Smart Car Buying: Seven Used Cars to Steer Clear of in Thailand

Purchasing a used car requires careful consideration to avoid expensive pitfalls. Though a fantastic deal may be appealing, certain cars are better left alone due to issues with reliability, costly maintenance, and safety concerns. In this guide, we'll highlight seven types of used cars you should avoid, ensuring that your investment remains safe and dependable.

 

1. Cars with a large engine

 

 

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While second-hand cars with large engines may seem like a good deal, they often come with high fuel costs. If you are buying your car for daily use, choose a vehicle with a smaller engine, ideally 1.5 litres or no more than 1.8 liters. Larger engines tend to consume more fuel, so it’s wise to avoid cars with 6-cylinder engines if you want to keep your fuel expenses low. Although the initial price may be tempting, the long-term fuel costs can quickly add up.

 

2. Non-mainstream cars

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If you’re buying your first used car, choose a popular model. Although non-mainstream cars may seem cheaper and unique, you might face challenges with maintenance later on. Finding spare parts can be difficult, leading to expensive repairs and incomplete work from garages due to unskilled mechanics. In some cases, you may need to order spare parts from overseas, which can take several months. This wait can leave you without a car for an extended period, making it a frustrating experience.

When you’re ready to switch to a new car, you may find it hard to sell a non-mainstream vehicle. Some dealerships might even refuse to buy it, while others may offer a significantly lower price, leaving you with little value for your car.

3. Cars with excessive features

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While cars with more features can offer greater convenience, they often come with higher repair costs. For instance, luxurious electric seats may suffer from gear or motor damage over time. In contrast, standard seats are typically more durable and can be used for years without breaking down. Choosing a car with fewer options can save you money on repairs and maintenance in the long run.

4. Cars with LPG/NGV gas installed

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While installing LPG gas can significantly reduce fuel costs (CNG is less popular nowadays), it’s best to avoid buying used cars that have been converted to gas by previous owners. These vehicles typically require more maintenance than standard petrol cars. If the previous owner didn’t have enough time for repairs or neglected them, you might face numerous headaches later.

Additionally, avoid cars that have had gas systems removed, as the engine is often worn out and may show signs of drilling into the body. This can lead to further issues. If you want to drive a gas-powered car, it’s better to choose one that has never been converted and then have the installation done at a trusted garage.

 

 

5. Cars with engine replacements

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If you’re buying your first used car, avoid vehicles that have had their engines replaced, except for certain models approved by authorised centers. Most of the time, previous owners use these cars until they are worn out and poorly maintained. In such cases, it may be cheaper to replace the engine block than to fix multiple issues. This type of car is risky for continued use and may lead to minor problems later, especially for those who are not skilled in engine maintenance.

Additionally, it’s best to avoid cars that have had significant engine changes, such as a diesel pickup truck converted to a gasoline engine, or when the engine has been swapped across different brands. These modifications are often made by performance enthusiasts, meaning the car may be in poor condition. If the mechanic does not install the engine correctly, you could face numerous issues later on.

6. Cars that have been completely repainted

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Changing the colour of a used car due to minor scratches or dents is normal and usually not a concern. However, if the car has been completely repainted or its colour differs from the manufacturer’s original, it’s best to avoid it altogether. A full repaint often indicates that the car has been in serious collisions or has overturned, necessitating a complete paint job. For peace of mind, choose a car in its factory-original colour.

7. Cars whose registration handbooks are lost

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The registration handbook (blue book) contains important details about a car, such as ownership transfers, notifications of vehicle cessation, gas system installations, and modifications due to accidents. If the handbook is lost and a replacement is requested, this history is lost, making it difficult to verify the car’s origin.

 

When a new book replaces the lost one, the Department of Land Transport will stamp “Issued to replace a lost book” on the registration page. However, if it’s stamped “Issued to replace a full book,” it indicates that the new book was issued due to a complete tax payment list. This often occurs with cars that are 17 to 18 years old or older. In this case, check other information before deciding to buy.

In conclusion, when purchasing a second-hand car, it is crucial to do thorough research on each model and buy from a reliable source to minimise the risk of costly issues. Be mindful of maintenance expenses, as they can sometimes surpass the car’s value. With careful consideration, you can find a car that fits both your needs and budget.

 

Original article

Cars to avoid?

 

8. Cars that weave in and out of the traffic at breakneck speed with no care given to killing innocent road users.

There is nothing wrong with LPG, provided it is properly installed in engines with hardened valve seats. IME such engines will last just as long as one fueled by gasoline.

 

CNG is a different matter. Cylinder head temperatures approach 600 C. In addition, 25,000 psi storage pressure means the vehicle has to cart around another 100 kg of steel tank, and said tank has to be pressure tested every year before registering. IMO any cost saving is offset by the above factors.

 

 

Flood damaged.

Hail damaged.

On 9/30/2024 at 11:02 AM, Lacessit said:

There is nothing wrong with LPG, provided it is properly installed in engines with hardened valve seats. IME such engines will last just as long as one fueled by gasoline.

 

CNG is a different matter. Cylinder head temperatures approach 600 C. In addition, 25,000 psi storage pressure means the vehicle has to cart around another 100 kg of steel tank, and said tank has to be pressure tested every year before registering. IMO any cost saving is offset by the above factors.

 

 

Don't forget TIT.

Wat a misery I have had with my Ford Escape that was converted to LPG, nothing but misery.

Long time ago early in the '70s in Europe I drove VW beetles with LPG that was perfect, but that's not Thailand.

2 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

Don't forget TIT.

Wat a misery I have had with my Ford Escape that was converted to LPG, nothing but misery.

Long time ago early in the '70s in Europe I drove VW beetles with LPG that was perfect, but that's not Thailand.

You are probably right, my LPG experience was in Australia. Had two vehicles there with LPG, AFAIK they are both still going.

On 9/30/2024 at 11:11 AM, Imd8ta said:

Hail damaged.

Hail?   In Thailand?

No mention of EV's that rapidly depreciate after they leave the showroom. I like cars with big engines, the bigger the better.

point #7 is valid, the rest is wafffle.

Just start off by avoiding anything except for Toyota and Honda and go from there.

34 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Hail?   In Thailand?

 

Yup, had it last year in Chiang Mai.

Cars with excessive features....in Thailand?  Geez...they're already stripped of most safety features and pollution control.  Shade tree grease monkeys that work on cars, cheaper to disconnect some features than it is to maintain or repair them.  

A Tuc Tuc is best to avoid in Thailand.

But handy for the Mrs to make some extra cash 

8. Chinese EV junk. 

On 10/12/2024 at 2:13 PM, JeffersLos said:

8. Chinese EV junk. 

9. Tesla junk

1- 6 No, too many superficial arguments.

7 Yes

On 10/1/2024 at 8:28 PM, novacova said:

Just start off by avoiding anything except for Toyota and Honda and go from there.

up 2 u

Not fair to call all Chinese vehicles unworthy!  They lead the field in many areas!

On 9/30/2024 at 4:47 AM, CharlieH said:

3. Cars with excessive features

Oh yeah?

Try selling a base model BMW.

Been driving a Mazda MX-5 for 5 years and no real trouble. If the maintenance with the dealer is duly recorded it should say something.

I had a Nissan Cefiro in 2005 put it on LPG. Still working on LPG now, but with 2nd engine and 2nd LPG system. The car has done 350K Kms and is still going.

Now have a Toyota Camry it has been running on LPG over two years with no problems. Every year we take the car back to the installation garage for a service. 

We did the same with the Nissan previously. 

Providing you can find a good shop to install and maintain your LPG system it should be no problem.

 

 

Bought with all faults if any

On 10/15/2024 at 9:36 AM, Mukdahan Mark said:

Not fair to call all Chinese vehicles unworthy!  They lead the field in many areas!

Lead in what? Spontaneous combustion?

22 hours ago, Purdey said:

Been driving a Mazda MX-5

I'd buy one if it came with a V8 

 

On 10/12/2024 at 2:13 PM, JeffersLos said:

8. Chinese EV junk. 

 

A junk comment from a man that knows nothing about EVs.

 

What pos are you driving, so we can all add it to the list of what not to buy.

On 10/1/2024 at 6:28 AM, novacova said:

Just start off by avoiding anything except for Toyota and Honda and go from there.

Avoid Chevys like the plague.  

ex-taxis corollas, while cheap and parts seemingly easy to find.... 

there's a reason there are age limits on taxis

On 10/15/2024 at 11:59 AM, Purdey said:

Been driving a Mazda MX-5 for 5 years and no real trouble. If the maintenance with the dealer is duly recorded it should say something.

 

We've had at least one MX-5 in the family since 1999 (up to three at one point!), and they're fantastic little cars! Our "original" 1989 has never, and I mean never broken down. All it's had is brake pads, spark plugs, oil/filters, a battery and a set of plug leads in the 25 years we've had it. It's currently on 220,000kms.

The MX5  is that the small sports version of Mazda?  My 2013 Toyota Hilux 2.4 Litre runs on LPG perfectly but now its an Annual LPG safety check which is a pain though I can understand the necessity.  The range is poor on a full LPG tank 300kms however.