Buying a car in Thailand

[catman20]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Auctions....... Or buy new, where do you think most, if not all second hand car dealers get their motors.......The car auctions.

I know a lot of people slag off car auctions in Thailand as being a rip-off. Well fact is they are no different than anywhere else in the world.

Most auctions in Thailand are run by reputable auction companies who have contracts with vehicle finance companies. People default on payments vehicle gets repossessed and auction company.......Auctions them off, simple as that.

You can get very, very good deals, you will always find all the local second hand car dealers there, looking for good cars, cheap to bang on a 100,000......200,000 Baht profit when they sell it to you out of their showroom and they do nothing to them...... maybe a wash!. Outbid one by 10,000 or 20,000 Baht you should have a good motor. They also auction bikes. Most vehicles fall into near new......or clapped out!

I'm more than sure I'll get a slagging of for selling the good points about Thai auctions, OK I know some will have had a bad experience, but I would put money on most poor experiences are down to.... PPPP, (Piss Poor Planning and Preparation)

How to avoid a bad experience at a car auction in Thailand.......... Don't be negative, take your time...... do your homework, understand the auction process, If you have a Thai friend.... Get them to help you.

I've been a few times, I have bought a pick-up and a scooter from auctions......... I'm happy with both and am looking at going again soon.

Last of all make your own mind up don't be put of by negative comments, so many made by 'armchair' experts who have no experience or knowledge.......but have a mate that does and like to play on the notion that all Thais will rip you off.

"Red rag to bull"............................Replies on a postcard!

very well said, this mans smart !

[garyk]

I bought a used Ford Ranger at an auction about five years ago. Had 22,000 KM on the clock. It was about 6 months old.

It now has 222,000 KM on the clock. Never been stranded. Had to install a new fuel rail at 150,000 KM. Started running rough.

Paid 342,000 Baht for it and plan on keeping it until it dies.

Here are a few things to remember.

1. You have to have a letter stating you live at a certain address or a book of residence (what ever that is). I live in hotels so a hassle. The landlord had to fill out a paper from the police station.

before I could bid on a car at the auction. I wanted it in my name. And, only my name! Very important for me.

2. I went to maybe 5 or six before I was confident to bid on one. I made up my mind I was going to buy a very new vehicle. Too many dogs are run threw the auctions.

3. Just watch the Thai bidders. Mostly used car dealers. So, I figured they know the ropes.

4. After I bought the pickup at the auction. They nicked the spare tire and battery. What do you do? Nothing to do really. So plan on spending a few thousand baht on little thing they steal after the auction. ( Maybe only to farang, but it did happen and I think a common practice )

5. Drive it to a dealer and have it serviced immediately. IMO a very good thing to do. I got lucky I guess, no problems mechanically.

6. First class insurance goes down every year. As the pickup gets older.

7. I would hate to see anything happen to it. But, I have gotten my moneys worth out of it.

6. Drive the wheels off of it and have fun in Thailand.. Use the money you saved to do what ever you enjoy doing in Thailand. I like photography so I splurged on some nice equipment.

Not a terribly bad experience. Kind of fun actually.

[WarpSpeed]

Good to hear of positive experiences but my impression is most of you are obviously not novices with either buying a car in Thailand or other used or auction cars which doesn't seem to be the case with the OP based on his OP, you rolled the dice and came out the winners, conversely you could have just as easily lost, therefore the suggestion that a novice like the OP avoid an auction is still sound advice until he knows the market better or has someone who he can trust knows the market and can help him, but there is still always a higher risk given the obstacles..

[Tonto21]

Good to hear of positive experiences but my impression is most of you are obviously not novices with either buying a car in Thailand or other used or auction cars which doesn't seem to be the case with the OP based on his OP, you rolled the dice and came out the winners, conversely you could have just as easily lost, therefore the suggestion that a novice like the OP avoid an auction is still sound advice until he knows the market better or has someone who he can trust knows the market and can help him, but there is still always a higher risk given the obstacles..

I can't argue with most of what you say and if a novice just thinks they can turn up and score a big saving...... by just turning up at an auction, it could end bad. but I still feel, if a novice does his/her homework buying from an auction, it can still be a viable option. It's like most things in life, a little effort is required to get the best out.

[WarpSpeed]

I'm no novice in the motor industry but even I had my own obstacles that even with plenty of experience, were unavoidable. I made some decisions I could have done better with had I a better understanding of the market and it had little to do with a lack of work ,research or vehicle knowledge. In the end it came more down to communication and local understanding as the market experience came only from local seasoning which took some time to acquire.

[MJP]

WarpSpeed, I may be coming to you for advice middle of the year. My D-Max thing truly is on its last legs.

[Anon999]

Doing some research by looking at the Thai 'Red Book' will give a good idea of the 3 prices for your favoured choice of vehicle. Just google it. The fee is 100 baht.