Russian owners of Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris value these cars most in terms of cost of maintenance, reliability and fuel consumption. This is stated in a survey of the Avto.ru classification (available from socialbites.ca), in which Russians are asked to leave their feedback on the most popular used cars in the 4th quarter of 2022.
But,
Among the shortcomings of the Rio and Solaris, drivers note poor sound insulation, off-road capability and dynamics.
Lada Granta (see infographic) is chosen by car owners for its low fuel consumption and maintenance costs, and drivers also speak positively about the reliability of this car. Most of all, they are interested in soundproofing, safety and acceleration dynamics.
The advantages of the Volkswagen Polo, according to the Russians, are fuel consumption, reliability and handling. Of the minuses, Polo noted sound insulation, accelerating dynamics and cross-country ability.
Motorists praise Toyota Camry for good reliability, low maintenance costs and good looks. Significant disadvantages of the Japanese sedan were considered poor sound insulation, low ground clearance and high fuel consumption.
Skoda Octavia attracts people with its good handling, low fuel consumption and acceleration dynamics,
says work.
The model received negative reviews for its soundproofing, patency and maintenance costs. In the reviews, this model is called a family car and it is noted that it has a large trunk. The Volkswagen Tiguan crossover is praised for its handling, dynamics and safety, but its maintenance cost, fuel consumption and luggage capacity leave much to be desired.
Among the popular cars, the Russians also identified models of the premium segment. Therefore, the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series have similar strengths and weaknesses. Handling, appearance and dynamics of both cars are pros and cons – off-road capability and maintenance costs. The last most popular model to enter the top ten is the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse. Stuttgart sedan and station wagon are bought for handling, appearance and safety. Most often, the cost of maintenance, clearance and price on Bavarian cars are recorded as shortcomings.
And the Chinese too
Car dealers note that positive signs are already forming on the models of Chinese auto companies. Andrey Kamensky, Marketing Director of Avilon AG, said that fans of the Chery brand appreciate the Tiggo 7 Pro model for the wide variety of options, the combination of price and quality. In the Tiggo 8 Pro Max model, buyers distinguish, in addition to options, the presence of all-wheel drive and large dimensions.
“Regarding another Chinese brand Changan, for example, buyers of the Uni-K model value it for its design and manufacturability, and the CS35 for its reliability and unpretentiousness,” said Kamensky.
Cars such as Hyundai Creta, Tucson and Santa Fe are chosen for ergonomics, comfort, handling, choice of equipment level, the addressee is sure. And customers who choose the Kia Sportage, for example, want to achieve ergonomics – a tall car with a large trunk and ground clearance.
The BMW X5 is the choice of fast and powerful car enthusiasts, those who value the status of the Porsche Cayenne,
in turn, noted in the Avtodom group of companies.
Myths about reliability
However, according to Dmitry Rogov, founder of RogovMobil company (which specializes in automatic selection), such reviews may be clichés that you should not trust.
“For example, about 10 years ago, everyone was afraid of Volkswagen cars that consumed a lot of oil and their transmissions were broken. The company has rectified the situation, but for old times’ sake these machines are still afraid.
There is no smoke without fire, but people tend to oversimplify and distort meaning.
Rogov says in an interview with socialbites.ca.
In his opinion, there is a stereotype that CVTs and robotic transmissions are bad, and automatic transmissions are good, but among the latter there are unsuccessful models, and among CVTs and “robots” there are those that will surpass any “automatic” in terms of reliability. .
Another example – Toyota has engines and models that are known for their reliability, but the same Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series had a company that could be canceled worldwide due to a serious problem with the 3-liter diesel engine, which tended to crack the piston group. Auto expert calls back.
“You go to an official dealer for business and you see a Lexus LX 450d in the elevator with the engine nearby.
Factory marriage, engine changed. And such things have become the norm, ”added Rogov.
Some cars have proven to be reliable, but primarily due to archaic designs and primitive components, the components and assemblies on these models have remained unchanged for decades, explains Jan Haytseer, vice president of the National Automobile Association (NAS).
“All these are partially legends, like the so-called unbreakable Toyota, for example. If a manufacturer is making a car that lasts 25 years today, who will buy the next one?
Cars today are not created by designers, but by marketers and accountants,” complains Heitzeer.
As the expert noted, the myths are partially supported by certain characteristics of cars. However, Nissan is an example of a broken stereotype, heading for the European market and its cars becoming much less reliable than before.
“Cars produced 25 years ago have a much more reliable design and margin of safety than modern cars. The foundations of all these myths were laid at that time, and it is quite difficult to destroy them, ”the interlocutor concluded.