The new regulations related to automobile emission inspections effective from March 1, 2026, are creating a clear impact on the used car market, especially for diesel-engine vehicles. 

A survey by reporters at several used car dealerships in Hanoi in recent days shows that trading activity is quite sluggish compared with the period before Tet. At a showroom on Nguyen Van Cu Street (Long Bien, Hanoi), many diesel pickup trucks and SUVs that are 10–15 years old are still parked in the lot even though they have been listed for sale for weeks.

Phan Nguyen, the owner of a used car dealership in the area, confirmed that the number of customers asking for diesel vehicles has dropped significantly.

“In general, the used car market always slows down after Tet, but this year it is much more difficult. With the news about stricter emissions inspections for diesel vehicles, which require pressing the accelerator fully for testing, people are even more hesitant to buy,” Nguyen said.

“We imported diesel pickup trucks and SUVs but they are still have not been sold, while we still have to bear costs such as rent and loan interest. We have been in this business for years, but we have rarely seen the market as quiet as it is now,” he added.

At another used car dealership on Tran Thai Tong Street (Cau Giay, Hanoi), the situation is similar. The owner said recently fewer customers have come to view cars, especially older diesel models.

“A few days ago, a customer from Dong Anh placed a deposit of VND10 million to buy a 2019 Toyota Fortuner diesel from our store for nearly VND900 million. Both sides had almost finalized the deal and were just waiting for the ownership transfer date. But later the customer called back to withdraw the deposit after hearing people talk about stricter emissions inspections for diesel vehicles, which require pressing the accelerator fully (to the floor) during testing,” Nguyen said.

He added: “The customer said they were worried about potential problems during future inspections and possible repair costs, so they decided to stop. Cases like this are not rare recently. Many people who genuinely want to buy are still hesitant because they are concerned about the new regulations.”

“Some customers come to buy cars, but remain uncertain. They ask very carefully about the engine condition and emissions system, and even ask whether the fuel injectors have been repaired before, worrying that problems might arise during inspections after buying the car,” he said.

According to used car traders, sales of diesel vehicles have dropped significantly recently compared with the period before Tet and are also lower than the same period last year. Older diesel pickup trucks and SUVs that were once popular now take much longer to find buyers.

Ngoc Duc, a person who specializes in selling classic cars in Hanoi, said stricter inspections will create short-term impacts on both vehicle owners and used car dealers.

“Car owners may have to repair or upgrade their vehicles to meet inspection standards, or even sell their cars early to switch to newer models. Used car traders are also affected because customer psychology has become more cautious when buying vehicles,” Duc said.

Buyers shift toward newer and greener vehicles

According to used car dealers, tightening emissions inspection standards could lead to clearer segmentation in the used car market.

Duc said older diesel models may struggle to find buyers, while newer vehicles with clear maintenance histories will likely remain attractive. Buyers tend to choose newer vehicles to reduce the risk of failing inspections.

Most people buy diesel vehicles for long-distance travel or transport, so the demand still exists. However, to avoid inspection risks, many buyers are considering switching to newer models or vehicles powered by gasoline, hybrid systems or electricity.

This shift is becoming more noticeable in inner-city areas. Urban users are increasingly interested in electric vehicles or small gasoline cars because they are easier to use, more convenient in cities and less worrying in terms of emissions standards.

Meanwhile, in suburban areas or localities where people need to travel long distances or transport goods, diesel vehicles are still considered a suitable choice thanks to strong towing power and better fuel efficiency on long trips.

Hoang Hiep