Speculation here, but I'd say Chinese opinion to second hand cars is the same as what they'd think of as a second hand house.  Something that has "been used" and is "somebody else's seconds."  In other words, the current fashion doesn't support your friend's business plan.  People are willing to work themselves to death and live on 2 bowls of noodles every day just in order to live "the dream" and buy themselves a brand new car and a brand new house.  Nobody wants used stuff.  You may discover a new demographic of consumers within the poor farmer community... but they would probably buy one of those cheap tin metal electric vans as opposed to one of your cars.

Market the dealership as importing used, previously-foreign-owned cars, and some locals might go for it. It's common knowledge that the same brand of car goes through extra quality and safety testing before entering western or Japanese markets, while China, Africa and all the rest get nearly untested cars, or even production line rejects. Focus on this aspect, de-emphasize the secondhand nature, and make sure the cars look new. Some careful consumers will probably be interested.

Thanks guys - I was thinking the same thing, that the 'previously-owned' may not do so well, but then the foreign aspect does have something going for it.

There would be no interest in second hand.  Chinese want new.  Furthermore, the cars are trashed, driving on sidewalks to park.  The only value is the plate.  Old gf has an older honda, she only keeps as the plate has more value then the car.  With this car she can go into any area at any time in BJ

There's no market because Chinese men only like virgin cars. 

there would be s big market for it i sold my car 2 dsys after i put it up for sale it was,2 yesrd old and dold it for 25000 rmb less than i paid for it