5 Signs It’s Time to Sell Your Car | Free Car Valuation on Motorist.vn
Many car owners in Vietnam wonder: “Should I sell my car now or keep it for a few more years?”. In reality, keeping your car too long can mean losing value due to depreciation, rising maintenance costs, and changing market demand. Here are 5 clear signs that it’s time to sell your car, based on real market data from Motorist.vn — a platform that connects you with over 600 trusted car dealers competing to offer you the best price.
1. Rising Maintenance Costs
If you notice that every service visit comes with new repair costs — from brakes to gearboxes — it’s a warning sign. As your car ages, the maintenance costs increase. When your annual upkeep exceeds 10% of your car’s value, it’s time to consider selling.
Tip: Use Motorist.vn to get an instant, free valuation and see how much your car is still worth today.
2. Your Car Is Over 5 Years Old or Has Exceeded 100,000 km
In Vietnam, vehicles that have been used for over 5 years or have clocked more than 100,000 km start to depreciate quickly. This is the point where both dealers and buyers view the car as “aged.” If you’re planning to upgrade within the next year or two, selling before this threshold helps you retain 10–20% more value than waiting longer.
3. Market Trends Are Changing
When the market shifts — for example, toward electric or hybrid vehicles — older petrol cars lose appeal and resale value faster. Similarly, if a new model of your car is launching soon, your current car’s value may drop quickly. Selling before that happens lets you maximize your returns.
4. You Barely Use the Car Anymore
If your car spends more time parked than driven — maybe you work from home, commute short distances, or mostly use ride-hailing — you’re paying unnecessary costs for insurance, inspection, and upkeep. Instead of letting it sit idle and depreciate, selling it frees up your finances for more useful investments.
5. The Market Is Strong or You Already Have Offers
The used-car market in Vietnam usually peaks toward the end of the year and before Tết (Lunar New Year), when buyer demand increases. If you’ve received a good offer or noticed stable prices on platforms like Motorist.vn, it’s the right moment to close the deal.
Based on Motorist.vn data, cars sold between November and January typically achieve 8–12% higher prices compared to later months.
Conclusion: Sell Smart, Keep Your Car’s Value
There’s no single “perfect” time to sell, but if you recognize two or more of the signs above, it’s likely the right moment. Selling sooner helps you avoid costly depreciation, minimize repair expenses, and take advantage of favorable market timing.
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FAQ
1. When is the best time to sell my car in Vietnam?
When your car starts requiring more frequent repairs or exceeds 100,000 km.
2. Which month offers the best resale prices?
Between November and January, when demand rises before the Lunar New Year.
3. Where can I sell my car for the best price?
On Motorist.vn, where 600+ dealers compete to offer the highest quote for your car.
