Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car in Thailand does not have to be the daunting challenge many make it out to be.

There are numerous car dealers in Isaan selling used cars and trucks.

Khon Kaen and the surrounding areas are real hot beds for used car dealers.

Cash is always king to negotiate the price down, however, many of the larger used car dealers provide different levels of payments, depending upon the percentage of your down payment.

After buying 4 used trucks/cars in Isaan, here are some of my tips:

1. Chose the lots with the most inventory first. Do not choose from a lot with only 10 cars or less.
2. Make sure the dealer you choose has their own maintenance facility/garage.
3. Take a local with you that knows about the mechanics/maintenance of cars.
4. Ask questions of the salesperson, many, many questions.
5. Check the mileage.
6. Check the reputation of the dealer/shop online.
7. Shop around, there is such a used car selection you can find exactly what you are looking for.
8. Ask the salesman for freebies.
9. If the shop is reputable, they will fix any small defects you may find. (For example, on my husband’s truck, they replaced the windscreen with a brand new one, replaced the battery with brand new, fixed some serious scratches and repainted, all the fluids were changed, and did a 50 point inspection. Was also offered to fix anything that popped up after we bought the truck, in addition to the 1 year warranty (parts and labor).

Check the mileage and stay away from super high mileage vehicles.

I just bought this Toyota Vios last week for US $12,900. The car had only 100km on the odometer.

This was basically a brand-new car inside and out!

The car is in showroom condition.

If you take your time and don’t be in a rush to buy right now, you can find some excellent deals on used cars.

Places like Isaan, the customers are all 100% Thai. The businesses reputation is at stake as everyone always knows everyone and no one wants to get their business ruined with bad reputations for selling bad cars.

This is converse to what you might find in tourist areas or where they are many farangs. You are more likely to buy a lemon.

Take your time to do your research on the tips given above.

Don’t be in a rush to buy and you may find an excellent used vehicle that will last you for years to come.

If you want to know where we have purchased all 4 of our vehicles, (same company) let me know?