Car Stock Clearance Sale: Savvy Move or Risky Gamble?

Against this backdrop, many customers are wondering if this is the golden opportunity to buy a car at a bargain price?

A potential buyer considering switching to a 5- or 7-seater SUV with a budget of nearly VND 1 billion shared that recently he has noticed a series of deep discounts offered by car manufacturers. Some models like the Subaru Forester or Haval H6 are being offered with discounts of over VND 200 million, while other vehicles like the Honda CR-V are also being offered with discounts of up to tens of millions of dong. For a car priced at nearly VND 1 billion, this discount is significant.

However, what makes him and many buyers hesitate is the reason behind such a low price, especially when the car is still brand new, has never been used but was produced 1-2 years ago. This raises the question of whether there are any risks in buying “inventory” cars.

Why are inventory cars sold at a discount?

According to industry experts, the main reason is that dealerships and car manufacturers need to clear old inventory to make way for new batches of cars or upgraded versions that are about to be released. Even if the car has never been used, if it has an old production year (VIN 2023 or 2024), it is still considered “not new” by the market.

In addition, the psychology of Vietnamese consumers tends to avoid older models, forcing dealerships to offer deep discounts to stimulate demand.

Benefits of buying inventory cars

Significant cost savings: Buyers can save from tens to hundreds of millions of dong, a large amount compared to the total value of a mass-market car.

The car is still 100% new: Even with an older production year, these cars have never been registered or used and still enjoy the full manufacturer’s warranty from the delivery date.

Able to upgrade to a higher trim: With the same budget, buyers can opt for a higher trim level or a model in the segment above.

Considerations

However, buying inventory cars also has certain disadvantages. First is the resale value. A 2023-produced car, even if registered in 2025, will be valued lower by the market compared to the same model but produced in the current year. This affects the depreciation if the owner intends to sell the car after a few years of use.

Second is the technology and equipment. Some models, after receiving a mid-life upgrade (facelift), will have additional new features in terms of safety, convenience, or connectivity, which the older version may not be eligible for.

Buying inventory cars is a worthwhile consideration for customers who prioritize financial savings and don’t mind owning a “newer model”. However, buyers need to carefully check the production year, detailed equipment of each version, as well as consider their long-term usage plans to avoid rapid depreciation when transferring ownership.

With the attractive discounts currently being offered, this could be a great opportunity to own a quality SUV at a significantly reduced cost. However, the final decision should be based on the balance between usage needs, financial capabilities, and expectations of future value.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)

Photos: Khang Ho, Gia Han, Quan Car