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Why Your Chinese Car Might Cost You More Than You Think

03 Jun 2025
  • Why are MG cars losing value so quickly?
  • Is there a Chinese car that holds its value?

Chinese cars have been making headlines with their futuristic tech and unbeatable prices, quickly flooding emerging markets from Asia to the Middle East. But a recent study from Vietnam is raising questions about the hidden financial side of these budget friendly vehicles. While the initial cost may be low, the resale value tells a very different story. For Saudi and Gulf buyers, this might be the factor that changes everything.

MG Models Drop Fast

MG Models Drop Fast
According to a recent analysis of resale data between 2022 and 2024, MG cars, particularly the MG HS, MG5 sedan, and MG ZS SUV, experienced sharp declines in market value. The MG HS led the drop with a 33 percent loss in just two years, while the MG5 followed with a 27 percent fall and the ZS with 24 percent. That’s a tough blow compared to Korean and Japanese rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Creta, each losing only 17 percent, or the Kia K3 sedan, which dipped just 19 percent. Experts suggest that deep launch discounts and aggressive pricing by Chinese brands play a major role. These deals may hook buyers at first, but they also undercut the car’s perceived worth in the resale market, leaving owners with less than they expected when it’s time to sell.

Beijing X7 Breaks the Pattern

Beijing X7 Breaks the Pattern

Yes, and it’s surprising. The BAIC Beijing X7 SUV managed to keep its value far better than expected, dropping only 12 percent over two years. That’s on par with some of the best Japanese models, making it a rare outlier in the Chinese segment. Analysts credit its strong tech offerings and limited availability in markets like Vietnam, which boosted its appeal in the used car market. But while the Beijing X7 shows promise, it’s the exception, not the rule. For most Chinese cars, value depreciation remains a serious consideration, especially for buyers planning to sell within just a few years.

Ahd Kamal

BY Ahd Kamal

Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.

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