Leading automotive brands such as Toyota, Ford, Kia, and VinFast have launched “trade-in” programs, enabling authorized dealerships to appraise and purchase pre-owned vehicles. This initiative is revitalizing the used car market by creating a new flow of inventory.
Attractive Offers
Most recently, in early October 2025, Honda Vietnam entered the pre-owned vehicle market, offering customers cash incentives of 20-30 million VND when trading in for a new car. Vehicles meeting Honda’s purchase criteria undergo comprehensive maintenance, essential part replacements, and global certification standards before being resold as “Honda Certified Used Cars.” Buyers receive a detailed quality inspection report along with a 12-month or 20,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.
Toyota Vietnam is expanding its “trade-in” program across multiple dealerships, providing flexible options like trade-in allowances and installment plans. Notably, Toyota Vietnam accepts not only its own models but also vehicles from other brands, broadening consumer choices and enhancing market quality.
Ford Vietnam, already operating certified pre-owned programs internationally, is extending this model domestically. Similar to Toyota, Ford Vietnam purchases both its own and other brands’ vehicles, provided they have valid documentation and no history of severe damage or water ingress.
Pre-owned vehicles undergo a rigorous 100-point inspection by Ford Vietnam technicians, covering engine, transmission, brakes, chassis, electrical systems, interior, exterior, and legal history. Dealerships then offer purchase prices based on actual condition and market rates, either buying directly or facilitating trade-ins with allowances for new purchases.
Many authorized dealerships now showcase pre-owned vehicles directly within their showrooms.
Establishing a Formal Market
Automakers’ direct involvement in the pre-owned market is a strategic response to declining new car sales and rising consumer demand for transparency and safety. These trade-in programs also enable manufacturers to manage vehicle circulation, expand service ecosystems (maintenance, repairs, certifications), and enhance brand control.
According to Mr. Nguyễn Văn Tôn, Executive Director of Southern Air Transport JSC’s Automotive Division, trade-in programs benefit both customers—who can easily upgrade vehicles—and manufacturers, who boost new car sales. Simultaneously, another segment gains access to certified pre-owned vehicles at fair prices with official warranties.
Mr. Đỗ Tiến Dũng, Chairman of Haxaco Auto Services JSC, highlights that manufacturer-backed programs protect sellers from unfair pricing. “Private buyers often exploit flaws to depress prices, whereas authorized dealerships follow structured processes supported by manufacturers, ensuring fair valuations,” he explains.
Mr. Phạm Quang Thắng, Sales Director at Hanoi Automobile JSC, notes that while manufacturer standards reassure buyers, many dealerships remain hesitant due to high operational costs. “Despite manufacturer support, the expenses associated with inspections, facility maintenance, staffing, and capital tie-ups deter participation,” he observes.
The Used Car Conundrum: Why Are Prices Plummeting Yet Sales Remain Stagnant?
The automotive industry is witnessing an unprecedented wave of massive price drops and deals.
The Car Factory in Hung Yen: A Multi-Billion Dollar Investment by Geleximco
“The importance of automotive engine manufacturing was emphasized by Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, during the collaboration between Geleximco and their Chinese partners. He asserted that this industry is an inevitable global trend, including in Vietnam.”
VinFast President 2020 Model for Sale: A Luxury SUV with a Powerful V8 Engine and Opulent Interior Features.
The VinFast President is now available at a fraction of the cost of a new one, making it an attractive option for those wanting to experience the V8 engine. With a price tag of just over 30% of the original cost, this car is a steal for those seeking a powerful and luxurious ride.
The All-New Suzuki Jimny: A Rugged, Revamped, and Rare Gem.
The Suzuki Jimny for sale boasts an exterior that stands out from the crowd, with a rugged and robust look that differentiates it from the standard Jimny models seen on Vietnamese roads.
The Lexus LC 300h: Unmatched Resale Value, 3 Years of Driving Pleasure with Minimal Depreciation.
The Lexus LC 500h featured in this article has proven to be a resilient vehicle when it comes to retaining its value. Two years ago, it was advertised for 7 billion VND, and even after clocking an additional 12,000 kilometers, its resale value remains impressive. Today, it is on the market again, this time with a price tag just 300 million VND lower than its previous asking price, equating to a mere 25,000 VND per kilometer.
