Renault Samsung SM5 Export from Korea: Value Sedan Guide (2026)

A used Renault Samsung SM5 export from Korea costs between $3,500 and $12,000 FOB, depending on year, engine, trim and mileage. Built at Renault's Busan plant and Korea's default taxi and fleet sedan for years, the SM5 is a comfort-tuned mid-size (D-segment) sedan whose third generation (2010–2019) was exported globally as the Renault Latitude and, in some markets, the Renault Safrane. It offers a 2.0 petrol, a low-cost 2.0 LPe LPG engine, a 1.6 dCi diesel and — on the 2014 SM5 Nova — a 1.6 TCe turbo. As the value predecessor to the newer SM6, the SM5 is the cheapest way into a comfortable Korean mid-size sedan for private buyers, taxi and fleet operators across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and francophone Africa. The value sweet spot is a 2014–2016 SM5 Nova 2.0 at $6,000–$9,000 FOB. SH GLOBAL Co., Ltd. sources SM5 units directly from Korean auctions and fleet disposals, with steady order flow into Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Libya and Egypt.

Whether you want a cheap personal sedan in Tashkent, an LPG-fuelled taxi in Tbilisi, or a low-cost fleet car in Baghdad, this complete guide to the renault samsung sm5 export from korea walks through every buying decision: the engines, the LPG-taxi question, trims, FOB price tables by year, the SM5-versus-SM6 decision, and the 6-step purchase process. Because the SM5 sits directly below its successor, it is worth reading alongside our Renault Samsung SM6 buyer's guide. Browse our live Renault inventory to see currently available units, or request a free SM5 quotation by engine and mileage band.

Why the SM5 Is Korea's Value & LPG-Taxi Sedan

The Renault Samsung SM5 earned its reputation as the workhorse of Korea's roads. For more than two decades it was the country's go-to taxi and fleet sedan, prized for a soft, comfort-tuned ride, a roomy cabin and — above all — bulletproof, cheap-to-run mechanicals. First launched in 1998 on a Nissan Maxima/Cefiro base and later a Nissan Teana platform, the third-generation "New SM5" (2010–2019) shifted to a Renault-Nissan platform and was sold worldwide as the Renault Latitude. That global engineering pedigree is a big part of why the used SM5 travels so well into export markets.

The economics are the headline. Because the SM5 is an older, higher-supply model that has largely been replaced in Korea by the SM6, used FOB prices start as low as $3,500 — routinely 40–60% below a same-condition SM6 and well under a comparable Hyundai Sonata. According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA), value-priced D-segment sedans remain a substantial slice of Korea's used-vehicle exports, moving steadily into fleet, taxi and budget private-buyer channels across Central Asia, the Caucasus and Africa. For buyers who need a comfortable mid-size sedan at the lowest possible entry price, few cars out of Korea beat it.

The SM5's other trump card is its factory 2.0 LPe LPG version with an under-boot donut tank. LPG SM5s were the backbone of Korea's taxi fleets, so used supply is deep. In markets with cheap, widely available autogas — much of Central Asia and the Caucasus — an LPG SM5 delivers among the lowest running costs of any sedan SH GLOBAL exports. The catch is that many of those LPe cars are ex-taxis with very high mileage, which makes buying on verified condition, not headline price, the whole game. SH GLOBAL Co., Ltd. positions the SM5 as the value-and-LPG pick of the Korean mid-size class: proven comfort and durability, rock-bottom entry price, and the cheapest fuel cost where autogas exists.

Generations & Engines: 2.0, LPe, 1.6 dCi & TCe

Choosing the right engine is the single most important SM5 export decision, because it drives running cost, reliability risk and fuel-infrastructure fit. Most cars in today's export pool are the third-generation New SM5 (2010–2019), which was offered with four powertrains — and they are not equal for export.

The 2.0 petrol paired with the CVT is the export default: smooth, adequate for a comfort sedan, and the cheapest and most predictable combination to own. It dominates the private-owner used pool and is the safest choice for markets with limited Renault service depth.

The 2.0 LPe LPG shares the same smooth CVT and is the running-cost champion in autogas markets. Because it powered so many taxis, supply is huge and prices are the lowest of any SM5 — but a large share of LPe cars are ex-taxis, so mileage and duty cycle matter enormously. The 1.6 dCi Renault diesel is uncommon and, because Renault diesel parts are less widely stocked than Hyundai or Kia parts in many regions, is a niche pick best avoided unless you have local Renault support. The 1.6 TCe turbo — introduced on the 2014 SM5 Nova, roughly 190 PS through a 7-speed EDC dual-clutch — is the enthusiast's SM5; buy one with clean maintenance history and budget for dual-clutch care. For how these fuel choices trend across export destinations, see our Korean used car export fuel type guide.

SM5 Trim Levels & Key Features

The third-generation SM5 ran through several updates — the launch New SM5, the 2012 SM5 Platinum facelift, and the 2014 SM5 Nova — with trims commonly badged SE, LE, RE and PE. Because export buyers care about which features actually survive years of use and matter in-region, here is what to prioritise rather than a full spec dump.

• Air conditioning & climate: Non-negotiable for GCC, Iraq and African buyers. Confirm strong, cold A/C — expensive to fix abroad, and often heavily used on ex-taxi cars.
• Infotainment & screen: Later Platinum and Nova cars added a larger centre display and navigation. Confirm the head unit and reversing camera power up and respond.
• Seats & comfort: Heated front seats and leather appear on RE/PE trims — genuine value in extreme climates and for private buyers who want more than a bare taxi-spec cabin.
• Lighting & safety: The Nova update refreshed the lighting and added equipment; higher trims carry more airbags and features that some markets increasingly require.
• Fleet vs private spec: Ex-taxi LPe cars are usually stripped, base-trim and high-mileage; private 2.0 petrol cars tend to be better equipped and better kept. Match the spec to whether you are running a fleet or selling to a private buyer.

The 2014 SM5 Nova is a meaningful dividing line: pre-Nova (2010–2013) cars are the value end, while Nova (2014–2019) cars bring the freshest look, updated equipment and the 1.6 TCe option at a higher FOB. Match the trim to your buyer profile — a fleet or taxi operator can run a lean SE/LE 2.0 LPe, while a private buyer will want a better-kept RE/PE 2.0 petrol. If you are ready to step up to the newer, more premium successor, compare against our SM6 (Talisman) buyer's guide; if you want a crossover instead of a sedan, see our Renault QM6 / Koleos guide from the same Busan-built family.

Renault Samsung SM5 FOB Prices from Korea (2026)

The following ranges reflect SH GLOBAL's July 2026 sourcing benchmarks from Korean auction and fleet-disposal data. Pricing assumes typical mileage for age and sound mechanical condition; ex-taxi LPe cars with very high mileage sit at the bottom of each band. Because engine, trim and history swing SM5 values significantly, treat these as guide ranges and request a unit-specific quote.

For a full breakdown of FOB-to-landed cost (CIF, customs duty, VAT, port handling, registration), see our import cost breakdown guide. Because SM5 pricing is condition- and mileage-driven — especially on ex-taxi cars — use our price negotiation guide to benchmark any quote against fair market value before you commit.

SM5 vs SM6, Sonata & K5

The SM5's real decision is against the rest of the Korean mid-size sedan class — its own successor the SM6, plus the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5. All are LHD, Korean-built D-segment sedans, and the right pick depends on your priorities around price, resale, parts and how new you need the car to be.

Choose the Renault Samsung SM5 when the lowest entry price, proven durability and cheap LPG running cost matter most — the classic budget, fleet and taxi pick. Choose the SM6 when you want a modern, more premium cabin and stronger resale and can pay 40–60% more. Choose the Hyundai Sonata for the strongest resale and the widest parts network — see our Sonata export review. Choose the Kia K5 for the sportiest look and drive. For the direct Hyundai-vs-Kia head-to-head in this class, read our Sonata vs K5 export guide, and for how Korean sedans stack up against Japanese rivals on price and reliability, see our Korean vs Japanese used car comparison.

Best SM5 Configuration by Export Region

Region-specific recommendations based on SH GLOBAL's shipment patterns for Korean value mid-size sedans:

The SM5 is an especially strong fit for Central Asia and the Caucasus, where cheap autogas makes the 2.0 LPe a running-cost winner, Renault has meaningful service presence, and the rock-bottom entry price suits fleet and taxi buyers. For duty structures, EAEU rules and routing into these markets, see our Central Asia export guide and our Kazakhstan buyer's guide. Francophone African buyers benefit from Renault's brand familiarity, though Hyundai and Kia still lead on parts depth in most of the continent.

View SH GLOBAL's live Renault inventory — SM5, SM6, QM6 and more →

How to Buy a Renault Samsung SM5 from Korea

The SM5 purchase follows SH GLOBAL's standard 6-step Korea-to-port flow. Because the SM5 is a high-supply value sedan, sourcing a specific engine and mileage band is usually quick, and total elapsed time from order to FOB-on-vessel is typically 10–18 days.

1. Quotation: Tell SH GLOBAL the year range, engine (2.0 petrol, 2.0 LPe, 1.6 TCe), mileage ceiling, trim and budget. We return a quotation within 24–48 hours with matching candidate units, photos and mileage.
2. Sourcing: Once you select a target unit, we lock it — from commercial auctions or from direct private and fleet disposals, which are the best source of well-kept, lower-mileage private SM5s rather than ex-taxis.
3. Inspection: SH GLOBAL performs a pre-shipment inspection covering engine and VIN verification, taxi-history and mileage check, transmission health (CVT or EDC), A/C, body/accident check and — on LPG cars — the tank and conversion condition.
4. Payment: 30% deposit via SWIFT upon unit confirmation, 70% balance before B/L release. For details, follow our step-by-step buying process.
5. De-registration: SH GLOBAL handles 수출말소 (export de-registration) at the local vehicle registration office.
6. RoRo or container loading & B/L: The SM5 ships by Ro-Ro or in a shared/sole container from Pyeongtaek, Masan, Incheon or Busan. Bill of Lading issuance and telex release follow final payment.

Shipping & Total Landed Cost Estimates

As a standard mid-size sedan, the SM5 ships easily by Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or shares a container with other vehicles. Indicative all-in landed cost for a 2015 SM5 Nova 2.0 (FOB $7,500) by destination, before destination-country customs duty and VAT:

Customs duty, VAT, excise and registration are destination-specific and not included above; many Central Asian and Caucasus markets levy engine-displacement-based charges, so factor those in. Use SH GLOBAL's import cost calculator and your country's customs schedule to build a full landed-cost estimate before ordering.

Ownership & What to Inspect Before You Buy

Because the SM5 is a cheap, high-supply model with a huge ex-taxi population, buying on condition matters more than on almost any other Korean sedan. A bargain SM5 with a worn LPG system, a clocked odometer or hidden taxi history can cost far more in its first year than a slightly dearer, well-documented private car. According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Korean passenger sedans remain a resilient export category — but value is preserved only when you buy on verified condition, not headline price.

Here is the pre-purchase checklist SH GLOBAL applies to every SM5 before it clears inspection:

• Taxi origin & mileage: Cross-check whether the car was a taxi or fleet vehicle and verify the true odometer against service and inspection records — the single biggest SM5 value risk.
• LPG system (LPe): Verify the donut tank certification/date, regulator and injectors, and confirm the car runs cleanly on gas — LPG neglect is a hidden cost and a registration issue in some markets.
• Transmission: On 2.0 petrol/LPe cars, confirm smooth CVT operation with no whine or slip. On 1.6 TCe/dCi cars, confirm smooth dual-clutch shifting with no shudder and documented fluid service.
• Accident & body: Check panel gaps, paint depth and the engine bay for repair evidence. SH GLOBAL cross-checks the Korean accident and history record to catch structural repairs.
• A/C & electrics: Confirm strong cold air and that the head unit, camera and warning lights behave — heavily used on ex-fleet cars.
• VIN & documents: SH GLOBAL verifies the VIN and export eligibility so a clocked or misrepresented car is caught before payment.

Ownership cost is very low when you pick well: a private-owner 2.0 petrol or a screened low-mileage 2.0 LPe SM5 is cheap to run, and general service items are affordable. The two cost risks to manage are a tired ex-taxi LPG car and Renault-specific parts in regions with thin dealer support — both avoidable by buying the right car for your market. Budget for routine wear — brakes, tyres, filters, A/C and (on LPG cars) periodic gas-system service — and a well-chosen SM5 will deliver comfortable, dependable Korean mid-size motoring for years at the lowest entry price out of Korea. Lean on SH GLOBAL Co., Ltd. to match the exact SM5 engine, mileage and history to your route, climate and import rules.