Ford F-350: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
Contents
^
- 01 Current Market Situation
- 02 Advantages and Challenges of New Cars
- 03 The Value of Three-Year-Old Certified Pre-Owned Cars
- 04 Global Comparison of Prices and Costs
- 05 Comparison of Key Decision Factors
- 06 Characteristics of Global Regional Markets
- 07 Risks and Considerations
- 08 Making an Informed Choice
- Feel Free To Contact Ahcarsale Anytime
The global automotive market is currently undergoing unprecedented changes, making the choice between new cars and certified pre-owned vehicles aged three years more complex. According to industry data, new cars may depreciate by as much as 40%–50% within the first three years, while used cars depreciate only about 20% during the same period.
Market conditions in different regions also significantly influence this decision. In the United States, the average price of a new car is close to $50,000, whereas in China, due to fierce market competition, new car prices continue to decline.
01 Current Market Situation
The global automotive market shows significant regional differences, which profoundly affect consumers’ car-buying decisions. According to data from October 2024, the average car price in the Chinese market is approximately 168,000 RMB, while in the United States, the average price during the same period is as high as $49,740, equivalent to about 362,000 RMB, which is 2.1 times that of China.
The reasons for this price disparity are multifaceted. On one hand, competition in China’s domestic automotive market has become increasingly intense, with price wars becoming the norm. On the other hand, tariff policies in the United States in recent years have led to an overall increase in car prices.
Taking the Honda Civic as an example, the discounted price of this model in the Chinese market has fallen below 100,000 RMB, while its starting price in the United States is $25,400, equivalent to about 183,400 RMB. This significant price gap means consumers in different regions face vastly different economic considerations when making car-buying decisions.
02 Advantages and Challenges of New Cars
The most obvious advantage of buying a new car is its completeness and technological forefront. New cars come with comprehensive manufacturer warranties, typically covering 3–5 years or a certain mileage, providing long-term assurance for owners.
Additionally, new cars are equipped with the latest safety technologies and driver-assistance systems, which are often more advanced and comprehensive than models from three years ago. For consumers who prioritize technological experience and safety performance, this is an undeniable attraction of new cars.
However, the biggest challenge new cars face is rapid depreciation. Industry data shows that a new car may depreciate by 15%–20% in the first year alone, with cumulative depreciation potentially reaching 30%–40% or even higher over three years.
For example, a new car worth 200,000 RMB may have a market value of only 100,000–140,000 RMB after three years. This rapid asset shrinkage is a non-negligible part of the cost of buying a car.
03 The Value of Three-Year-Old Certified Pre-Owned Cars
Certified pre-owned cars aged three years demonstrate unique value in multiple aspects. The advantage in purchase tax is one of the most obvious economic benefits. In the Chinese market, buying a used car does not require paying the vehicle purchase tax, which accounts for about 10% of the car’s price, directly saving consumers a significant amount.
More importantly, these vehicles have already passed the stage of the most severe depreciation. The high depreciation during the first three years has been borne by the previous owner, and the subsequent depreciation rate slows down noticeably. This means consumers buying three-year-old used cars are in a more favorable position in terms of asset preservation.
Today’s certified pre-owned cars often come with warranty services provided by manufacturers or dealers. For example, Lexus certified cars offer a one-year original factory warranty, while FAW Toyota’s certified used cars even provide a two-year or 50,000-kilometer warranty. These protective measures significantly reduce the risks associated with buying used cars.
04 Global Comparison of Prices and Costs
Price differences in various global markets greatly influence the economic feasibility of car-buying decisions. The U.S. market has shown a clear upward price trend in recent years, particularly with used car prices hitting their highest levels since October 2023 in April 2025.
Specifically, the price range for the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid in the United States is $30,100–$34,300, equivalent to approximately 217,300–247,600 RMB, while the suggested retail price for the same model in the Chinese market is only 139,900 RMB, with even lower actual prices after discounts.
Insurance costs are also an important consideration. Insurance premiums for new cars are typically higher because they are calculated based on the new car’s purchase price. For a new car worth 200,000 RMB, annual insurance might cost 6,000–8,000 RMB, whereas for a three-year-old used car of the same model worth 100,000 RMB, insurance might only be 3,000–5,000 RMB per year.
05 Comparison of Key Decision Factors
To more clearly illustrate the main differences between new cars and three-year-old certified pre-owned vehicles, the following table provides a systematic comparison across five dimensions:
| Comparison Dimension | New Car | Three-Year-Old Certified Pre-Owned Car |
| Initial Purchase Cost | Higher, requires full vehicle price plus additional fees like purchase tax | Significantly lower, typically 20%–30% cheaper than the same new model, and no purchase tax required |
| Depreciation Rate | Very fast, may depreciate 15%–20% in the first year, 40%–50% cumulatively over three years | Slower, major depreciation already borne by previous owner, subsequent depreciation noticeably slows |
| Insurance Costs | Higher, premiums calculated based on new car value | Lower, premiums calculated based on the vehicle’s current actual value |
| Warranty & Maintenance | Comes with full manufacturer warranty, maintenance costs relatively predictable | May still have partial original warranty or limited warranty provided by certified dealers |
| Technology & Configuration | Equipped with the latest technology and safety systems | Technology may be three years behind, but core functions are complete |
06 Characteristics of Global Regional Markets
The distinct characteristics of automotive markets in different regions significantly influence consumer choices. In China, prices have continued to decline in recent years, with fierce competition making both new and used cars more affordable.
It is particularly noteworthy that China has implemented stricter management on used car exports. Starting January 1, 2026, clearer documentation requirements have been introduced for vehicles applying for export. This policy aims to enhance the overall image and quality of Chinese cars for sale in the international market.
The U.S. market presents a different picture. Tariff policies have led to an overall increase in car prices, with new car prices rising 2.5% year-over-year in April 2025, far exceeding levels in recent years. This upward trend affects both the new car market and pushes up used car prices.
The European market places greater emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability. Many consumers prefer slightly used cars with higher emission standards as a balance between economy and environmental concerns.
07 Risks and Considerations
Whether buying a new or used car, potential risks need attention. For used cars, verifying the vehicle’s condition is the most critical step. Consumers should pay special attention to checking whether the car has been in an accident or flooded.
Professional inspection is an effective way to reduce risks. Spending about 800 RMB on a third-party inspection can avoid potential repair costs that could amount to tens of thousands of RMB. Additionally, be wary of “ultra-low-priced” cars far below market rates, as they may have hidden issues.
When buying a new car, attention should be paid to price transparency and additional conditions. Especially during promotional periods, dealers might offset apparent discounts through bundled sales or hidden fees.
08 Making an Informed Choice
For consumers with different needs, here are specific car-buying suggestions:
For those with limited budgets or first-time buyers, three-year-old certified pre-owned cars are usually a wiser choice. These vehicles have passed the period of fastest depreciation, and the entry barrier is lower. For example, in the Chinese market, 80,000 RMB can buy a well-maintained 2022 model.
Consumers seeking the latest technology and a complete experience may lean more towards new cars. Particularly for those planning to hold the car long-term (over five years), the full warranty and latest technology of a new car may offer a better long-term usage experience.
For consumers who upgrade vehicles frequently, used cars might be a more economical choice, as the depreciation loss faced with each change will be smaller.
It is worth noting that when Chinese cars for sale enter the international market, they are gradually building an image of “high quality and transparency,” thanks to stricter export management and inspection standards. This trend may influence the landscape of the global used car market.
Consumers in different regions approach dealerships with different paces: American consumers closely watch price tags soaring due to tariffs; Chinese consumers weigh their options between new energy vehicles and traditional fuel cars, and between new and used cars.
