in Hong Kong in terms of price and service, the best ways of getting rid of furniture, a guide on making donations in Hong Kong, the ultimate Hong Kong bucket list, and a list of checklist items you’ll need to do before you leave Hong Kong.

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