2nd Hand Car Prices

[lotus eater]

I would like to buy an audi a4 (or a3) or a volkswagen golf (gti, preferably) second hand if the price of one a few years old and in good condition is within my budget of under 2 million. I'd appreciate any info or advice in this regard. Some questions come my mind (I'm sure there are plenty others to consider):

- do cars like this depreciate from new faster than thai cars, so that my decision to buy 2nd hand makes sense (apart from making them affordable)?

- is my budget realistic?

- where to look out for one?

- given that I have no mechanical know-how, is maintenance and servicing up to scratch in Chiangmai?

- given that official dealers don't offer reconditioned cars with warranties, how to get one reliably checked?

- I'd be glad to know of other issues to bear in mind

[hansnl]

In short, why buy a Volkswagen or Audi?

[Cuban]

Bottomline.

...is maintenance and servicing up to scratch in Chiangmai?

Is there a main dealer that will sell part / service those cars for you there with parts off the shelf?

Ask how long to supply random part required to fix a fault - will it have to be shipped from BKK or out of country? There is a reason local cars are cheaper to run than imported 'specials' - your OP says you are looking to reduce expense why start out with a more expensive option.

[katabeachbum]

Bottomline.

...is maintenance and servicing up to scratch in Chiangmai?

Is there a main dealer that will sell part / service those cars for you there with parts off the shelf?

Ask how long to supply random part required to fix a fault - will it have to be shipped from BKK or out of country? There is a reason local cars are cheaper to run than imported 'specials' - your OP says you are looking to reduce expense why start out with a more expensive option.

while Mercedes Benz sells some 3500-4000 units a year in LOS, and carry some spareparts, the models you mention have been sold in very few numbers. Golf GTi is now officially sold here, but hasnt been so for some years. maintance and servicing is not up to scratch in BKK and absolutely not in the rest of LOS

OBD computer, spareparts and knowledge for these models are hard to find

Edited April 4, 2010 by katabeachbum

[fredob43]

A friend of mine a year ago got himself a golf second hand, had it for 8 month's then had a problem with the steering rack. Made inquiry's as to how much a new one was, and nearly had a heart attack, when told the price. Bodged it up and got rid of it pronto. As another poster asked why do you want to pay 2 mil for a second hand car. Look at what you can get for that sort of money. And have a three year garantee. Example a top of the range fortuna with all the trimming's. Insurance ect + 500000 baht still in your pocket.

[WarpSpeed]

*edit* Duplicate post

Edited April 4, 2010 by WarpSpeed

[WarpSpeed]

In short, why buy a Volkswagen or Audi?

Because they're a class above the rest and even higher then some others...

Edited April 4, 2010 by WarpSpeed

[ignis]

Audi A3 have only ever seen 1.8 models the last year one I noticed was 2002...... about 500k

The Audi A4 lots about 2.0 or the 2.4 V6 a 2004 are around 700k

Lots more Volvo's about a 2006 S40 2.0 Turbo cost around 700k........ for under 2 million you can get a 6month old [ex demo] S60 Turbo from Volvo with the rest of ther 5 year warrenty/100,000kl

You maybe lucky to find a 1 yr old VW Golf GTi for 2 mill, I did see a 2008 for 2.15 mill........ a 2007 here 1.85million http://www.one2car.com/CarInfor/cardetails...00028&row=2

[lotus eater]

I appreciate the responses.

Why someone would want an audi or vw is obvious and the same reason why anyone would prefer those cars - different people would put a different price on having them over the cheaper, inferior options.

Thanks, Ignis, for the specifics. May I assume the website you cite is the leading - or only established - place to find ads.?

Am I right to assume that the rate of price depreciation is much faster for these foreign models than even the less popular the locally assembled cars, for example the fords or volvos?

I saw the vw gti being marketed at the current motor show.

The vw as a small car with a long track record would suit me very well - I have a run of the mill local workhorse already and will hang on to it. The audi is a whim - but hardly a crazy one.

[WarpSpeed]

One2car as mentioned, Thaicar as well there is another one that escapes me at the moment.

[kartman]

In short, why buy a Volkswagen or Audi?

Because they're a class above the rest and even higher then some others...

And leave you scratching your head when you blow the Diff out, and then how to fix it economically .

[WarpSpeed]

Yeah but they only break once every 16 years or so instead of every couple of years like most of the other makes which is why those brands have more places to fix them and parts to do so anyway, well worth dealing with and I'm not scratching at all, only had the car 2 months, hadn't located all my sources yet though I will and I was just unlucky enough to have this problem before I was able to do so. But for me I like a challenge as it keeps me sharp and finding these things is a learning experience and satisfying once done and I know I'll have a car much more unique and worthwhile instead of following the crowd of conformers who don't have any unique thoughts or desires and shy away from any real challenge to broaden their life's experiences and knowledge..

It's more about my luck and timing then anything else.. Besides that fact I've seen numerous threads here for those seeking competent shops for every type of car and motorcycle so no reason for me to not do the same in advance regardless of who the manufacturer is? Once I've done it this one time I won't have to do it again while I own the car because I researched first and that's why I am seeking information, it's the smart thing to do but has little to do with over all quality nor availability in the larger scheme of things and mine is unique because it's a manual and not auto, which I could have sourced in 5 minutes, but I choose this car for that very same uniqueness and expecting nothing less, bottom line is for me it's no worry nor concern...

Edited April 5, 2010 by WarpSpeed

[JAS21]

Just a thought

Have you considered a BMW 520d. Mine is three years old now (60000Kms) and possibly the best car that I have ever had and I've had XJ6,XJS, M4 etc etc in the UK. It is really quick but still gives 10-11Kms/Ltr around BK and 18+ on a run.

You should be able to pick up one my age for under 2mil, in fact at the motor show you could have picked a new one up for under 3Mil. A big plus is that they have a warrenty for 5years or 100,000kms (except battery and tyres). I haven't had to spend anything on it yet, except tyres which cost me less that 24000Baht for Dunlop Veruo ve302 and they are really quite running and give a very smooth ride. Even the oil changes are free.

The spec is really high. Mine is not for sale at the moment, but you could try me in a years time. A simular aged E Class 220CDI would be about the same price, I borrowed one for a day but for me the BMW just feels better.

Be careful that you don't buy a 'mended one', at that money maybe best to argue with the dealer who will have it's history.

ps I know that Merc. Dealers do offer a warrenry on 2nd hand..I also think that BMW do.

Edited April 5, 2010 by John45

[WarpSpeed]

BTW It was the weekend so not likely too many people could have sourced anything then either even for the more common vehicles and that was the time for me to seek out sources in advance for the week in which I've already found my used tranny in less then half a working day for a very reasonable price... Now I'll source a good re-builder and have the first one re-maned in due time to provide me a backup which is what I wanted anyways as Io intend to have it upgraded for performance including a limited slip diff. Cheers

Edited April 5, 2010 by WarpSpeed

[ignis]

One2car as mentioned, Thaicar as well there is another one that escapes me at the moment.

http://www.siammotor.com/siammotornew/index.php

http://www.unseencar.com/carbrand.php

http://www.taladrod.com/w2/Search/TLSch2.aspx

http://www.car-today.com/

http://www.quick2car.com/

http://www.rotbarn.com/new/index.php

http://www.motor2market.com/search/showdata_car.aspx

http://www.expatmotors.co.th/

There are other......... Audi is a fine car, yes I own a Audi A6, other than the petrol expence it is far better than the Honda Jazz I bought new and replaced with the Audi.

[stingray]

In short, why buy a Volkswagen or Audi?

Because not everyone likes Jap Crap! Me not either!

[stingray]

Bottomline.

...is maintenance and servicing up to scratch in Chiangmai?

Is there a main dealer that will sell part / service those cars for you there with parts off the shelf?

Ask how long to supply random part required to fix a fault - will it have to be shipped from BKK or out of country? There is a reason local cars are cheaper to run than imported 'specials' - your OP says you are looking to reduce expense why start out with a more expensive option.

while Mercedes Benz sells some 3500-4000 units a year in LOS, and carry some spareparts, the models you mention have been sold in very few numbers. Golf GTi is now officially sold here, but hasnt been so for some years. maintance and servicing is not up to scratch in BKK and absolutely not in the rest of LOS

OBD computer, spareparts and knowledge for these models are hard to find

OBD 2 from year 1996 upwards should have all the same Datalink Connector, it's a universal piece. Only OBD 1 is each car different

[WarpSpeed]

One2car as mentioned, Thaicar as well there is another one that escapes me at the moment.

http://www.siammotor.com/siammotornew/index.php

http://www.unseencar.com/carbrand.php

http://www.taladrod.com/w2/Search/TLSch2.aspx

http://www.car-today.com/

http://www.quick2car.com/

http://www.rotbarn.com/new/index.php

http://www.motor2market.com/search/showdata_car.aspx

http://www.expatmotors.co.th/

There are other......... Audi is a fine car, yes I own a Audi A6, other than the petrol expence it is far better than the Honda Jazz I bought new and replaced with the Audi.

See..................I told you there was another one I couldn't remember!!

[lotus eater]

I appreciate the referral to websites for 2nd hand cars.

I've pretty much decided against the VW. All things considered probably right for a man a lot younger than me.

But the Audi A4 is still a car I very much want. I'd be grateful if someone has useful pro s, con s or just comment on owning this car in Thailand.

I was very interested by John45's recommendation of a BMW 520d. Seems a tried and tested machine with excellent reviews everywhere. I will be keeping an eye open for one. I'm not in a mad rush and will wait for something which seems right.

Finally can anyone thow any light on which european cars have some sort of Asean based facility which mitigates the tax imposed on them? It seems logical to consider those cars first if one wants a european car - alongside the usual other factors. And how substantial is the tax saving? I understand Volvo has such facilities in Thailand and Indonesia; and maybe also some Mercedes and/or BMW models?

[bangon04]

Car ownership in Thailand seems to operate on the Lemming principle - "Most Thais i know own a Toyota or an Isuzu, I am Thai, therefore I will only buy the same as all my friends".

This can work for you and against you.

It works for you because "foreign" cars lose their resale value very fast, and you can pick up a real bargain in a used vehicle.

It works against you because many repair shops can't be bothered to get involved, and would rather shrug their shoulders and send you away with a vague gesture. It does not need to be so difficult to get good service for "foreign " vehicles, but it is easier to say that there are no parts available.

[stingray]

Car ownership in Thailand seems to operate on the Lemming principle - "Most Thais i know own a Toyota or an Isuzu, I am Thai, therefore I will only buy the same as all my friends".

This can work for you and against you.

It works for you because "foreign" cars lose their resale value very fast, and you can pick up a real bargain in a used vehicle.

It works against you because many repair shops can't be bothered to get involved, and would rather shrug their shoulders and send you away with a vague gesture. It does not need to be so difficult to get good service for "foreign " vehicles, but it is easier to say that there are no parts available.

I never understand why peaple tells all the bulls.... rumours about no parts available for foreign cars. We had mostly only foreign cars in Thailand and i never had to trow a car away because of prart reasons. You'll find almost every part for foreign cars in Thailand.

BTW, this morning, in Pattaya i couln't even find a damm taillight and 4 door protection cue guard for a simple 2003 Toyota Altis. No spare part shop in Pattaya and not even Toyota Company had it in stock. Finally i had to order the taillight from Bangkok, by myself (got it same day from Bangkok) and the protection cue guards for the doors are NOT available at the moment and Toyota told us, they don't know when they gonna get it. No stock!

Another thing: Both headlights for my 35 year old Oldsmobile i bought in the first sparepart shop on Sukhumvit road within 2 minutes, just from the shell. BTW i get everything what i want from Bangkok, usually same day or within 24 hours.

This is so far, regarding spare parts for japanese cars.

[ignis]

I appreciate the referral to websites for 2nd hand cars.

I've pretty much decided against the VW. All things considered probably right for a man a lot younger than me.

But the Audi A4 is still a car I very much want. I'd be grateful if someone has useful pro s, con s or just comment on owning this car in Thailand.

I was very interested by John45's recommendation of a BMW 520d. Seems a tried and tested machine with excellent reviews everywhere. I will be keeping an eye open for one. I'm not in a mad rush and will wait for something which seems right.

Finally can anyone thow any light on which european cars have some sort of Asean based facility which mitigates the tax imposed on them? It seems logical to consider those cars first if one wants a european car - alongside the usual other factors. And how substantial is the tax saving? I understand Volvo has such facilities in Thailand and Indonesia; and maybe also some Mercedes and/or BMW models?

Peugeot 206 Sport is made in INDONESIA

Peugeot 307 + 407 is made in Malaysia

Alfa Romeo 156 are made in Thailand

Mercedes-Benz C class and S class are made in Thailand

Volvo S40 + V50 is made in Malaysia

Volvo S60 + S80 is made in Thailand

Most from Ford are made in the PHILIPPINES

BMW 320i + 320D + 325 + 5 serise + 7 Serise + X3 are made in Thailand

Land Rover used to be untill TATA bought them = now much more expensive

I think ALL from Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda are imports

[WarpSpeed]

I appreciate the referral to websites for 2nd hand cars.

I've pretty much decided against the VW. All things considered probably right for a man a lot younger than me.

While not opposing your thoughts why is this is the case where a VW is concerned? A later model Passat is a very nicely appointed car on par with any of these other considerations...

[lotus eater]

I appreciate the referral to websites for 2nd hand cars.

I've pretty much decided against the VW. All things considered probably right for a man a lot younger than me.

But the Audi A4 is still a car I very much want. I'd be grateful if someone has useful pro s, con s or just comment on owning this car in Thailand.

I was very interested by John45's recommendation of a BMW 520d. Seems a tried and tested machine with excellent reviews everywhere. I will be keeping an eye open for one. I'm not in a mad rush and will wait for something which seems right.

Finally can anyone thow any light on which european cars have some sort of Asean based facility which mitigates the tax imposed on them? It seems logical to consider those cars first if one wants a european car - alongside the usual other factors. And how substantial is the tax saving? I understand Volvo has such facilities in Thailand and Indonesia; and maybe also some Mercedes and/or BMW models?

Peugeot 206 Sport is made in INDONESIA

Peugeot 307 + 407 is made in Malaysia

Alfa Romeo 156 are made in Thailand

Mercedes-Benz C class and S class are made in Thailand

Volvo S40 + V50 is made in Malaysia

Volvo S60 + S80 is made in Thailand

Most from Ford are made in the PHILIPPINES

BMW 320i + 320D + 325 + 5 serise + 7 Serise + X3 are made in Thailand

Land Rover used to be untill TATA bought them = now much more expensive

I think ALL from Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda are imports

Thanks for that info.

So these cars would show a lower percentage mark-up on their UK price than other european cars?

Would these cars depreciate less quickly than the others - presimably yes?

[WarpSpeed]

With the prevailing thought being upside down here I wouldn't count on anything that's not Japanese depreciating at a lesser rate regardless of where it was made..

[Jing-jo]

In short, why buy a Volkswagen or Audi?

Because they're a class above the rest and even higher then some others...

And leave you scratching your head when you blow the Diff out, and then how to fix it economically .

Ah that be the seriously flawed Audi TT gearbox and the fact that most golf diffs were originally riveted together as opposed to bolted

to change the gearbox is an easy job but remember to do the full clutch kit and check all 8 related seals

I specialised in fixing servicing and modifying Golf's and Audi's in the UK for 25 years and a well looked after standard example will show a clean pair of heals to the usual mainstream but with just a little money spent on them ugrading just afew parts gives you a car that brings a smile to your face every time you drive it

I have owned many VW's and a few Audi's over the years(only one non VAG in 22 years) and have never lost money on them.

MK1 golfs fun to drive , very nimble and the GTI's are brilliant cons small noisy and unsettled by harsh roads harder to get parts

MK2 bigger more comfortable and nearly as much fun/quick as the MK1 Diffs then to blow rear axle bushes a nightmare( replace with polyurethane ones and its an easy job

mk3 golfs overweight and under powered avoid like the plague, non turbo deisels ,V5 or VR6 engined examples unless you know the foibles of these particular cars and engines

Mk 4 best are the turbo diesels esp the sporty versions get ablack box tuning kit and these become serious fun and cheap to run

If you own a VW there are many online sources of help and many aftermarket spares are far better than the original and last longer at doing the job better

Currently own a 1988 VW Caddy lhd with a MK3 2 ltr GTI engine (130bhp as standard) and a MK3 Turbodiesel gearbox

good fun and suprises a lot of people cheap to run and hauls 750KG!

Have found that SEAT's are better built more fun to drive more econimical and last longer but best of all are a lot cheaper but have atouch of quirky styling to them!

[lotus eater]

With the prevailing thought being upside down here I wouldn't count on anything that's not Japanese depreciating at a lesser rate regardless of where it was made..

Couldn't decipher that: too many negatives for my tired brain to disentangle.

[lotus eater]

Loads of info on VWs by Jing-jo. I'd test driven a gti at the motor show and ruled that out as a young man's car for spinning tyres and exhaust growls. But the Golf itself seems to be worth looking out for, since apparently it's feasible to keep it well maintained here. OK, so that's still there with the Audi and now also a BMW diesel.

[WarpSpeed]

With the prevailing thought being upside down here I wouldn't count on anything that's not Japanese depreciating at a lesser rate regardless of where it was made..

Couldn't decipher that: too many negatives for my tired brain to disentangle.

OK so if that was too deep for you what about the suggestion of a late model Passat??

[lotus eater]

With the prevailing thought being upside down here I wouldn't count on anything that's not Japanese depreciating at a lesser rate regardless of where it was made..

Couldn't decipher that: too many negatives for my tired brain to disentangle.

OK so if that was too deep for you what about the suggestion of a late model Passat??

I was trying to find a relatively polite way of dealing with what was a nonsensical sentence. But if you think it was deep, I won't comment further. The Passat is not a car I'm interested, but thanks for the suggestion.