A recon car is a used car imported from overseas, usually from Japan or the UK. A used car has already been registered and driven in Malaysia.
Recon and used at a glance
| Point | Recon | Used |
|---|---|---|
| History | First sold overseas, then imported | Registered and driven in Malaysia |
| Malaysian owners | Often none yet, if unregistered | At least one |
| Mileage and trim | Often lower mileage and higher trim | Depends on the car |
| Price | Usually higher | Usually lower for the same age |
| What to check | The auction sheet, if available | Local service records |
What recon means
Recon is short for reconditioned. These cars were first sold in another country, then imported and prepared for sale here. Many are sold unregistered, so you would be the first registered owner in Malaysia.
A recon car from a Japanese auction usually has a condition grade. Our guide explains what auction grades like 5A and 4.5B mean.
What used means
A used car already has a Malaysian registration and at least one local owner. It usually costs less than a recon car of the same age, and you can often check its local service records.
How to read a car listing
Two years can appear on one listing, and they mean different things.
- The made year is when the car was built.
- The registered year is when it was first registered in Malaysia.
- A car marked unregistered has not been registered here yet.
A car made in 2017 and registered in 2022 was probably imported and registered later.
Which one should you choose?
Choose recon if you want lower mileage or a specification that was not sold here, and your budget allows it. Choose used if you want a lower price and a local history you can check. For either one, inspect the car in person and take a test drive before you decide.
You can compare both in the cars we have in stock.
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