Car Buying Trends of Vietnamese People in 2026: What’s Changing?
As we move into 2026, the car buying landscape in Vietnam is undergoing a significant transformation. Vietnamese consumers are becoming more pragmatic, focusing on practical value, long-term costs, and the ease of reselling cars. No longer driven solely by brand appeal or status, today’s buyers are prioritizing factors like vehicle depreciation, ownership expenses, and the ability to retain resale value. This article explores the key trends shaping car buying decisions in Vietnam and how they reflect the changing priorities of consumers in 2026.
Overview of the Vietnamese Car Market in 2026
The year 2026 marks a significant shift in the way Vietnamese people are buying cars. The market is moving away from emotional purchasing decisions based on brand names, and is instead focusing on practicality and long-term value.
Today, car buyers are more concerned about the total cost of ownership, resale value, and flexibility when selling the car. Cars are now seen as tools for everyday use, rather than assets that display status.
According to market insights, car buying behavior in 2026 centers around three key factors:
Practical value
Total cost of ownership
Resale potential
What Are Vietnamese People Prioritizing in Car Purchases in 2026?
Buying Based on Need, Not Desire
A significant trend in the car buying behavior of Vietnamese people in 2026 is the shift towards purchasing cars that meet specific needs, rather than simply buying based on preference or brand.
Buyers are now asking very specific questions before making a purchase decision:
Will this car be used for commuting, family trips, or business?
What are the monthly maintenance costs?
Will it be easy to resell in a few years?
The types of cars that are getting more attention include:
Compact Sedans (B and C segments) for daily commuting
Small and medium SUVs for families
High-quality used cars to optimize budget
Used Cars Gaining Popularity in 2026
Used cars are no longer seen as a temporary solution. In 2026, they have become a proactive choice for many buyers.
The main reasons include:
New cars lose value quickly within the first 1-2 years
Used cars save buyers 20-40% on upfront costs
More transparent history and inspection processes for used cars
Because of these factors, many buyers are now opting to check car valuations and compare prices before making a decision, especially between new and used cars of the same segment. You can explore online car valuation tools at Motorist.vn
Electric and Hybrid Cars: Interest is Growing, but Still Cautious
Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to generate interest in Vietnam in 2026. However, buyers remain cautious due to several concerns.
Key factors influencing this caution include:
Charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped
High battery replacement costs
Uncertain resale value
In contrast, hybrid cars are seen as a safer option for first-time buyers and families, offering better fuel efficiency while still being easier to resell.
Resale Value Plays a Key Role in Car Purchase Decisions
Another noticeable shift is that buyers in 2026 are thinking about resale value from the moment they purchase a car.
Factors that influence their decision include:
Whether the car retains its value
How easy it is to sell the car later
Market demand for the particular make and model
Because of this, buyers prefer vehicles that are popular, have strong resale potential, and are in demand in the market.
What Are Vietnamese People Doing Before Purchasing a Car?
Researching Prices and Getting Car Valuations Before Deciding
Car buyers in 2026 are not making impulse purchases. They dedicate time to:
Comparing prices across multiple sources
Estimating depreciation over time
Predicting resale value in a few years
Car valuation has become a vital step in this process. If you’re looking to check the value of your car, you can use the online tools at Motorist.vn
The Trend of Selling Cars Early to Upgrade
Alongside buying trends, the behavior of selling cars is also changing. Many car owners are no longer waiting until their car is too old to sell. Instead, they are proactively selling their cars early to:
Avoid steep depreciation
Reduce repair and maintenance costs
Easily switch to a new car that better fits their needs
With this trend, platforms that support fast, transparent car sales are increasingly being preferred. If you’re considering selling your car, you can use services like Motorist.vn.
Why Are Vietnamese People Buying Cars More Practically in 2026?
Three main factors are driving this change:
Financial pressures make people more thoughtful about their purchases
More accessible and transparent market information
The used car market has become more professional
Vietnamese buyers are now using data and making well-thought-out financial decisions rather than purchasing based on emotions.
Predictions for the Car Market in Vietnam in the Coming Years
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the trends from 2026 will continue to shape the Vietnamese car market:
High-quality used cars will continue to grow in popularity
Cars that retain their value and are easy to resell will become even more favored
Buyers will increasingly take an active role in valuing and assessing cars before making a purchase
The car market in Vietnam will become more competitive and transparent in the coming years.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the car buying trends of Vietnamese people in 2026?
A: In 2026, Vietnamese buyers are prioritizing cars that meet their specific needs, offer low ownership costs, hold their value well, and are easy to resell.
Q2. Should I buy a new or used car in 2026?
A: Used cars are increasingly popular due to their lower initial costs, slower depreciation, and ease of resale.
Q3. Are electric cars a good option for Vietnamese buyers in 2026?
A: Electric cars are gaining attention, but buyers are cautious due to concerns about charging infrastructure, battery costs, and resale value.
Q4. Should I get a car valuation before buying or selling a car?
A: Yes. Getting a car valuation ensures that you understand the car’s true market value, helping you avoid overpaying or underpricing when selling.
Q5. Where should I sell my car for a fast and transparent process?
A: You should choose platforms with clear processes, trusted partners, and quick transactions, such as Motorist.vn.
Conclusion
The car buying trends of Vietnamese people in 2026 show a more informed, practical, and financially-conscious consumer base. Buying a car is no longer an emotional decision; it’s a well-thought-out financial investment. If you’re looking to get the best deal when buying or selling your car, start with Motorist.vn for accurate car valuation and fast, transparent car sales that align with the latest market trends in Vietnam.
