[HKNewBi]

Hello All

I have been scanning the SCMP and various websites for a cheap second hand car as I am living very remotely in Lantau and need a runaround.

I understand new cars in HK are very expensive with the first registration taxes etc.

But second hand cars here seem to be very reasonable especially compared to the prices I am used to in the UK.

A budget of $20k - $50k appears to get a very good quality car, maybe 5 - 10 years old in great condition with relatively low miles.

Is there a catch I am missing out on here? I understand registration is quite an expensive annual cost but are these cars going to be hugely expensive in maintenance or something?

Or are 2nd hand cars simply a bargain over here?

Thanks

[kbokusan]

haha....im no expert,some short points

carpark rent- not cheap and does not come included with home rent

very little street parking ,limited to carparks,

im from australia, sydney, compared to HK fuel ,HK very expensive,

there are not many people who are car enthuist in HK,who treat there car to top care.

humid = rust = bad car struture

my opinions are only comparing with Sydney.

I drive 96 BMW in sydneydriven for for 7 year, since i moved to HK, i have neva planned to drive in HK

[KnowItAll]

Additional certification is required for cars over 7 years which can add to the cost.

[HKNewBi]

Thanks Guys

Maybe I should have made myself a bit clearer. I am living in South Lantuau and am borrowing a car for the time being until I get set up with my own as where I live has no nearby public transport and no passing taxi's!

I was planning on buying a newish car but the prices here are very steep (compared to the uk) due to taxes.

I noticed from the classifieds second hand cars seem extremely cheap (again compared to the UK). I have had a look at a few - the mileage is invariably low (probably due to the reasons above) and cars tend to be garage parked (not on street) so the bodywork is immaculate.

For example, I saw a very low mileage (40k kms) Audi convertible fully spec'ed for around $45k. This identical car in the UK at the same age would cost around $140k. Not that I am looking for an Audi - some reliable Japanese runabout is what I am after - but illustrates the point.

I was wondering - is there a road tax or insurance implication that makes owning older cars here expensive hence the cheap prices? Is that the 'additional certification' you speak of? Any idea what this costs?

Or do I just get used to the idea that cars 7 years plus are cheap here and be thankful? As a new comer seems a bit too good to be true!

Thanks

[discobay]

New cars do not need to be M.O.T'd until the sixth year is up. That would make cars 5 years and older depreciate at a quicker rate.

[Anthony Green]

Bear in mind - just how will you get a car in to South Lantau?

The road from Tung Chung is a "restricted access" - only vehicles with permits are permitted to use it.

Also, as I recall, one needs a separate Permit to drive a vehicle on the South Lantau roads - and few were issued.

Buy a car anywhere but in South Lantau & not only would you have problems getting it from Tung Chung area, but if might be illegal to use once you'd got it to South Lantau.

I would exercise extreme caution before examining all the potential pitfalls you could tumble into.

Maybe the situation of car-owning on South lantau has changed - it's been a long time since I heard of the problems - but as sure as hell, no unauthorised vehicles can legally cross the mountain road from Tung Chung - even now.

Better save yourself a packet and consult the local "Cop Shop" &/or Transport Dept for definitive information before you dig into your wallet for any vehicle.

[PettsWood]

Apart from all these other consideration, you also need to be aware of the second hand dealers, basically 90% of them are crooks.

I brought a 94 BMW three years ago at 40K which was quite a bargin. The guy told me he had changed loads of stuff which I found out was not true. The air-conditioner was leaking so he just pumpped up the refrigant to make it cool. The ABS had gone so he told the warning bulb out etc.

Basically if you do decide to go for it, you need to be competent on checking things out or bring someone with you. Japanese cars are a lot cheaper to buy, run and maintain for obvious reasons.

[HKFella]

Other things being equal (i.e you know or have the means to check out the car reasonably) buy it second hand - not third hand - from an expat who's getting transferred instead of dealers. You may not get the model you want at the time you want but chances of getting a good car are good.

[HKNewBi]

Thanks everyone.

BTW - To drive in South Lantau requires a closed road permit. If you own or rent a property in South Lantau you can apply for one at the Transport Department in Admiralty - they cost about $900. Need a copy of a utility bill or similar as proof of address.

They are limited to 1 per household and they take up to 6 weeks to issue - although usually available in 3.

With a South Lantau closed road permit you can drive from Tung Chung to South Lantau any time after 6:30pm and before 6:30am if memory serves me correctly.

[cerberus]

kbokusan, not wanting to be argumentative, but not many enthusiasts in HK? ya gotta be kidding. ever seen the fast and the furious? this is a city of tweakers, modders and tuners. not sure what you call an enthusiast, but in my book this aspect of HK is pretty damn cool. and rust? anybody ever seen rusty cars in Asia? very rare. humidity works against rust, if i'm not mistaken, and anyway, vehicles here are typically at least looking in good condition.
north america on the other hand has some real rust buckets.