Post-CNY car market in KL: price trends
Chinese New Year is over. The angpow have been given, balik kampung trips are done — and now many car owners in Kuala Lumpur are asking the same question:
Did I miss the best time to sell?
Every year, the KL car market experiences a predictable festive cycle. Demand spikes before CNY. Buyers rush. Dealers stock up. Prices climb.
But what really happens after the festive rush ends?
Let’s break down what’s happening in the Post-CNY car market in KL in 2026 — and what it means for buyers and sellers.
The pre-CNY demand spike: why prices go up
Why buyers rush before CNY
In Malaysia, owning a car during Chinese New Year is more than convenience — it’s about:
Image and status during family visits
Replacing unreliable cars before long-distance drives
Taking advantage of dealer festive promotions
Year-end bonuses being paid out
In Klang Valley, demand typically surges from December through January. Popular models such as:
Perodua Myvi
Proton X50
Honda City
Toyota Vios
…see higher transaction volumes and tighter supply.
When demand increases and supply tightens, dealers naturally raise asking prices — especially for:
Low-mileage units
Full service record vehicles
High-demand colours (white, silver, grey)
Dealer behaviour before CNY
Dealers in KL and Selangor often:
Stockpile inventory 1–2 months earlier
Offer aggressive trade-in packages
Slightly inflate pricing due to urgency-driven buyers
This creates a short-term seller’s market before CNY.
Do car prices cool down after CNY?
Short Answer: Yes — but not immediately
Post-CNY, demand typically softens for 4–8 weeks. However, prices don’t suddenly crash.
Instead, what happens is:
Buyer urgency decreases
Negotiation margins widen
Dealers slow down bulk purchases
Listing prices stay high — but actual transaction prices adjust
In 2026, with tighter financing approvals and more cautious spending, we’re seeing:
Slight price corrections of 2–5%
Longer listing times
More price-sensitive buyers
When Do Prices Actually Drop?
Prices usually soften further when:
New car promotions resume post-festive
Bank loan campaigns become more aggressive
Supply increases from festive trade-ins (more on that below)
For sellers, this means:
You may still get strong value — but expect more negotiation.
Used car supply after festive trade-ins
Why supply increases after CNY
Many car owners upgrade right before CNY — especially families moving from sedan to SUV.
This leads to:
Increased trade-ins at dealerships
Higher volume of used cars entering the market
More options for buyers
In KL’s competitive market, increased supply means:
Buyers can compare more listings
Dealers become selective about what they purchase
Average selling times increase
Which Cars Flood the Market?
After CNY, common trade-ins include:
5–8 year-old Japanese sedans
Entry-level SUVs
Older MPVs
Models from Perodua, Proton, Toyota, and Honda dominate supply due to their high ownership rates in Klang Valley.
If your car falls into a “high-supply” category, pricing strategy becomes crucial.
Dealer strategies in Klang Valley post-CNY
Dealers in KL, Petaling Jaya, and surrounding Selangor areas adapt quickly.
Here’s what they typically do:
1. Reduce Bulk Buying
They become more cautious when purchasing cars from walk-in sellers.
2. Increase Marketing Promotions
Expect to see:
“Post-Raya Deals”
Low down payment campaigns
Free warranty add-ons
3. Tighten Valuations
Dealers will:
Scrutinize service records
Check accident history carefully
Negotiate harder
If your vehicle lacks documentation, expect lower offers.
Should you sell now or wait?
Here’s a simple decision guide:
Sell now if:
Your car is under 5 years old
It has low mileage & full service records
You want to avoid further depreciation
You already upgraded before CNY
Wait If:
Your model is currently oversupplied
You expect new government incentives
You can maintain the vehicle cost-effectively
Remember: In KL, depreciation continues monthly. Waiting rarely increases value unless market conditions drastically shift.
Practical tips for selling post-CNY in KL
To maximise price in today’s market:
1. Prepare complete documents
Grant copy
Service records
Accident repair history
2. Ensure JPJ and Puspakom compliance
Clear outstanding summons
Ensure no blacklisted loans
3. Detail your car professionally
- A clean, well-presented car can improve valuation by thousands.
4. Get multiple valuations
- Don’t rely on one dealer quote.
Frequently asked questions [FAQ]
1. Do used car prices drop after Chinese New Year in KL?
Yes, typically by 2–5%. Demand softens and negotiation margins widen, especially in high-supply segments.
2. Is February a bad time to sell a car in Klang Valley?
Not necessarily. It’s still viable, but buyers are less urgent. Strong-condition vehicles still command good offers.
3. Why do dealers offer lower prices after CNY?
Supply increases from festive trade-ins, and buyer traffic slows. Dealers manage inventory risk carefully.
4. When is the best month to sell a car in KL?
Historically: November to January (pre-CNY demand). However, strong-condition cars can sell well year-round.
5. Does car colour affect resale value in KL?
Yes. White, silver, and grey remain the most liquid colours in Klang Valley’s used car market.
Sell smarter with Motorist Malaysia
Navigating the post-CNY car market in KL can feel overwhelming — especially when dealer offers vary widely.
That’s where Motorist Malaysia comes in.
With:
Free car valuation within 24 hours
A network of 2,100+ certified partners
Full handling of JPJ & Puspakom paperwork
100% hassle-free Auto Concierge service
You don’t have to negotiate blindly.
Whether you’re selling after upgrading for CNY or simply testing the market, Motorist helps you secure the best possible price — without the stress.
Download the Motorist Super App today Or visit www.motorist.my
Sell smarter. Sell safer. Sell with confidence.
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