Secondhand car sales up as drivers steer from public transit

Due to virus fears, demand for private vehicles has increased, as people choose to avoid taking public transport. Many are finding that now is the right time to buy a vehicle. Used-car dealers say there''s been a marked increase in prospective buyers coming round the lot. Since the start of the outbreak, sales are up by as much as 20%. The factory complex is completely deserted. Car manufacturer Ford Lio Ho halted production at its Zhongli plant last month. Kuozui Motors is also soon to reduce production. As car manufacturing comes to lull, buyers are turning to the secondhand market. A salesman breaks down the auto loan options that will bring this customer closer to his new ride. This dealership is getting as many as 20 viewings every day. Lin Shang-chieh Dealership We’ve hit some records these past few months since the outbreak. We’re getting about 10 groups each day. Sometimes it’s as many as 20. There was one day when we sold six or seven cars. That’s the most so far. After people reserve a car, they want to seal the deal as soon as possible. People are steering away from public transport, and that has fueled demand for cars. But parts shortages have put a pin on local car production, meaning that new orders are facing delivery delays. In contrast, pre-owned cars are ready to drive out of the lot. They’re cheaper, too, making them the option of choice for many. Especially sought-after are smaller models with less than three years of use. Tsai Chia-li Dealership As far as car models go, there has certainly been a rise in inquiries for compact cars. Now there are many customers who maybe aren’t too keen on taking public transport. They want to find a car that’s within a reasonable price range. Prospective buyers who care to waste no time are opting for secondhand cars. So long as it’s not a clunker and it’s fairly affordable, many are willing to plunk down their cash and deliver a surge of sales for used car dealerships.