As the first wave of Chinese cars sold in Britain reaches its second owners, there are bargains to be had. Here’s how to buy well.
How values hold up
An Auto Express analysis of residual value forecasts, published in September 2026, found cars from Chinese brands are predicted to keep 46.16% of their value after three years and 36,000 miles, fractionally ahead of non-Chinese brands at 46.00%. Chinese electric cars are forecast to keep 44.57%, against 43.41% for other electric cars. In other words, the old idea that Chinese cars lose value much faster no longer holds on average, but individual models vary widely. Heavy discounting on a new model can still pull its used prices down.
Your checklist
1. Is there warranty left, and does it transfer? Chinese brands offer long warranties (MG 7 years, BYD 6 years, Omoda and Jaecoo 7 years, Leapmotor 4 years on its SUVs). On a three-year-old car there may be years left. Confirm with the brand that it transfers to you, and what conditions apply.
2. Has it been serviced on schedule? Missed services can void the remaining warranty. Ask for the service record, ideally from an approved dealer, and check it against the brand’s schedule.
3. Check the battery’s health. For electric cars and plug-ins, ask for a battery state-of-health report from a dealer or an independent tester. Batteries usually have their own, longer warranty, often around eight years, but check the terms and remaining mileage.
4. Check for outstanding recalls. Use the government’s vehicle recall checker with the registration number, and ask the seller for proof that any recall work has been done.
5. Check the history. A history check will show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and mileage discrepancies. Check the MOT history online for cars over three years old.
6. Ask about software. Have over-the-air updates been installed? Is the connected-car app transferred to you, and is any subscription needed for features you want?
7. Check the charging kit. Is the home charging cable included? Do the car’s charging speeds suit how you’ll use it? Our model pages list each car’s charging rates.
8. Find your nearest dealer. Some brands still have small networks. Check where you’d go for servicing and repairs before you commit.
Our advice
A nearly new Chinese car with plenty of warranty left, a full service history and a healthy battery can be excellent value. Avoid cars with gaps in the history, unclear warranty transfer or no battery report. And for any model, check our page for its UK specs and what the same car cost new.
