April 22, 2025
Auto

Confessions of professionals: what taxi drivers think of Chinese cars

  • May 29, 2023
  • 0

Russians do not consider Chinese cars cars, which is why some taxi passengers swear furiously when a crossover with nameplates Chery, Haval, Geely and the like approaches them

Confessions of professionals: what taxi drivers think of Chinese cars
Russians do not consider Chinese cars cars, which is why some taxi passengers swear furiously when a crossover with nameplates Chery, Haval, Geely and the like approaches them instead of the usual sedan. However, the transition to the “heavenly” automotive industry is not at all a necessary measure, as many people think. And in more detail – in the material of the AvtoVzglyad portal, which talked with professional taxi drivers.

Despite the fact that there is no alternative, there are a lot of rumors surrounding Chinese cars, many of which are associated with taxi drivers. For example, they were transferred to “China” by order, forced to leave the cabin of the God-stained Camry for the sake of some kind of rattle that also enraged the passengers – they were waiting for a respected sedan, but it arrived. Theoretically you can understand and accept it, even believe it somewhere. However, it is better to contact the “original source”. Fortunately, now this is not a problem: it is enough just to make a “call”.

Chatting with a taxi driver is always fun. Due to their profession, they spend a lot of time behind the wheel and know everything about the car, the roads and many other events that often pass by. Yes, and they like to talk, which is already there. Let’s skip the opening part of the speech – the one about business, personal Mercedes and love for people – and go straight to the car.

So, the Chinese crossover: taken new, the operating time is from several weeks to six months. Mileage – from 3500 to 40,000 km. A collective image, but everything falls into the “Comfort+” category. That is, without the Haval brand.

So the first argument for China is money. The cars were bought in the range from 2,500,000 to 2,900,000, while the divine Camry now costs 5,500,000, and a little less, but still the divine Sonata – 5,300,000 rubles. Kia K5 is several hundred thousand cheaper, but this does not change the essence of the matter: the usual sedans are too expensive – it is unprofitable to lease them, they simply do not fight back. Moreover, CASCO for the same Camry costs more than 150,000 rubles, while for a “Chinese” – 60,000 rubles.

The second important aspect is customer approval. It is believed that the Russians who call “Comfort +” want a sedan, and not “China”. This, as it turned out, is not true: everyone loves cars from the Middle Kingdom thanks to the richest and most beautiful finishes, the form factor generally does not play a special role. And in winter – so the crossover is even more convenient. None of the taxi drivers interviewed have ever encountered a passenger refusal or negativity because of their attitude towards the class of the car.

Finally, it is worth mentioning a personal opinion: three out of three drivers are satisfied with their car, and in terms of rental price, they are quite in line with the Toyota Camry, Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata still in the parks are available. The difference is from 300 to 500 rubles per day. One order, in short. But “Chinese” are increasingly chosen: they are new, attractive, rich in options. And we will find out the verdict on the quality a little later, when the trips under the conditions of heavy operation in Moscow will exceed the mark of 100,000 km. Unless they leave, of course.

Meanwhile only oil/candles/filters and satisfied customers (read – generous tips).

Photo: AvtoVzglyad

Despite the fact that there is no alternative, there are a lot of rumors surrounding Chinese cars, many of which are associated with taxi drivers. For example, they were transferred to “China” by order, forced to leave the cabin of the God-stained Camry for the sake of some kind of rattle that also enraged the passengers – they were waiting for a respected sedan, but it arrived. Theoretically you can understand and accept it, even believe it somewhere. However, it is better to contact the “original source”. Fortunately, now this is not a problem: it is enough just to make a “call”.

Chatting with a taxi driver is always fun. Due to their profession, they spend a lot of time behind the wheel and know everything about the car, the roads and many other events that often pass by. Yes, and they like to talk, which is already there. Let’s skip the opening part of the speech – the one about business, personal Mercedes and love for people – and go straight to the car.

So, the Chinese crossover: taken new, the operating time is from several weeks to six months. Mileage – from 3500 to 40,000 km. A collective image, but everything falls into the “Comfort+” category. That is, without the Haval brand.

So the first argument for China is money. The cars were bought in the range from 2,500,000 to 2,900,000, while the divine Camry now costs 5,500,000, and a little less, but still the divine Sonata – 5,300,000 rubles. Kia K5 is several hundred thousand cheaper, but this does not change the essence of the matter: the usual sedans are too expensive – it is unprofitable to lease them, they simply do not fight back. Moreover, CASCO for the same Camry costs more than 150,000 rubles, while for a “Chinese” – 60,000 rubles.

The second important aspect is customer approval. It is believed that the Russians who call “Comfort +” want a sedan, and not “China”. This, as it turned out, is not true: everyone loves cars from the Middle Kingdom thanks to the richest and most beautiful finishes, the form factor generally does not play a special role. And in winter – so the crossover is even more convenient. None of the taxi drivers interviewed have ever encountered a passenger refusal or negativity because of their attitude towards the class of the car.

Finally, it is worth mentioning a personal opinion: three out of three drivers are satisfied with their car, and in terms of rental price, they are quite in line with the Toyota Camry, Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata still in the parks are available. The difference is from 300 to 500 rubles per day. One order, in short. But “Chinese” are increasingly chosen: they are new, attractive, rich in options. And we will find out the verdict on the quality a little later, when the trips under the conditions of heavy operation in Moscow will exceed the mark of 100,000 km. Unless they leave, of course.

Meanwhile only oil/candles/filters and satisfied customers (read – generous tips).

Source: Avto Vzglyad

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *