My Lifan Smily Experience: A Week of Mixed Emotions

I've had my Lifan Smily for a week now, and I'm still trying to figure out what to make of it. On the bright side, it's a real head-turner - people can't help but stare at it, whether it's the ladies, the gentlemen, or the kids. The interior is roomy enough for four adults, including the driver, and all the standard features are working as they should. The heater's got some serious heat, the condenser's got some serious cooling, and the side mirrors and ABS are all top-notch. For the price, I was expecting a lot less, but I picked it up in 2013 for a steal at 309,000 rubles, fully loaded - a real value for money, if you ask me.

Lifan Smily ReviewNow, let's get to the not-so-good stuff. Here are my gripes:

One thing that's got me scratching my head is the clearance - it's a bit too low. You won't be able to drive over every pothole without feeling it, but for city driving, it's manageable. Just don't try to take it on the kurmish roads, haha! I've had a few close calls already, but it's nothing a good driver can't handle.

The suspension is another issue - it's a bit too soft. You'll feel every bump in the road, but on the bright side, it's also pretty good at absorbing the shock of hitting a pothole. You won't even notice the train tracks, let alone the massive potholes that are supposed to be there. It's a bit of a mixed bag, but overall, it's still a great ride.

I've also noticed some quality control issues with the assembly - I've seen some weird stuff in the other Lifan Smily's I've seen. But hey, it's easy to fix if you catch it early. I've already had to replace a few parts, but it's not been a huge deal.

The trunk space is a bit too small - you can barely fit one bag of groceries in there. But hey, if you're not planning on loading it up with a bunch of stuff, it's not a big deal. And you know, the rear seat folds down, so you can still fit a bunch of stuff in there. It's not ideal, but it's doable.

As for the fuel economy, I'm getting around 12-15 liters per 100 kilometers in the city. It's not like it's a big deal or anything, and when you do get on the highway, it's a whole different story - this little engine can move, let me tell you. I've seen some big-name cars struggle to keep up with me and my Smily. It's not the most efficient car, but it's got heart.

Finally, there's the issue with the mechanics - they can be a bit pricey, and not all of them are the sharpest tool in the shed. But hey, you can't have it all, right? I've had to deal with a few dodgy mechanics already, but it's not been a disaster.

So, there you have it - my take on the Lifan Smily. If you like it, go for it - it's a great little car, and hey, if it breaks down, it's not like it's the end of the world or anything. It's just a car, after all. I've had my fair share of breakdowns, but I've always managed to fix it or get it fixed quickly. It's all about being prepared and knowing who to turn to.

P.S. My husband's got some connections with some interesting folks who can get you the parts and accessories you need. Just give him a shout if you need anything. He's always been a lifesaver when it comes to getting the right stuff for my Smily.