How to Buy a Car in Thailand: A Complete Guide for Expats (2026)

When you just moved to Thailand, you may think having a car here isn’t necessary. Public transportation in Thailand is good, and getting around with Grab or the BTS and MRT is much more convenient.

While that’s true, you will realize later that having a car becomes convenient. And this happens to many expats who live here long-term. Some buy a car because they have a family. Some no longer live inside a city. And some just want to explore Thailand and drive around.

Anyway, if you are planning to buy a car for whatever reason, this article is for you. It gives you all the details you need to buy a car in Thailand, from where to look, which brand to choose, and costs, to how to register the car yourself.

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What to Consider Before Buying a Car in Thailand

There are many things you should consider before buying a car in Thailand, including:

• Budget
• New Cars or Used Cars
• Brand
• Fuel Options
• Car Type
• Color

Let’s take a look at each factor individually.

Cost of a Car in Thailand

Let’s take a look at this big question: “How much money do you have to buy a car in Thailand?” There are two costs involved:

• a car’s initial cost
• the cost of maintenance

The Initial Car Cost

The initial car cost in Thailand depends on various factors such as whether it’s a new or used car, car type, brand, year, model, and so on. To put it simply, here’s what you should expect to pay:

• Less than THB300,000: a used economy car or compact car that is older than 5 years
• THB300,000 – THB600,000: a used sedan or a new compact or economy car
• THB600,000 – THB1,000,000: the majority of new Japanese or Chinese cars fall into this range
• THB1,000,000 – THB2,000,000: top-tier models of most Japanese cars. A new Tesla is also in this range
• THB2,000,000+: a new luxury car

The Cost of Maintenance

When it comes to the cost of maintenance, you should expect to pay around THB7,000 to THB10,000 per month for a standard Japanese car.

This includes the cost of fuel, insurance, tax, and more. You can see this article about the cost of owning a car in Thailand, where we track one of our editor’s costs in detail since 2022.

New Cars vs Second Hand Cars

One of the biggest choices you’ll have to make is whether you want to buy a new or used car. There are benefits and drawbacks to both. Many people prefer to buy new due to the lower maintenance costs and frequent special offers.

But there is also a thriving used car market in Thailand. And the possibility of buying from other expats in Thailand means you can go through the majority of the process in English.

New Cars

When you buy a new car, there are several benefits.

• No Surprise: If you buy new, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’re the first owner of the car, so there shouldn’t be any surprises later on.
• Guarantee: A new car generally comes with a guarantee for the first three to five years or the first 100,000 kilometers, depending on which one comes first. The guarantee period between each brand and model can differ. This means if a car suddenly has any unexpected issues that don’t result from reckless driving, you can visit an official garage and get a part replacement for free. 
• Extras: Here in Thailand, most dealers seem to sell at the recommended list prices, but the extras are where you can try to get added value. For example: better parts-exchanges on new car purchases, your first year’s insurance covered, or free tinted windows.
• Easy Buying Process: As you’ll see below, the buying process isn’t always easy as a foreigner but by using an authorized dealer, you’ll be dealing with salespeople who have experience negotiating with expats.

Second Hand Cars

Here’s a list of benefits of buying a used car in Thailand:

• Price: The major benefit of a used car is that you get a cheaper set of wheels. There is the potential for a bargain in Thailand, but in general, used cars hold their value well and cost more than you would pay in western countries. You can buy used cars from many sources and some of them offer the cheapest prices on the market.
• Package: You have the choice to buy a used car from a licensed dealer, which means you’ll have access to a service package or insurance.

However, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Car inspection: To buy a used car, you should also know how to inspect a car yourself or bring someone who can. Otherwise, you might get a car that’s in bad condition and needs lots of unexpected repairs. (Or you can buy it from a licensed dealer, but they can be more expensive than buying from individual sellers.)
• VAT: Another negative for used cars is the 7% VAT that’s added to the bill if you buy from a showroom or used car dealer, or use a loan to finance the purchase.

Tip: To avoid VAT when buying a used car, consider paying in cash to a private seller who isn’t registered as a company.

Which Brands to Buy

Looking around the roads of Thailand, you will see a variety of car brands on the street. Right now, you mainly have three options:

• Japanese brands
• Chinese brands
• European brands

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Chinese Brands

MG was one of the very first Chinese brands to enter the Thai market in 2014. It’s been one of the most popular Chinese car brands in Thailand ever since.

With the boom of electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand, you now see many Chinese cars on the street. Here’s a quick list of pros and cons:

Pros

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• Price: This is one of the main reasons people buy Chinese brands, as they tend to be the cheapest options
• Technology: Chinese cars tend to come with a lot of technology. For example, large tablet-like screens, 360-degree cameras, lane-keeping assistance, and more
• EV cars: There are many EV options from Chinese brands. On the other hand, choices are still limited for Japanese and European brands at the moment

Cons

Brand confidence: Over the past few years, I’ve seen more than 10 Chinese brands enter the market. Some, like Neta, disappeared within a few years. No one really knows how long these Chinese brands will last since they are still quite new in the market

• Quality: While Chinese cars tend to come with many features, some may not work properly. For example, car software may not work all the time, and interior materials may wear out quickly
• Suspension and handling: They are not as good as Japanese or European cars, so it’s easier to get car sick
• Parts: If you have an accident and need to replace parts, you may have to wait from a few weeks to several months

Anyway, I’ve seen big improvements in Chinese cars over the years, but no one really knows what the future holds.

Here are some popular Chinese brands in Thailand:

• MG: This is the first Chinese brand in Thailand, so they’ve proven themselves to some extent
• BYD: BYD is one of the most popular Chinese brands in Thailand. They have many models available and are known for their price and features
• GWM: GWM has also been in the Thai market for a while and is known for a good balance of technology and reliability
• GAC (Aion): Some call Aion the “Chinese Toyota.” They are not the cheapest but offer a good driving experience. Many EV taxis in Thailand are from this brand
• Geely and Jaecoo: I’ve heard many good things about the SUV models from these two brands in terms of price and reliability
• XPeng and Zeekr: These two brands are known for premium Chinese cars

Find out more: Buying an Electric Car in Thailand: Prices, Best Models, and Costs

Popular Brands in Thailand

This table below shows the top car brands at Motor Expo in December 2025 in Thailand, ranked by total units sold. It gives you a quick idea of which brands are popular right now.

Rank	Brand	Origin	Units Sold
1	Toyota	Japanese	10,872
2	BYD	Chinese	10,031
3	OMODA JAECOO	Chinese	7,266
4	Honda	Japanese	6,278
5	GAC	Chinese	5,019
6	Geely	Chinese	4,831
7	MG	Chinese	4,827
8	GWM	Chinese	4,609
9	Deepal	Chinese	4,586
10	Mitsubishi	Japanese	2,988
11	Isuzu	Japanese	2,389
12	Chery	Chinese	2,009
13	Mazda	Japanese	1,899
14	Nissan	Japanese	1,508
15	Zeekr	Chinese	1,129
16	Avatr	Chinese	1,103
17	XPeng	Chinese	1,089
18	BMW	European	1,070
19	Ford	American	914
20	Mercedes-Benz	European	911
21	Suzuki	Japanese	718
22	Geely Riddara	Chinese	681
23	Hyundai	Korean	615
24	Tesla	American	527
25	Wuling	Chinese	525
26	Denza	Chinese	502
27	Leapmotor	Chinese	389
28	Kia	Korean	338
29	Volvo	European	302
30	Farizon	Chinese	300
31	Mini	European	243
32	Nex	Chinese	194
33	DFSK	Chinese	121
34	Lexus	Japanese	101
35	Audi	European	83
36	Porsche	European	74
37	Pocco	Chinese	21
38	Jeep	American	7

From the table, you can clearly see that Chinese brands dominate the list, making up about 53% of all brands (20 out of 38). Japanese brands come next at around 21% (8 brands), followed by European brands at about 16% (6 brands). American and Korean brands each account for roughly 5% (2 brands each).

Fuel Options

There are four main fuel options in Thailand:

• Fuel: Still the most popular option right now, but it is becoming less popular because of fuel price.
• Hybrid: A combination of fuel and electric power. It is another popular option in Thailand, especially for those who drive regularly in the city. Japanese brands are well known for their hybrid models.
• Electric: Electric cars are becoming more popular in Thailand due to lower running costs and maintenance. The number of charging stations have been increasing rapidly in Thailand as well. Chinese cars offer many EV options.
• Gas (NGV/LPG): It was popular in Thailand about a decade ago when fuel prices were high. Running on gas is very affordable, costing around THB 1 to THB 1.5 per kilometer. Today, some people still use gas systems, especially taxis. However, you typically need to pay an additional THB 20,000 to THB 40,000 to install a gas tank. Cars running on gas may also wear out faster and require more maintenance.

Car Types

There are various car types available in Thailand. In general, you have these options:

• Economy or compact car: This is very popular in big cities like Bangkok or Phuket. Not just because of the price, but its small size makes it easier to maneuver around the city. Overall, the size is designed for ASEAN markets, so you may find it too small for you
• Standard sedan: A normal sedan car. A good all-around option
• SUV and PPV: This option is becoming more popular in Thailand due to its utility. You can carry a lot of people and items
• MPV: A family-friendly option or for those who want a more VIP experience
• Pickup truck: It used to be the most popular option in Thailand, but not anymore. Right now, it’s mainly popular among careers that need to carry a lot of items, such as mechanics, delivery drivers, and farmers
• Van: It’s hard to find someone who owns a van in Thailand unless they provide transportation services. However, some people buy a used van and convert it into a camper vehicle

Car Color 

Black and white are the two most popular colors for cars in Thailand and would be a good choice if you were looking to sell your car after a few years. Since there’s a high demand for black or white cars, you might need to wait longer than other colors when buying a new car. 

For example, if you buy a blue car, you might be able to get it right away. But a black or white version of the same model might have a waiting list of several months. 

With certain models, white cars can be 5,000 to 10,000 baht more expensive than other colors because they have extra layers to make it look brighter – often called “pearl white”.

Finding Cars for Sale

There are many different options when it comes to buying a car, whether new or used, in Thailand. Traditional dealerships are popular, but there is also a large marketplace of online options.

Buying a New Cars

You can buy new cars in Thailand mainly from dealers at a showroom or car events. 

Car Dealerships 

Going to a dealership means you have an entire range of models, and can discuss pricing options. There are car dealerships in all big towns and cities in Thailand, giving you loads of options. 

Another benefit of a dealership is that you can see new and used cars and compare prices and conditions. Most official dealerships also have promotions and provide warranties and extras on not only new cars, but used cars as well.

Different dealers have different promotions even if it’s the same car brand. And it isn’t only about freebies you get from buying a new car, but also finance options too. 

If you are not in a hurry, you can shop around and ask different dealers to find out which one gives you the best promotions. 

In many cases, the car dealer that you bought a car from is going to be the same place where you maintain your car during the first few years. This means if you are not happy with the shopping process, it’s best just to change dealers. 

You also have the option to test drive a car if you have a Thai driving license, a license from your home country, or an international license.

Good to know: As with many places in Thailand, at dealership, some salespeople will treat you according to your appearance. You might consider dressing up to get taken seriously. When this writer walked in wearing a scruffy T-shirt and shorts I got little attention. But when I returned in a collared shirt and dress shoes, I had salespeople jumping over themselves to help me.

Car Events and Shows 

The Bangkok International Motor Show is one of the most popular places for Thai people to buy a new car. Often there are great promotions. 

It is held annually for two weeks in December at the Impact Arena on the outskirts of Bangkok. All car brands in Thailand will be there to showcase their existing and also upcoming models.

At the Motor Show, you will be offered different promotions from many salespersons, which make it easy to compare promotions between events across all models. 

This will give you an easier time making a decision on which model and dealer you want. It’s also possible to test drive within the event if you have a driving license. But it will be a quick test drive because of the number of people there. 

If you already have a model you want, you can go to an official dealer in your area too. They may offer the same promotion at the Motor Show. But you will have more time to do a test drive and talk with a dealer. 

Tip: A main disadvantage when buying a car during a big event like the Bangkok International Motor Show is that it comes with a longer waiting time than usual. You might need to wait for 6-8 months if you buy a popular model in a popular color from the event. 

It is also common to see mini shows in the numerous shopping malls around Thailand. Places like Fashion Island seem to have at least one car company showcasing new models every couple of weeks. 

They have huge signs offering discounts but it is not clear if these are the same deals you’d get at the dealership. One benefit of these events at the mall is that there is less pressure to buy and you get the chance to see and sit in the car.

Buying a Used Cars

Buying a used car can save you a lot of money if you know how to thoroughly inspect a car. Or take someone who knows what to look for. Otherwise, you may get a car that’s only good on the outside and you will spend a good amount of cash fixing it.

Car Dealership

Many car dealerships, such as Toyota, Honda, and Tesla, provide used cars for sale. While they can be more expensive than other options, these cars tend to be in good condition and often come with a guarantee.

So, if you don’t have any mechanical knowledge or want to avoid buying a bad car, this can be a good option.

Car Tents

One of my Thai friends told me I could buy a car at the tent which confused me at first, but a car tent is basically a place where you can buy used cars in Thailand from unofficial dealers. 

Many cars come with limited warranties and many are sold “as seen” so you need to have a real understanding of cars to get a good buy. Tricks such as winding down the mileage and putting different parts into cars do happen, so buyers beware.

Many car tents work in conjunction with a finance company and a loan can be agreed upon on the spot. It’s best to make a payment and drive the car away. 

It’s not unheard of for car tents to change out expensive parts for cheap ones when a customer pays a deposit and comes back later for the car. Also, if you pay by cash, the price of the car can be higher than if financing, since some car tents get commission from giving out loans.

If you are looking for a cheap car to get you from point A to point B then looking for bargains at a car tent could be an option.

Online

Buying a car online is a popular choice. Many sites have sprung up in Thailand to cater to the desires of Internet shoppers. These websites cater toward the sales of used cars, but some websites offer sales of new cars, or links to special offers from dealerships.

There are also many listings on forums and social media which can match you up with a seller. The phrase “buyer beware” is important here, because there can be limited recourse if the buyer purchases a car as seen and turns out to be a lemon.

Good sources of online cars in Thailand are below. However, note that these online sites run by car agencies result in prices that can be higher than average market prices. 

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• Motors.co.th/en – This site is easy to use and clear for used car shopping. Enter a few simple details about your budget, location, make, and model and you get a list of results. You get everything in English, and the list gives you pictures and contact number of the seller. 
• Suekairod.com – The site is useful if you are looking to get a guide price and find information about your nearest dealer. A major selling point of this site is that they list cars available in dealerships, both new and used. This means that you can pick up a bargain from a dealer and not just from a private individual.
• The other option for online purchases is to look at sites like Facebook Marketplace, kaidee.com and bahtsold.com, which offer secondhand goods including cars. 

There are other sites that help you buy cars directly from sellers. Prices will be cheaper with better conditions. Our premium subscription includes all of these reputable sites as well as tips to car inspection tips and tricks and other money saving strategies while living in Thailand.

Auctions

Car auctions are great to watch. The atmosphere is exciting and fun to study the tactics of the bidders trying to work out their top price. Buying a car through auction is something to be wary of for a number of reasons though.

The issue is that you have to compete against other bidders and could end up paying more than you’re prepared to in the heat of battle. At auctions you’ll have to make quick decisions and might not get a full description of the vehicle or have limited opportunities to inspect it. 

However, you can sometimes get a bargain at an auction if others aren’t interested in the car you want. Those with knowledge of cars can be confident that they can spot a bargain when they see one.

If you’re interested in car auctions, check out Union-Auction which has listings for car auctions in Thai and English. Both sites give pictures and descriptions for the cars available and list fees you need to pay.

The auction is a fun, exciting, fast process. So here’s some tips to help you succeed:

• Set yourself a budget
• Check the car you would like to bid on, including the documents
• Pay by internet bank transfer for the safest method of payment
• All cars are sold “as is, where is;” there are no returns
• Read the terms and conditions
• Ensure you have the correct name registered for the auction
• Bid clearly and don’t wait until the last minute.

A quick look on Google shows there are plenty of car auctions in Thailand so you might be able to find a local independent auction close to you.

I pointed it out here as another available option. However, you need to bid against professionals from car tents, and you need to know cars very well since they come in various conditions. For most people, they buy cars through other routes.

The Buying Process

When you’ve decided to go ahead and make your purchase you have a few hoops to jump through. When buying a new car it’s possible that the dealer will look after most, if not all, of the paperwork for you. But when buying from an individual, you’ll need to be more hands-on.

Driving with Red License Plates

When driving with red license plates there are a few things you must be aware of. 

First, you should always keep your ownership papers, the temporary red book, and transfer documents with you. If the police decide to stop you then you’re liable to pay a fine if you can’t prove ownership. 

Second, with red plates you are restricted to driving during daylight hours and in the province the car is registered to. If you want to drive to other provinces or at night time (after 8pm), you need to write down the date and destination inside the temporary red book. 

Failure to transfer from the red temporary plates to the white official ones can result in a fine if you are pulled over by the police. A lot of people do like to keep red plates on just to show that they have a new car.

Booking a Specific Car Registration Number 

If you want a specific registration plate number, you can do it yourself online if you can read Thai at the Department of Land Transport website on weekdays from 10am to 4 pm. You only need a chassis number, which you can get from the dealer. 

Everyday on the Department of Land Transport website, it shows you a list of available registration numbers sorted by Thai alphabet and number. If it doesn’t have the alphabet or number that you want on that day, you just need to wait until it’s available.

There are some people who wait for almost a year in order to get the number and characters that they want. During this time, they just keep driving their new car with a red plate. While it’s not entirely legal, it happens. 

Once you can successfully book your desired number, you can print out a confirmation document and hand it over along with a copy of your passport, residential certificate, and the car purchase contract to your dealer for a car registration process. After that, you should get a white plate within a week or two. Although some dealers may take longer than that. 

Depending on your negotiation skills, it’s possible to ask a salesperson to book a specific car registration number for you too. If you don’t book a specific number, it will be assigned randomly depending on what’s available on the Department of Land Transport website at that moment.

Used Car Buying Process

Transferring Your Car

When you buy a used car, you also need to transfer a car yourself, which can be done at the Department of Land Transport with the following documents.

• Original vehicle registration book
• Copies of the previous owner’s ID card
• Copies of your passport
• A residence certificate
• Transfer application form signed by you and the previous owner
• Power of attorney along with a copy of the representative’s ID card (if you don’t want to do it yourself)

The transfer process involves several steps.

• The first is to submit all paperwork and get it checked and stamped by an official. At this stage, they may ask you to come back in a few days if you bought a car from another province. 
• When everything has been checked, you need to come back and inspect the car. The inspection makes sure the car matches the details on the submitted forms and that there are no other problems.
• Finally you will be asked to come back to collect plates and the Blue Book.

If the car is transferred within the same province, everything should be finished within a few hours. If it’s transferred to another province, it will take a few days.

The transfer cost is different based on the estimated amount of the sale value of your car. There’s a 105 baht transferring fee and a stamp fee of 0.005 baht from the estimated car price. For example, if the car is estimated at 300,000 baht, the total transfer cost would be 1,605 baht (105+ (300000 x 0.005)).

Finally, if you are unable to do it yourself, you can give the power of attorney to another person to complete the paperwork for you.

Used cars registered in a different province will need a new set of plates. The cost of this is around 200-300 baht.

Getting a Car Loan

Unfortunately, it’s a big challenge to get a car loan in Thailand as a foreigner. Some people are able to get one, and this is what you usually need:

• A local bank account with good standing at a local bank. 
• You need a work permit or similar showing you are here long term.
• A Thai guarantor. This can be a relative or friend, but they need to be aware of the situation and what happens if the foreigner defaults on the loan. For the purchase of all cars thereafter and where the loan is through the same source, a guarantor is not needed. 
• A higher downpayment.

Even if you have all of this, don’t be surprised if you still can’t get a car loan. It’s difficult. So, the majority of expats in Thailand choose to buy a car with cash instead.

Interest rates for a car loan in Thailand is around 2% – 4%. It can be more or less depending on the amount of down payment and lease duration, which is normally in the range of 24 months to 84 months. During a promotion period, it’s possible to get an interest rate of less than 1%.

The easiest way to get a car loan is to talk to a salesperson. They can put you in touch with a financial institution that might offer you a car loan. Popular options include Krung Sri Auto, Tisco, SCB, and TTB Drive. But don’t have high hopes.

Insurance

If you buy a new car, it normally comes with Type 1 insurance as well as mandatory insurance for a year. In the case of a used car, it depends. Some may come with insurance, while others may not at all.

Anyway, there are several different types and levels of insurance in Thailand. We have a separate article on car insurance in Thailand providing you everything you need to know on this topic.

Tax

Tax depends on the make and model of your car and can be between 800-10,000 baht per year. If it is a new car, your car dealer will be able to tell you in more detail how much tax you will be expected to pay. After that, you need to renew your car tax every year.

Read our article on how to renew and pay your car tax in Thailand to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about buying a car in Thailand.

Why Do You Need a Car in Thailand?

First up, think about whether or not you really need one. They are a big expense and a lot of potential headaches. 

There are four main points that make buying a car a good option to you:

• Location: Unless you live in the downtown Bangkok, having a car can significantly improve your quality of life and help you get around much easier. On the other hand, if you live in the downtown, driving a car can be a nightmare because of traffic.
• Travel outside of the downtown area: If you need to travel outside the downtown area for business, it becomes a necessity to have private transportation.
• Weekend trips: Having a car give you more options for weekend trips outside of the big city.
• Family: One common reason for buying a car in Thailand is for when you have a family and don’t want to rely on public transportation. A car is the safest and most convenient way to transport your family around. Having your own car makes for great road trips with the kids.

Sidenote: If you are living in a condo or an apartment think about parking. Does your condo or neighborhood allow it? This can be a very expensive after thought if you don’t have access to a safe parking space.

Can I Buy a Car Using a Tourist Visa?

Although you can buy a car with a tourist visa, you can’t legally register your car under your name. 

This is because the Department of Land Transport always asks for a residence certificate from the immigration office. And this is only available to those who have a valid long-term visa. 

Is It Easy to Sell a Car Later?

It depends on your car brand, condition, and price.

If it’s a popular brand like Toyota or Honda, you can sell it quite quickly if the car is still in good condition and you set a good price.

If you are in a rush, you can sell it to a “car tent.” However, the price you get may not be good.

How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Car?

If you have the right documents, it can be done in a day. However, when you buy a new car, it will take around a week after you submit all the documents to a car dealership.

Is It Better to Buy a New or Used Car?

That totally depends on what you want. If you have the budget and don’t want to worry about maintenance, go with a new car.

On the other hand, you may get a better deal with a used car.

Is There Anything I Need to Do for Maintaining a Car?

There are basically three things:

• maintenance checks when they are due (normally every 6 months or 1 year, depending on your car model)
• renew car tax annually
• purchase car insurance annually