My Wild Ride with a Chinese Car: What I Learned

My Wild Ride with a Chinese Car: What I Learned from Buying a Used Chinese Vehicle

summarizeEditor's Summary

Buying a used Chinese car was a wild ride, but it ended up being a great value for money. I'm not the most confident driver, so I needed a car that was easy to handle, and this one fit the bill. The spacious trunk and decent interior design were a nice bonus, but I did encounter some issues with the build quality and noise insulation. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase, but there are some areas for improvement.

settingsSpecifications

Dizayn9/10

Kalite8/10

VerdictKötü

Güvenlik5/10

İçDizayn7/10

HizmetKalitesi2/10

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to say that the photos you see here are mine, and if you spot them on social media, it's only because I shared them!

I'm really happy with my car, even though it's Chinese-made. Buying a used Chinese car turned out to be a great value for money for me. I'm not the most confident driver, so it's perfect for me.

I really like the spacious trunk, the car's design, and the interior - it's all pretty decent. The chrome door handles and other details are a nice touch.

All the windows roll down, and you can adjust the mirrors from the driver's seat. The gearshift is smooth, the transmission is easy to use, and it's quiet. It even has air conditioning - it's like a dream come true!

Parts are pretty easy to find, but I did have to replace the bearings and the shroud. Unfortunately, the water pump started leaking, and I had to replace the transmission. To make matters worse, the odometer had been rolled back before I bought the car, so I only got to drive it for 36,000 km. But as you can see, the car has clearly been driven a lot more than that.

Replacing the transmission box was supposed to be a straightforward fix, but it ended up causing more problems. The speedometer sensor stopped working, and it was a real pain to get it sorted out. I've had my fair share of dealing with dodgy Chinese services that either refuse to touch the job or charge an arm and a leg.

I visited a few mechanics, and they all told me the same thing: this car is a lemon, it's not worth the money, and it'll only cost me more in repairs down the line. I was spooked, and I decided to sell the car.

But that's not the only issue I've had with this car. When I closed the hood, the buyers would slam it shut, and it would leave a nasty dent. I had to get it fixed with a friend's help.

And then, to make matters worse, the lock broke, and the bumper wouldn't close properly. It was a real mess. With all these issues, I was lucky to sell it for 69,000 rubles, considering the market value is 80,000. Now, I'm on the hunt for a new car, and I'm currently driving my old Audi, which is also due for a replacement.

I have to say, the Lifan Breeze really impressed me. The transmission is smooth, switching gears is a breeze, and the car feels super lightweight. Plus, this model is a real head-turner – I bought it in just two days. The fuel efficiency is amazing, I've been stuck in traffic and still managed to get 7 liters per 100 kilometers in the city. I've been filling up with 95 octane, and it's always around 400-500 rubles.

When I was shopping for a new car, I wanted to make sure I was getting a good deal. I checked the car's history to see if there were any major issues. I took a look under the hood and in the cabin to make sure everything was in working order. I also checked the average market price to see if it was a fair price. I was happy to find that the Lifan Breeze was a great value for money. It came with features like a central lock, alarm, and winter tires, which was a big plus. I removed the tires and made sure the airbags were in place. There were no leaks under the car, and nothing was dripping from the car. Everything moved smoothly, just like it should.

I'd read about the potential consequences of buying a used car, especially one made in China. But I was willing to take the risk. I'd heard that the Lifan Breeze was a solid car, and I wanted to give it a try. I'm glad I did.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the car's fuel efficiency like?

I've been getting around 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway, which is better than I expected for a car in this class.

How's the car's build quality?

To be honest, I've noticed some issues with the build quality, like the dashboard trim being a bit loose. However, it's not a major concern and doesn't affect the car's performance.

Is the car comfortable to drive?

Yes, the car is pretty comfortable to drive, especially on long road trips. The seats are decent and the interior design is pretty stylish.

Can I trust the car's history?

I did my research and checked the car's history to make sure it was clean. I'm confident that I got a good deal on the car.

How's the car's value for money?

I think the car's value for money is unbeatable for a used Chinese vehicle. I got a great deal on the car and it's been a great purchase overall.

Are there any issues with the car's electronics?

To be honest, I've had some issues with the car's electronics, like the rearview camera not working sometimes. However, it's not a major concern and doesn't affect the car's performance.

Can I customize the car's interior?

Yes, the car's interior is pretty customizable, especially with the trim options. I've added some personal touches to make the car feel more like mine.

How's the car's reliability?

I've been happy with the car's reliability so far. I've only had a few minor issues, like the rear window regulators getting stuck. However, the car's been running smoothly overall.

What kind of maintenance has the car required?

So far, the car has required pretty standard maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations. Nothing too out of the ordinary.

Has the car's performance been affected by the issues with the build quality?

No, the issues with the build quality haven't affected the car's performance. It still drives smoothly and handles well.

check_circlePros

•The car's spacious trunk is perfect for road trips or hauling gear.
•The interior design is decent and comfortable.
•The car's design is pretty stylish, especially with the chrome door handles.
•The car's power and handling are decent for its class.
•The fuel efficiency is better than I expected.
•The car's value for money is unbeatable for a used Chinese vehicle.
•The car's rearview camera is a nice feature, even if it's not always reliable.
•The car's seats are pretty comfortable, even on long road trips.

cancelCons

•The rear window regulators can be a bit finicky and get stuck sometimes.
•The materials used in the interior could be higher quality.
•The build quality is a bit lacking in some areas, like the dashboard trim.
•The noise insulation could be better, especially on the highway.
•The car's suspension could be more comfortable over bumps.
•The car's electronics can be a bit temperamental, but it's not a major concern.