What Are Expats Looking For In A Used Car

[IDL]

Dear all,

I would really appreciate any [constructive] feedback on what expats are
looking for in used-car adverts (ads).

Ironically, when I bought the car (brand new) I was favouring a manual
transmission. The GF [quite rightly] pointed out that an auto will appeal to a
much larger [Thai] market, when it comes to selling on. Needless to say, I paid
the extra and bought an auto.

Here we are, 3yrs later, and I’ve only aimed at expat classified ad
sites; given the exquisite condition of the car, it would pain me to see it
abused, like (in my experience, and no offence intended) so many Thais tend to.
Of course I want to sell, I’ve just been hedging my bets it could go to
somebody who appreciates an impeccably looked-after motor vehicle, with more upgrades than others - the few who have viewed, have been bowled-over by its condition, and agreed its value to be on/or near the asking price.

The volume of online viewers to the ad would, in my mind, suggest a
healthy volume of people wishing to see it in the flesh. Strangely though, that’s
not the case. I know for its selling price, many people would either require
finance or choose new over used, but [comparing online views to] the low amount of [actual] viewings has
surprised me no end.

Given I’m selling, I have of course closely monitored other’s ads (long
before and all whilst ad has been running), for the same vehicle, and/or
similar. I regularly conclude that the posted price is reasonable, providing
viewers are comparing apples for apples.

So before I ramble on too much, would you kindly take some time to offer feedback.

Many thanks and please only offer constructive points of view.

[Thereisnoif]

Favouring a manual transmission in Thailand? Why would you do/want that ?

[sotsira]

Before one can give any constructive comments,

would it not be better to say what car your selling and for how much?

Also what website's your marketing with? This determines expat or Thai response

Obviously the price and the condition of the car together with the year of registration

are the most important factors from the information you've provided.

Secondly, the location that you are selling from plays a part in viewing potential.

[villagefarang]

Many people don’t pay enough attention to resale when they buy a vehicle. They only seem to focus on the initial purchase price and sometimes don't want to buy a popular model because of some contrarian point of view. Mazda is not top of the list, so you’re looking at a much smaller pool of buyers than for a Toyota or Honda, I would think, depending on the model. I recently sold my Toyota with great ease and did not hesitate to buy another popular Toyota model. I sold to a Thai as it was much easier and consider your efforts to control what happens after the sale to be counterproductive at best. Just sell it and be done with it.

[IDL]

Favouring a manual transmission in Thailand? Why would you do/want that ?

That was my initial preference because I only really feel I'm driving if I can control the gears/revs. Please also bear in mind that although I've driven many autos (around the world), I've only ever owned manual...guess I was being a little closed minded/sticking to what I know.

She was right though, for all her reasons, and auto is hands-down the transmission type for ease of driving [here] country-wide.

[IDL]

Before one can give any constructive comments,

would it not be better to say what car your selling and for how much?

Also what website's your marketing with? This determines expat or Thai response

Obviously the price and the condition of the car together with the year of registration

are the most important factors from the information you've provided.

Secondly, the location that you are selling from plays a part in viewing potential.

Quite new to posting in forums and I didn't think it appropriate to 'advertise' my car on here, thus was really after some general feedback.

The ad's on the major (and a few minor) expat sites, including this one, Unbelievable! Mazda 2...should take you to it.

BTW, in Bangkok. Bought pre-flooding days and then my car (2010) was parked at condo, 6 floors above ground. I only mention that as I've heard some people express concern over cars possibly having been flooded before.

[montereyjp]

If you have not had any serious enquiries for the car it is obviuosly over priced. I look at what I consider the three most popular expat online classified sites (TV, craigslist, thaibahtsold) almost everyday.... It is kind of a little hobbie and I see a lot of over priced used vehicles that stay posted for months. I also see the occasional bargain and these vehicles sell quickly. As been stated in other threads already used vehicles in Thailand are over priced most of the time. Regardless of the condition of your car if the posted price is to high poeple will not take the time to look at it in person. So it is simple if you want to sell the car then set a price that makes it a bargain... The fact that you maintained the vehicle in prestine condition will help you close the deal quickly only when the potential buyer sees the car in person...

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[manarak]

I too drove a manual gear for over 20 years and I have to look at the automatic switch everytime I want to change gears.

I like manual gear when manoeuvering forward/reverse, but I have to say in city traffic automatic is more comfortable.

At the end, manual or automatic doesn't matter for me.

what I am looking for in a car is good technical shape and low price.

[IDL]

Many people don’t pay enough attention to resale when they buy a vehicle. They only seem to focus on the initial purchase price and sometimes don't want to buy a popular model because of some contrarian point of view. Mazda is not top of the list, so you’re looking at a much smaller pool of buyers than for a Toyota or Honda, I would think, depending on the model. I recently sold my Toyota with great ease and did not hesitate to buy another popular Toyota model. I sold to a Thai as it was much easier and consider your efforts to control what happens after the sale to be counterproductive at best. Just sell it and be done with it.

I'm glad you've seen the ad, now we are on the same playing field.

You are absolutely right about the brand (hell, I nearly went for a Proton!). However, I liked the style, and Mazda 2 was brand new to the market then. It has grown to a serious competitor now (in the Yaris/Jazz market). Now this model is almost three and a half years aired, it's now a case of seeing how well it does as a 'used' car.

As for the brand itself, this one didn't actually have a model [in Thailand] in that range/size class. The Mazda 3 has done extremely well, but then that has been around a long time.

Also not forgetting that Mazda is actually owned by Ford (I have read that the new Fiesta was styled upon the [world-wide] success of the Mazda 2). This, I would have thought, would instil further confidence...assuming people realise the fact.

As for my "...controlloing what happens to it after the sale...", you're right of course. I'm perhaps a little too attached...to a piece of metal.

Thanks buddy

[IMHO]

From what I've read on these forums in my time here, the answer to "what are expats looking for in a used car" is clear: something <5 years old, in perfect condition that's already depreciated at least 50%......

essentially, just like home.

[IDL]

If you have not had any serious enquiries for the car it is obviuosly over priced. I look at what I consider the three most popular expat online classified sites (TV, craigslist, thaibahtsold) almost everyday.... It is kind of a little hobbie and I see a lot of over priced used vehicles that stay posted for months. I also see the occasional bargain and these vehicles sell quickly. As been stated in other threads already used vehicles in Thailand are over priced most of the time. Regardless of the condition of your car if the posted price is to high poeple will not take the time to look at it in person. So it is simple if you want to sell the car then set a price that makes it a bargain... The fact that you maintained the vehicle in prestine condition will help you close the deal quickly only when the potential buyer sees the car in person... Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

All very clear sense, thanks.

BTW, I'm on all those sites, and more.

[Ace of Pop]

So Protons and Cruze save the Day.

[IDL]

From what I've read on these forums in my time here, the answer to "what are expats looking for in a used car" is clear: something <5 years old, in perfect condition that's already depreciated at least 50%......

essentially, just like home.

If that's the case, I'm up-the-creek-without-a-poodle! Mine only qualifies for the middle of your 3 criteria.

Cheers, IMHO.

[IDL]

I too drove a manual gear for over 20 years and I have to look at the automatic switch everytime I want to change gears.

I like manual gear when manoeuvering forward/reverse, but I have to say in city traffic automatic is more comfortable.

At the end, manual or automatic doesn't matter for me.

what I am looking for in a car is good technical shape and low price.

Aha, you see that's where I'm stuck. What/how/who determines a "low price"? Obviously nobody wants to give it away. I'm in the spot where from reading other ads, it's hard to find anything comparable to mine, yet I've priced it around the higher end of what I see for age/transmission-type/[low] mileage. Don't forget, assuming you were in the know, Auto costs a packet more than manual when buying from new.

Good input, thanks

[IDL]

Sorry to all for any double-posts, I'm slowly getting used to this thing, and the painfully slow internet speed.

Apol's,

[IMHO]

From what I've read on these forums in my time here, the answer to "what are expats looking for in a used car" is clear: something <5 years old, in perfect condition that's already depreciated at least 50%......

essentially, just like home.

If that's the case, I'm up-the-creek-without-a-poodle! Mine only qualifies for the middle of your 3 criteria.

Cheers, IMHO.

Well, don't mean to come across as non-constructive, but at least 3 times a month someone starts a new topic here along the lines of "why are used cars so expensive when back home they're dirt cheap", so, just sayin'

Haven't looked up your ad, but at 3.5 years old you'd probably need to take at least 30% loss to move it these days, seeing as most people who wanted a Mazda2 recently got theirs brand new with a 100K rebate from the first car buyers program...

[IDL]

If you have not had any serious enquiries for the car it is obviuosly over priced. I look at what I consider the three most popular expat online classified sites (TV, craigslist, thaibahtsold) almost everyday.... It is kind of a little hobbie and I see a lot of over priced used vehicles that stay posted for months. I also see the occasional bargain and these vehicles sell quickly. As been stated in other threads already used vehicles in Thailand are over priced most of the time. Regardless of the condition of your car if the posted price is to high poeple will not take the time to look at it in person. So it is simple if you want to sell the car then set a price that makes it a bargain... The fact that you maintained the vehicle in prestine condition will help you close the deal quickly only when the potential buyer sees the car in person... Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

All very clear sense, thanks.

BTW, I'm on all those sites, and more.

Actually, I over-looked your first line. I have had some views. Had a couple of guys (Expats from Patts) come and see...they loved it! Price was OK. Problem was, they were 6'6", legs like oak trees and far too healthy looking, I'd rather not remember.

They said they were interested, but had to consider their [driver] comfort; no matter how hard they tried, those [tree-like] legs were not gonna feel at home. We laughed, and went our separate ways.

The last guy was minutes away from transfer/buying it (after days of committing to the deal), then his needy/nancy ways had him change his mind.

Keep your ideas coming though, I'm open for suggestions as I want to start planning my exit.

[IDL]

farcical

From what I've read on these forums in my time here, the answer to "what are expats looking for in a used car" is clear: something <5 years old, in perfect condition that's already depreciated at least 50%......

essentially, just like home.

If that's the case, I'm up-the-creek-without-a-poodle! Mine only qualifies for the middle of your 3 criteria.

Cheers, IMHO.

Well, don't mean to come across as non-constructive, but at least 3 times a month someone starts a new topic here along the lines of "why are used cars so expensive when back home they're dirt cheap", so, just sayin'

Haven't looked up your ad, but at 3.5 years old you'd probably need to take at least 30% loss to move it these days, seeing as most people who wanted a Mazda2 recently got theirs brand new with a 100K rebate from the first car buyers program...

Nothing wrong with that input, thanks.

IMO, it's a simple case of the size of the 2nd-hand market (compared to

say UK. Where kids expect a car at 17/18yrs of age), and the fact that [here]

most need finance in order to purchase. Further, it's just hit 3yrs old (the

3.5yrs referred to how long the model has been around) and my asking price is

30% shy of new cost, with mileage equivalent to only one year according to

manufacturers.

RE: the Gov 100k promo. I'm not too versed on this, but gather it's not

as simple as getting a discount. I have been told it's all a bit farcical and

the tax breaks mean very little to the average consumer. If I'm wrong, forgive

me.

[BSJ]

Wurth-mor-than-itis is a real disease among car sellers. I've seen blokes get real abusive at car dealerships when told their pride and joy was worth a lot less than they thought. So a lot of people go the private sale route. Ain't always a smooth ride!

What you have to sell is the benefits of buying your 3 year old, in good condition, car. But first you need serious lookers. Maybe you need something to lure them in. Offer free transfer of ownership, or 500 litre petrol voucher, or 10000 baht of accessories of their choosing.

[IMHO]

farcical

From what I've read on these forums in my time here, the answer to "what are expats looking for in a used car" is clear: something <5 years old, in perfect condition that's already depreciated at least 50%......

essentially, just like home.

If that's the case, I'm up-the-creek-without-a-poodle! Mine only qualifies for the middle of your 3 criteria.

Cheers, IMHO.

Well, don't mean to come across as non-constructive, but at least 3 times a month someone starts a new topic here along the lines of "why are used cars so expensive when back home they're dirt cheap", so, just sayin'

Haven't looked up your ad, but at 3.5 years old you'd probably need to take at least 30% loss to move it these days, seeing as most people who wanted a Mazda2 recently got theirs brand new with a 100K rebate from the first car buyers program...

Nothing wrong with that input, thanks.

IMO, it's a simple case of the size of the 2nd-hand market (compared to

say UK. Where kids expect a car at 17/18yrs of age), and the fact that [here]

most need finance in order to purchase. Further, it's just hit 3yrs old (the

3.5yrs referred to how long the model has been around) and my asking price is

30% shy of new cost, with mileage equivalent to only one year according to

manufacturers.

RE: the Gov 100k promo. I'm not too versed on this, but gather it's not

as simple as getting a discount. I have been told it's all a bit farcical and

the tax breaks mean very little to the average consumer. If I'm wrong, forgive

me.

The 100K Rebate was a program that ended Dec 31st last year, with an unprecedented amount of bookings for all qualifying cars. The point is, practically everyone that was eligible for the scheme, wether directly or or directly via proxy, took advantage of it. So there's very few buyers still left on the ground looking for cars that were eligible, and still plenty waiting to take delivery.

The bottom line is, the market for <= 1.5L Thai made cars has been very much saturated.

Loan default rates for the scheme are proving to be around 50% higher than normal rate as well (~1.5% vs ~1%), so there's already some very-near-new models of all qualifying cars hitting the used market, worsening the situation.

Back to the specific question you're asking "how do I word my ad?" - the question is, does that really matter? Your ad is only going to get eyeballs that are looking to buy a used car anyway (normal people don't trawl classifieds without intent), and if yours is the type of car and price range they're looking at, they're going to eyeball your ad so long as it clearly states make, modal, age, condition, KM's and price - i.e. just the facts will do.

The question you should be asking IMHO is "how do I reach out to more prospective buyers?". Answers to that include listing it on as many classifieds portals as you can, and/or trying to get your ads in other places people might look. That might include linking your ads in your social networking profiles, creating a YT video of the car for sale, or even undertaking a Google Adwords campaign for it.

At the end of the day though, you could always just drive it to a few tents and see what they offer

[Will27]

I too drove a manual gear for over 20 years and I have to look at the automatic switch everytime I want to change gears.

I like manual gear when manoeuvering forward/reverse, but I have to say in city traffic automatic is more comfortable.

At the end, manual or automatic doesn't matter for me.

what I am looking for in a car is good technical shape and low price.

Aha, you see that's where I'm stuck. What/how/who determines a "low price"? Obviously nobody wants to give it away. I'm in the spot where from reading other ads, it's hard to find anything comparable to mine, yet I've priced it around the higher end of what I see for age/transmission-type/[low] mileage. Don't forget, assuming you were in the know, Auto costs a packet more than manual when buying from new.

Good input, thanks

Having a look at your ad, IMO the car seems to be over-priced by around 30 to 40 000 Baht.

There's plenty of 2010 models for around 410 000. Once you start asking for 450 000 Baht,

people can see 2011 models for around that price.

I know you've "personalized" your car with extra's, but they may not be to everyones likings

and at the end of the day, people want a certain model/year at market value and yours seems

too high.

Regards

Will

[IDL]

I too drove a manual gear for over 20 years and I have to look at the automatic switch everytime I want to change gears.

I like manual gear when manoeuvering forward/reverse, but I have to say in city traffic automatic is more comfortable.

At the end, manual or automatic doesn't matter for me.

what I am looking for in a car is good technical shape and low price.

Aha, you see that's where I'm stuck. What/how/who determines a "low price"? Obviously nobody wants to give it away. I'm in the spot where from reading other ads, it's hard to find anything comparable to mine, yet I've priced it around the higher end of what I see for age/transmission-type/[low] mileage. Don't forget, assuming you were in the know, Auto costs a packet more than manual when buying from new.

Good input, thanks

Having a look at your ad, IMO the car seems to be over-priced by around 30 to 40 000 Baht.

There's plenty of 2010 models for around 410 000. Once you start asking for 450 000 Baht,

people can see 2011 models for around that price.

I know you've "personalized" your car with extra's, but they may not be to everyones likings

and at the end of the day, people want a certain model/year at market value and yours seems

too high.

Regards

Will

Hey Will, I too have seen those ads.

The problem is bud, unless I'm very much mistaken, almost all those I've seen [in that price bracket] are manual transmission.

Now aside from Autos being better suited for this country, the auto transmission is far more expensive [when new] than manual; if I recall correctly it was 50k more. So then it's comparing 'apples' for 'oranges', instead of 'apples' for 'apples'. I'm no mechanic, but I would hazard a guess that the wear on many [car] parts is lessened when clocking-up miles on an Auto, not least the absence of a clutch in traffic/jams.

Further, aside from the 'fun' upgrades made, there's things like audio controls on the steering wheel, armrest/storage, anti-scuff plates in door wells, rear valance, rear mud-guards, etc... All very practical additions and I haven't seen them in the other ads.

Sure the personalization is a matter of taste, but (and the ad states it) the [vinyl] decals can all be removed without damage to paintwork. My reckoning was/is that if somebody is initially intrigued by the graphics, then on closer inspection finds it's not to their taste, that might just give them some inspiration on how 'they' would replace it with something to their 'own' liking. Like I've said, I'm no car-dealer, so may be way off beat with this mindset.

Good input though, as it gives me a platform to address finer details.

Thanks,

[IDL]

IMHO,

Quality viewpoint, thanks.

[soi41]

The OP keep mentioning that the car is automatic. Most cars here are automatic, so 2hand cars here are priced accordingly, meaning that AT doesn't quality for a premium, on the other hand if MT, the buyer would expect a discount !

Put signs "for sale" in the carwindows, park in places, where many people are passing. Put your price, but with potential Thai buyers be ready to go down 20-30000. If not, they will never buy. Just the way it is!!

[IDL]

The OP keep mentioning that the car is automatic. Most cars here are automatic, so 2hand cars here are priced accordingly, meaning that AT doesn't quality for a premium, on the other hand if MT, the buyer would expect a discount !

Put signs "for sale" in the carwindows, park in places, where many people are passing. Put your price, but with potential Thai buyers be ready to go down 20-30000. If not, they will never buy. Just the way it is!!

Totally right in your explanation over AT/MT, and it was not my

intention to keep flogging it. However, from the ads I believe are being

compared, right through to some of the [valuable] feedback on this topic, it

clearly seems to me that the points have needed re-addressing.

Moreover, if people aren't necessarily fussed over transmission-type

(take Brits for example, where you rarely see AT at home), they simply may not realise

the disparity [in price]. Sure simply being AT shouldn’t command a

"premium", and it isn't special/unusual, but it is the more expensive

[purchase] type; just trying to be sure viewers understand that.

RE: "put signs, etc..." Sound advice, thanks

[guzzi850m2]

I recently sold my Honda City ZX 06 via ThaiVisa Classified.

I thought it would be an easy sell but no, only one showed interest in it.

It was a British gentleman, he came and had a look and took it for a spin

inside the Village.

After a bit of friendly haggling we agreed on a price 25k baht below the advertised

price.

He was good for his handshake, next week I picked him up in the H. City and we drove

out to the land transportation office near Regent school outside Pattaya. A fat envelope

changed hands when the paper work was done.

I still got app 65-45 k baht more than Ford Pattaya and other places offered me.

I based my price on prices I saw in 1-2Car.

I now owns (or wife I should say ) a Ford Ranger WT2.2 2wd and I know that I

will not get same price when selling it compared to more established brands as Toyota

or Isuzu but I don't care, the chill WT was what I wanted and I got it 50k baht below

current list price and I intend to keep it for maybe 5 years.

[ricklev]

488,000 baht buys a brand new Nissan Almera E CVT. Three year warranty, three year road service, one year first class insurance. etc. I really don't know if its a better deal or how much better the Mazda 2 is. It just seems like less hassle in the long run to buy new.

[ignis]

488,000 baht buys a brand new Nissan Almera E CVT. Three year warranty, three year road service, one year first class insurance. etc. I really don't know if its a better deal or how much better the Mazda 2 is. It just seems like less hassle in the long run to buy new.

I am sure there a good deal and car for some..

But for others, 488,000 baht buys a 1 owner perfect condition VW Passat 2007, or a little older Turbo Diesel, or an Audi A6, .. Peugeot 406 for far less money, even a Volvo 2004 S60 is this money........... you get a Luxury cars for 70% less then new.

For me I like a bigger car + Leather + climate Control and all the other features that come with such cars.

Of the matchbox type cars I do like the Nissan Almera, but the seats are so small, and the cabin so cramp't... I also like the Suzuki Swift.feels bigger inside.... Modify the seat fixing still cramp't driving position and now only have a 3 seater.

[IDL]

I recently sold my Honda City ZX 06 via ThaiVisa Classified.

I thought it would be an easy sell but no, only one showed interest in it.

It was a British gentleman, he came and had a look and took it for a spin

inside the Village.

After a bit of friendly haggling we agreed on a price 25k baht below the advertised

price.

He was good for his handshake, next week I picked him up in the H. City and we drove

out to the land transportation office near Regent school outside Pattaya. A fat envelope

changed hands when the paper work was done.

I still got app 65-45 k baht more than Ford Pattaya and other places offered me.

I based my price on prices I saw in 1-2Car.

I now owns (or wife I should say ) a Ford Ranger WT2.2 2wd and I know that I

will not get same price when selling it compared to more established brands as Toyota

or Isuzu but I don't care, the chill WT was what I wanted and I got it 50k baht below

current list price and I intend to keep it for maybe 5 years.

Quality input, thanks

[Felt 35]

1-3 year used car I expect to be as good as new, low km and I mean low, not even a small dent outside or inside would be accepted and I would ask to have the car checked at a dealer of my choice. But then again Im exstreme particular and when young and had a few sporty cars not even my father got in as passenger without clean his shoes on a mat before he climb in.

Besides a car depreciate and wear and tear is impossible to hold up with high prices.