New vs. Used Toyota Prado Export from China: Which Option Gives Dealers the Highest Profit Margin?

Neither new nor used is always more profitable. The better margin comes from the option your market lets you import cheaply and your customers will buy quickly. For most dealers, that decision turns on four questions: import rules, landed cost, buyer demand and stock turnover.

Which Prado options are available?

Question 1: What does your country allow?

Start here, because it can rule options out entirely. Many countries limit the age of imported used vehicles, and some calculate duty differently for new and used cars. A 2019 Prado may be ideal in one market and impossible to register in another. Check the current rules with your customs authority or broker — our market pages link to the official sources for our focus countries.

Question 2: What is the full landed cost?

Compare vehicles on landed cost, not purchase price: the vehicle, freight, insurance, import duty and taxes, port charges, compliance and registration. A used unit is cheaper to buy, but if your market taxes older vehicles more heavily, the gap can narrow. Ask us for CIF quotes on both options so your broker can calculate duty on real numbers.

Question 3: What do your customers want?

• Buyers who want the newest model — and the peace of mind of a 0 km car — usually pay for a new 2026 or 2025 Prado.
• Buyers who want the current LC250 look for less are the natural market for a used 2024 Prado: same design and hybrid system, lower price point.
• Buyers who need seven seats or a simple petrol drivetrain are well served by the 2019 J150 Prado with its 3.5L V6 and 87-litre tank.

Question 4: How fast will it sell?

Margin is earned per day of stock, not just per car. A slightly lower margin on a vehicle that sells in two weeks can beat a higher margin on one that sits for months. New units in popular trims and colours are easier to forecast; used units are unique, which suits dealers who sell each car individually.

What are the risks of each option?

So which should a dealer choose?

If your market has strict age limits or your customers buy on trust in a new vehicle, focus on new 2026/2025 stock. If used imports are allowed and buyers are price-led, a mix of used 2024 units and selected new units spreads risk. Many dealers start with a small mixed order — our minimum is one unit — and scale the option that sells fastest.