Second hand cars in Hua Hin. Where?

[dotx]

I'm looking for a cheap second-hand car. Something under 300,000. I know that doesn't get you much in Thailand, but I don't ask for much either. I've looked through the classifieds on Baht Sold and Craigslist, but some of the cheaper cars are either in Chiang Mai or all the way south. I really don't want to go so far just to see a car. Is there any "decent" second-hand place for cheap cars here in Hua Hin/Cha Am/Pranburi? The ones I've seen have new-ish cars (2009 and up) and are much more expensive.

[SunandFun]

What are you going to use it for? How long do you plan to keep it? What ideally would you like to find? This would help to give you feedback. Used cars are on every corner, per say.

[dotx]

What are you going to use it for? How long do you plan to keep it? What ideally would you like to find? This would help to give you feedback. Used cars are on every corner, per say.

Just driving around the area. No long-distance driving (maybe an occasional drive 3-4 hours away, but not often -- think twice a year or so)

How long do I plan to keep it? A couple of years, maximum. I'm leaving Thailand after that.

Ideally, I'd love an SUV, but for under 300,000, it seems unlikely. If not that, then I'm open to options. Must be an automatic.

I've seen used cars all over town, but, like I mentioned, they're all expensive used cars. I was wondering if somebody knew of any specific place here in town (or neighboring towns) that sells older, cheaper cars.

[SunandFun]

Give this mechanic a call. His name is Pichai (0863399491) and he has one of the best mechanic shops in Hua Hin for Expats. He may know of something that will fit your needs. The good thing is you can trust the reliability of the vehicle. You have to be careful in the used market. I bought from an Expat and was lied to about the condition of the vehicle. Many other unscrupulous things are done to hide the truth about the history of a vehicle. So you have to be careful about used. You are correct that it will be hard to find one in this price range. They seem to hold value forever. So it has to be old or damaged to lower the value to this price range. If you buy new, then after two years you will get 90% of your money back probably. Only problem is how to get the money back home after that. And do you want to tie up the money for that long. Other options include, taking over someones payments. Or, having a SUV purchased in a Thai name and financed. Both have some risk and would require more research. But trying to help.

[SunandFun]

I purchased an old car, auto, AC, etc. 1997 model Hyundai Sonata, (150,000km). Paid 87,500 Baht and put another 45,000 Baht into it. Now I have a descent car that I can trust and is reliable. But I did not buy it thinking I would spend that much on it. What ever you do, spend a little money and have it checked out by a good mechanic before you pay for it. Once you find something, let me know if you have questions on transfer, etc. I'll try to help.

[dotx]

Thanks for the info. Does the mechanic speak English? If not, I'd have to find somebody to translate.

Since I'm only going to be here for a couple of years, it just doesn't make sense to buy something new. And I really don't want to spend a lot of money on it (for that and other reasons). Under 300,000 seems reasonable.

[Nereus]

Thanks for the info. Does the mechanic speak English? If not, I'd have to find somebody to translate.

Yes, he speaks good English. But it may be better to go and see him. "L" Garage opposite the Palace, just before the traffic lights. He buys in cars from Bangkok, and his Father also has a place in Cha Am.

[SunandFun]

Thanks Nereus, On the way to Cha Am from Hua Hin. Just past Soi 42. It is a "Mobile Oil" sign with "L Garage" next to it. I spent a lot of time with him, English good, very honest guy. Was not aware of his connections to used cars other than he would be one to ask in the future. Once you get to the transfer, it may pay to have someone help you that does read, write and speak Thai. I know someone who helped me for 500 Baht. Well worth it.

[dotx]

Thank you so much for all the information. I'll stop by tomorrow and have a talk with him.

[a10ams]

Just as you enter Pranburi on the left, there is a lot with a pile of second hand cars. can't vouch for them as I have had no dealings with them.

Note ... don't take the by-pass road as you will not be able to access the place from there, you need to go by Petchkaseem Road. As soon as you are in the area where you can see the bypass on your right, then that place is on your left.