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.
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.
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.