How to choose a used car in Hong Kong: Things to pay attention to
Editor's Groundbreaking Guide | Things to Consider When Buying a Used Car in Hong Kong
1. Analyze what you really need
1.1 Purpose of using the vehicle
- Commuting in the city, going to and from work : Small cars save fuel and have easy parking
- Family/passenger/travel : MPV, SUV, RV have large space
- Driving for beginners : affordable, easy to maintain, and no need to worry about spending more time practicing
- Budget Limited : Used Japanese cars are the most stable
1.2 Budget Planning
- In addition to the car price, you also need to prepay the license fee, insurance, transfer fee ($1,000), vehicle inspection fee, and the first repair/maintenance (prepare an additional $5,000-$10,000 as a buffer).
2. Channel selection and risk assessment
2.1 Common purchasing channels
- Used car dealerships : Wide selection, on-the-spot comparisons, usually with warranties (but pay attention to the fine print)
- Certified used cars (such as BMW Premium Selection, TOYOTA Certified) : more expensive but thoroughly inspected and under original manufacturer's warranty
- Online platforms (28car, Carousell, Facebook groups) : Direct listings from owners, negotiable prices, but higher risk
- Auction/Friends' recommendation : The price may be surprising, but you need to inspect the car carefully.
2.2 Editor's Suggestions
Beginners recommend purchasing through a large used car dealership or certified agent, as they offer more guarantees and a clear process. While online listings may be affordable, be wary of vehicles with hidden issues or fake mileage.
3. Key points to check before picking up the car
3.1 Vehicle age/mileage
- Car age : 3-7 years is generally recommended as the ideal age (new cars have already lost their value and their parts have not yet aged).
- Mileage : 8,000-12,000 kilometers per year is a reasonable average. If it is lower, be careful of "tampering"
3.2 Car Model/Brand
- Japanese cars : such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, durable, fuel-efficient, and easy to maintain
- European cars : BMW, Benz, VW, good handling but expensive to repair, and fast depreciation in used cars
- Chinese/Korean brands : More choices in recent years, pay attention to maintenance network
3.3 Number of car owners
- The fewer times a car has changed hands , the better (a new car is definitely the best)
- Be especially careful with multi-owner cars (they may have some problems due to multiple changes of ownership)
3.4 Vehicle body condition
- Check for rust, scratches, bumps, and welding marks
- Check the tires, brake pads, air conditioning operation, lights, and the interior for water marks and odors.
4. Vehicle inspection process and professional inspection
4.1 Required Steps
- Test drive : feel the steering, acceleration, brakes, road noise, and suspension to see if they are functioning properly
- Professional vehicle inspection : It is recommended to find a third-party vehicle inspection center (such as AA Vehicle Inspection, independent vehicle inspection center), which charges about $1,000-$1,500
4.2 Key points of vehicle inspection
- Is there any oil leakage in the engine?
- Smooth gearbox shifting
- Is the chassis rusty/damaged?
- Electronic equipment (air conditioning, audio, windows) are functioning normally
- Check for signs of accidents/flooding/fire (the frame/body numbers must match)
4.3 Editor's Tips
Some car dealerships will perform their own vehicle inspections, but to protect yourself, it is recommended that you seek an independent vehicle inspection . Don’t save money!
5. Documents and Legal Procedures
5.1 Required Documents
- Vehicle registration document (commonly known as "driving license")
- Vehicle owner's identification
- Repair/maintenance records (the more complete the better)
- Licensing fee certificate (confirming that there is no outstanding licensing fee)
- Compulsory car insurance
5.2 Transfer Procedures
- Handled at the Transport Department (both the buyer and seller must be present to sign the documents)
- Transfer fee $1,000 (paid by the buyer)
- Check if there are any financial loans (if any, repay them first)
5.3 Editor's Reminder
Please don’t just pay the money and receive the car immediately. Wait until you are confirmed that the transfer is complete and all documents are complete before paying!
6. Maintenance and subsequent expenses
6.1 Initial Maintenance
- It is recommended to do a major maintenance immediately after purchase (change oil, check parts, tires, air conditioning)
- Cost: approximately $3,000-$8,000 (depending on the car model)
6.2 Insurance Options
- Newbies are advised to buy Comprehensive insurance, which provides wider coverage.
- Consider third-party liability insurance for used cars (cheaper)
6.3 Future maintenance costs
- Japanese cars are cheap, European cars are expensive, and parts for less popular cars are hard to find.
- Used cars have short or no warranty, so budget more for repairs
7. Common Fuwei and the editor's real sharing
7.1 V1: tampered vehicle/flooded vehicle/accident vehicle
- Reduce the mileage (check maintenance records/AA inspection)
- Cars that have been flooded or severely crashed will have serious problems in the long run
7.2 The second hidden position: the trap of car dealership terms
- Some warranties only cover certain parts or designated garages, making claims difficult.
- There are some car dealers that have "no warranty" or "only cover one month", so ask clearly.
7.3 Fuwei 3: A friend's car doesn't mean nothing will happen
- Although my friend's car is trustworthy, it still needs to be inspected, transferred, and followed through formal procedures.
7.4 Editor's Story
A friend found a "super-cheap" European car online, but after placing the order, they discovered it had a major accident record. They lost their deposit and had a lot of trouble! So, don't be tempted by the price and skip the inspection!
8. Pay attention to the emerging electric/hybrid vehicle used market
- Electric vehicles depreciate quickly and their second-hand prices fluctuate greatly.
- Check the original maintenance, battery health (SOH), and charging compatibility
- Some early electric vehicles (such as the Nissan Leaf) have a fast aging range.
- Tesla has original second-hand certification, which is more secure
9. My Practical Checklist (Must-Do When Buying a Used Car)
- Carefully plan usage and budget
- Choose a reliable channel and ask clearly about the warranty terms
- Check vehicle age, mileage, number of owners, and maintenance records
- Personal test drive and professional vehicle inspection
- Verify documents and handle transfer
- Buy insurance and do maintenance
- Reserve a buffer for repairs/emergency expenses
10. Editor’s Summary
While Hong Kong offers a wide selection of used cars at affordable prices, there are also many pitfalls. To buy with confidence, the most important things are to inspect the vehicle, complete all necessary documentation, and avoid paying too much . Remember: "It's better to spend an extra half day inspecting the car than to regret it later!" Also, don't trust dealers or friends completely. Try it yourself, ask questions, and inspect it yourself. This way, you can buy with confidence and drive with confidence!
If you have a car model you like but don’t know which one to choose, or want to find a car inspector or check the price, feel free to leave a message and we will help you analyze it step by step!