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Resale of Chinese cars: how much do they lose in value after 3-5 years?Resale of Chinese cars: how much do they lose in value after 3-5 years?">

Resale of Chinese cars: how much do they lose in value after 3-5 years?

Alexandra
Alexandra
1 min.
Used cars
March 11, 2025

Chinese cars are increasingly appearing on Russian roads. Their affordable price and modern technology attract many buyers. However, when buying a new car, it is important to consider how it will lose value when it is resold. In this article, we will look at how much Chinese cars lose in value after 3-5 years, what factors affect their price on the secondary market and what owners need to know.


Why are Chinese cars losing value?

The resale of Chinese cars often raises questions among owners. Unlike European or Japanese brands, cars from China traditionally lose value faster. This is due to several factors:

  1. Brand perception:
    Chinese brands are still associated with poor quality, although this has improved in recent years.
  2. Competition:
    In the secondary market, Chinese cars compete with used cars from Europe, Japan and Korea.
  3. Technical features:
    Some car models from China have difficulties with spare parts and maintenance, making them less attractive to buyers.

How much do Chinese autos lose after 3-5 years?

The average loss in the price of Chinese cars after 3-5 years is 40-60% from the original cost. For example, if a new Chinese crossover cost 2 million rubles, then after 5 years its price in the secondary market can fall to 800 thousand - 1.2 million rubles. However, the exact figure depends on the model, condition of the car and other factors.

Examples of loss in value:

  • Geely Coolray:
    After 3 years it loses about 45-50% of value.
  • Haval Jolion:
    After 5 years it loses up to 55-60% of value.
  • Chery Tiggo 8:
    After 4 years it loses about 50-55% of value.

Factors affecting resale price

Several key factors affect the loss in price of Chinese cars:

  1. Popularity of the model:
    The more popular the model, the higher its residual value. For example, Geely Coolray and Haval Jolion lose less value than less well-known brands.
  2. Vehicle condition:
    Mileage, technical condition and appearance play an important role. Cars with less than 50,000 kilometres of mileage and without serious damage are sold faster and more expensive.
  3. Service history:
    Regular maintenance and availability of service book increase the confidence of buyers.
  4. Market conditions:
    The price is influenced by supply and demand in the secondary market, as well as the economic situation in the country.

Transportation of resale Chinese cars on a car carrier. Several cars are placed in two rows, prepared for delivery.
Chinese car resale: transporting cars to the secondary market.

How to minimise resale losses?

If you plan to sell your Chinese car in a few years, follow these tips:

  1. Choose popular models:
    Brands such as Geely, Haval and Chery are losing less in price than lesser known brands.
  2. Keep an eye on the condition of the car:
    Have your car serviced regularly, avoid accidents and keep it looking good.
  3. Retain documents:
    Service book and receipts for maintenance increase the confidence of buyers.
  4. Sell on time:
    The older the car is, the more it loses value. Selling it after 3-4 years will help minimise losses.

Comparison with other brands

To understand the situation, let's compare the loss in price of Chinese cars with other brands:

  • Japanese cars (Toyota, Honda):
    Lose 20-30% in three to five years.
  • Korean cars (Hyundai, Kia):
    Lose 30-40% in 3 to 5 years.
  • European cars (Volkswagen, Renault):
    Lose 35-50% in 3 to 5 years.

As you can see, cars from China lose value faster, but their initial cost is lower, making them attractive to buy.


What do the owners think?

Many owners of Chinese cars note that despite the loss in price, they are satisfied with their cars. Low maintenance costsHowever, it is important to take into account that Chinese cars take longer to sell on the aftermarket than Japanese or Korean cars. However, it is important to take into account that Chinese cars take longer to sell on the secondary market than Japanese or Korean cars.


Conclusion

Resale of Chinese autos after 3-5 years is accompanied by a significant loss in price - on average 40-60%. However, their affordable initial cost and low maintenance costs make them attractive to many drivers. If you are planning to sell a Chinese car, choose popular models, keep an eye on the condition of the car and sell it on time. In this case, you will be able to minimise your losses and get a good deal.