With 300 million VND, should I buy the VinFast VF 3 or a used car: Choose a new car with less risk or a used one?

The VinFast VF 3 not only challenges the Wuling MiniEV and A-segment cars but also competes fiercely with used cars in the 300-million price range, which are popular among first-time car buyers.

VinFast VF 3 Pricing

VinFast VF 3 Battery Lease Pricing

Right after being officially announced, the selling price of the VinFast VF 3 electric car immediately became a hot topic of discussion on automotive forums. Among them, there are various opinions, with many arguing that at this price point, consumers could buy several used gasoline models that are larger than VinFast's smallest car.

According to the author's survey on current car trading websites, at the price range of 235 – 240 million VND, consumers can only afford some fairly old models.

Specifically, on bonbanh.com, when searching for used cars in the price range of 235 – 240 million VND, some models that consumers might come across include the Ford Fiesta S 1.6 AT – 2012, Chevrolet Captiva LT 2.4 MT – 2008, Hyundai i10 Grand 1.0 MT – 2016, Toyota Zace GL – 2005, and several others.

Similarly, on oto.com.vn, when searching for cars in a similar price range, buyers can choose from models such as the Ford Mondeo 2.3 AT – 2010, Hyundai Veracruz – 2009, Mitsubishi Triton GLX – 2011, Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G MT – 2009,...

The most apparent advantage of the listed gasoline models above is that they are significantly larger than the VinFast VF 3. They have more seating capacity, allowing for more passengers. Additionally, most traditional gasoline cars have spacious trunks for storing belongings – a disadvantage that the VinFast VF 3 has been criticized for on social media.

However, the trade-off comes with many inherent risks for users. This used car group has many features that are considered "outdated" compared to new models or may not even be equipped with essential features. Parts that have been manufactured for a long time may lead to a higher failure rate, which can result in increased maintenance and repair costs.

"New drivers, especially first-time buyers, may experience psychological crises if they use models with too many flaws and spend time repairing them," said Tuấn Minh, owner of a used car showroom in Hanoi.

In addition to lacking features, consumers may also face other risks when buying used cars. This could include purchasing flood-damaged, accident-involved, or even ex-taxi vehicles, making it difficult to accurately assess the quality of the car without a reputable address.

On the contrary, at the same price point, consumers can buy a completely new model like the VinFast VF 3, which fits the global trend of electrification in the automotive industry.

The size of the VF 3 is compact but can still accommodate 4 people. It is also more spacious than some A-segment cars. With a ground clearance of up to 191 mm, the VinFast VF 3 can navigate crowded urban areas and provide peace of mind for drivers when traversing rough terrain without worrying about scraping the undercarriage.

Additionally, VinFast has announced that their new electric car can travel from 205 to 210 km per charge according to NEDC standards. Therefore, for urban dwellers, using the VinFast VF 3 daily for distances ranging from 30 to 50 km is quite convenient.

The charging capability of the VinFast VF 3 is also a strong point of this model, as it can be charged from a household 220V power source at home or fast-charged at high-power charging stations, with an estimated charging time from 10 to 70% in just 36 minutes.

However, with the design that has been announced, the VinFast VF 3 electric car will be more suitable for those who frequently commute in the city or on short trips. If you often travel long distances, need to travel far, or frequently commute on highways, then higher segment options would be more suitable for your needs.

Original article and picture by AutoPro