Selling a Car Over 10 Years Old: The Complete Guide (2025/2026 Edition)

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Selling a car that is 3-5 years old is easy; banks love to finance them, and everyone wants them. But selling a car that is 10 years or older (manufactured around 2015 or earlier) is a completely different ball game.

In 2025, with the influx of EVs and stricter financing rules, old car owners face a unique set of challenges. Will banks still lend money? Should you fix it before selling? This complete guide answers all your questions.

1. The "Finance Barrier": The Biggest Hurdle

The harsh reality of the Thai used car market is this: Most banks stop offering car loans for vehicles older than 10-12 years.

• The Impact: This significantly shrinks your pool of potential buyers. Most people cannot afford to pay 200,000 - 300,000 THB in one lump sum cash payment.
• The Exception: Some non-bank financial institutions (like "Car for Cash" companies) might finance them, but the interest rates will be high (7-15%+) and the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio will be low.
• Strategy: Be prepared to market your car to "Cash Buyers" or market it at a price attractive enough for someone to withdraw savings.

2. Valuation: Managing Expectations

A 10-year-old car has fully depreciated. Its value is now based on condition, not just the Blue Book price.

• Toyota/Honda/Isuzu: These "Market Brands" hold value well because parts are cheap and plentiful. A 2015 Vios is still liquid gold.
• European Cars (BMW/Benz): Prices plummet after year 10 due to fear of expensive maintenance.
• Ford/Chevrolet: Niche market; harder to sell unless in pristine condition.

3. To Fix or Not to Fix?

Should you repaint the bumper or fix the rattling suspension before selling?

• The Rule: Only fix safety issues.
• Do: Clean the engine bay, fix broken A/C, and polish the headlights (yellow headlights make a car look 5 years older).
• Don't: Don't do a full body repaint or overhaul the engine. You will rarely recover that money in the sale price. Let the buyer bargain and fix it themselves.

4. Where to Sell a 10+ Year Old Car?

A. Post Online (Facebook/Website)

• Pros: You get the highest price (Retail Price).
• Cons: You have to deal with "tire kickers," scammers, and people asking for installment plans (which you can't provide).

B. Used Car Tents (Dealers)

• Pros: Fast cash.
• Cons: Many premium tents refuse cars over 10 years old because they are hard to finance. You might have to go to smaller, budget tents who will offer lower prices.

C. Motorist Thailand

• Pros: We have a network of dealers who might be looking for budget cars and older models. We handle the negotiation and find the buyer who specializes in your specific car model.

5. Documents Required (The Checklist)

For cars over 7 years old, the process involves an extra step.

1. The Green Book (Blue Book): Must be original.
2. ID Card: Copy of the owner.
3. Transfer Form (Baep-Kohm): Signed by the owner.
4. Power of Attorney: If you aren't going to the DLT yourself.
5. Tax Sticker: Ensure it hasn't expired (>3 years expired = registration suspended).
6. Transfer Inspection: Unlike newer cars, the buyer (or you) must take the car to the DLT (Department of Land Transport) for a physical inspection to transfer the name.
   
   

Conclusion

Selling a 10-year-old car requires patience and the right strategy. You are selling "utility" and "affordability," not luxury.
Struggling to find a buyer for your old car? Don't let it sit and rust. Motorist Thailand specializes in connecting sellers with hundreds of dealers. Get a free valuation today—even for cars aged 10, 15, or 20 years!

Source

1. Department of Land Transport
2. Krungsri auto

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