Certified used-car programs gain traction in Vietnam

Certified used-car network expands

Used cars remain a popular choice for many buyers thanks to their more affordable prices and wide selection of models.

However, checking a vehicle's mileage, repair history, and technical condition is not always easy, particularly for inexperienced buyers.

Against this backdrop, some automakers have developed authorized used-car sales networks with their own inspection procedures and quality standards to make transactions more transparent.

Mitsubishi is among the brands operating such a program in Vietnam.

Its 'UCAR' program was launched more than four years ago and has since expanded to nearly 40 locations nationwide, recording over 3,000 transactions involving used Mitsubishi vehicles.

Through authorized dealerships, customers can buy used cars or trade in their existing vehicles for other models.

The trade-in service allows customers to have their vehicles inspected, valued and purchased by a dealership as part of the process of buying a new car, without having to find a separate buyer first.

Vehicles undergo 160-point inspections

According to Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam (MMV), vehicles in the 'UCAR' program have their maintenance and repair histories checked before undergoing a 160-point technical inspection.

Vehicles that meet all the requirements receive Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) certification, confirming that they meet the automaker's used-car quality standards.

To qualify, vehicles must have been officially distributed by MMV through its authorized dealership network, be no more than five years old, and have traveled no more than 140,000 kilometers.

Vehicles must also show no signs of major accidents or flooding, odometer tampering, or accessory installations and modifications that fail to meet technical standards.

Their maintenance and repair histories must also meet requirements set by MMV.

The inspection standards give buyers an additional basis for assessing a vehicle's condition, rather than relying solely on its appearance or information provided by the seller.

However, certification does not eliminate all risks associated with buying a used car.

Buyers should still check maintenance records, the vehicle's actual condition, and the terms applicable to each vehicle before making a purchase.

Certified used cars come with warranty coverage

Maintenance and repair costs during ownership are another concern for customers buying used cars.

For 'UCAR' vehicles that receive CPO certification, MMV provides a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 kilometers.

The warranty is valid across Mitsubishi's authorized dealership network nationwide.

During the warranty period, owners can bring their vehicles to authorized facilities for inspections, maintenance, and repairs covered under the warranty terms.

Customers who want to change vehicles after a period of use can also return to the dealership network to have their existing cars inspected and valued for trade-in.

By combining used-car sales, maintenance services, and trade-ins within the same network, the program provides another option for customers alongside Vietnam's traditional second-hand car market.