Comments on: Sports Car Shopping With China Car Times http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/ Explaining the Chinese Car Industry and Chinese Cars Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:54:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: Rick in China http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-57341 Rick in China Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:15:54 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-57341 Hey Joe, I live in Chengdu too - used Audi TT? How much that run you here? I've been looking at selling off my ol Jetta and picking up something more sporty in the few-hundred K (rmb of course.) and was looking at a new RX-8...but after careful consideration I think it might be a better idea to get something used and suck up the fact it might be sold in a couple years and prefer not to eat the depreciation. Any info as to where you picked it up, let me know. I do have a good mechanic, but not sure where to find quality used cars. The car market in the south seems pretty shady. Hey Joe,

I live in Chengdu too - used Audi TT? How much that run you here? I’ve been looking at selling off my ol Jetta and picking up something more sporty in the few-hundred K (rmb of course.) and was looking at a new RX-8…but after careful consideration I think it might be a better idea to get something used and suck up the fact it might be sold in a couple years and prefer not to eat the depreciation.

Any info as to where you picked it up, let me know. I do have a good mechanic, but not sure where to find quality used cars. The car market in the south seems pretty shady.

]]> By: JoeSichuan http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-57308 JoeSichuan Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:57:54 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-57308 Amused by suggestions to import a vehicle to China. Trust me, gentlemen, I've checked into it seriously and the fees involved alone go way over Mr. Ash's stated price parameters for PURCHASING a vehicle. Never mind the maintenance and fuel concerns which are not always as simple as one would might suppose. Buy whatever you buy in China and leave it there. On a more positive note, the quality and relative low cost of maintenance and body work, if you can find a good mechanic/body shop, are some of my favorite things about this growing car culture. Amused by suggestions to import a vehicle to China. Trust me, gentlemen, I’ve checked into it seriously and the fees involved alone go way over Mr. Ash’s stated price parameters for PURCHASING a vehicle. Never mind the maintenance and fuel concerns which are not always as simple as one would might suppose. Buy whatever you buy in China and leave it there. On a more positive note, the quality and relative low cost of maintenance and body work, if you can find a good mechanic/body shop, are some of my favorite things about this growing car culture.

]]> By: JoeSichuan http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-57307 JoeSichuan Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:51:24 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-57307 As a longtime resident of Chengdu, I have seen many more sporty-looking cars than the several shown here. As a car guy in the USA, I am perhaps more aware than most how RELATIVE terms like "sports" and "luxury" really are when applied to the Chinese auto market. But really, if it has more than two doors it is not a sports car by any real definition. "Sporty" perhaps, "Sporty looking" is more accurate, but you can't buy anything close to a sports car in China for the price parameters you've defined. Don't get me wrong, I love China and love watching the booming growth of a truly wonderful car culture here. I am disappointed that I don't see more "pocket rockets" here, but understand regulations and limitations on HP, MPG, etc. I am fortunate to have found good deals on an Audi TT and a quirkly little Peugeot coupe, which I both enjoy driving in the countryside on my rare chances to do so. I realize these are out of your stated price range, but really guys, shop hard and buy a used, but true sports coupe.... As a longtime resident of Chengdu, I have seen many more sporty-looking cars than the several shown here. As a car guy in the USA, I am perhaps more aware than most how RELATIVE terms like “sports” and “luxury” really are when applied to the Chinese auto market. But really, if it has more than two doors it is not a sports car by any real definition. “Sporty” perhaps, “Sporty looking” is more accurate, but you can’t buy anything close to a sports car in China for the price parameters you’ve defined. Don’t get me wrong, I love China and love watching the booming growth of a truly wonderful car culture here. I am disappointed that I don’t see more “pocket rockets” here, but understand regulations and limitations on HP, MPG, etc. I am fortunate to have found good deals on an Audi TT and a quirkly little Peugeot coupe, which I both enjoy driving in the countryside on my rare chances to do so. I realize these are out of your stated price range, but really guys, shop hard and buy a used, but true sports coupe….

]]> By: steve http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-42843 steve Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:23:57 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-42843 Liked the idea, but what about for us rugged SUV lovers? I'd love to know what your thoughts were for those of us that would venture to drive it from Beijing to Nepal and back. Cheaply. Liked the idea, but what about for us rugged SUV lovers?
I’d love to know what your thoughts were for those of us that would venture to drive it from Beijing to Nepal and back. Cheaply.

]]> By: Bob http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35570 Bob Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:26:22 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35570 Haha, quite an elegant way to describe an MG :-) I was just thinking about the repair issues if a car was imported (especially with my F.O.R.D. -Fix Or Repair Daily back home) - would need to load the trunk and backseat with spare parts before shipping.... Good luck with the Brilliance coupe or MG7! Would love to hear your first week impressions if you get either one. Haha, quite an elegant way to describe an MG :-)

I was just thinking about the repair issues if a car was imported (especially with my F.O.R.D. -Fix Or Repair Daily back home) - would need to load the trunk and backseat with spare parts before shipping….

Good luck with the Brilliance coupe or MG7! Would love to hear your first week impressions if you get either one.

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35566 Ash Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:40:42 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35566 Bob, I think ill leave my sports car shopping for a while. I could get a Mustang, but it might have random heritage attacks and it would be a pain to fix! I think ill wait and see how far the Brilliance coupe falls in price, and the MG7. I think the MGTF is going to be way out of my price (rumored 250 - 400k RMB!) a lot of money for a back to front Metro with a leaky roof. Bob,

I think ill leave my sports car shopping for a while. I could get a Mustang, but it might have random heritage attacks and it would be a pain to fix!

I think ill wait and see how far the Brilliance coupe falls in price, and the MG7. I think the MGTF is going to be way out of my price (rumored 250 - 400k RMB!) a lot of money for a back to front Metro with a leaky roof.

]]> By: Bob http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35565 Bob Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:18:41 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35565 Yeah, I don't think I would really want a french car either ;-) I remember in a post a while back, the civic type R is available in China now? - seems kinda like a niche product that's production wouldn't be moved here? On the flip side, you could just buy a second hand Ford Mustang and get it shipped here minus the taxes with a Foreign Experts visa? - Then again the shipping/processing will probably cost more than the car :-p Hopefully the MGTF will come out soon to consider as well :-) Yeah, I don’t think I would really want a french car either ;-)

I remember in a post a while back, the civic type R is available in China now? - seems kinda like a niche product that’s production wouldn’t be moved here?

On the flip side, you could just buy a second hand Ford Mustang and get it shipped here minus the taxes with a Foreign Experts visa? - Then again the shipping/processing will probably cost more than the car :-p

Hopefully the MGTF will come out soon to consider as well :-)

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35543 Ash Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:00:22 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35543 Not in a big rush, but with summer coming it would be nice to cruise the coast in a nice car! M14, never heard anything of it since last time I posted news on it! 207CC? I'd rather not taint my parking spot with anything FRENCH. :D Seriously, Id rather buy Chinese rather than buy an import and then have the value fall out of it when the manufacturer decides to make them in China. Not in a big rush, but with summer coming it would be nice to cruise the coast in a nice car!

M14, never heard anything of it since last time I posted news on it!

207CC? I’d rather not taint my parking spot with anything FRENCH. :D Seriously, Id rather buy Chinese rather than buy an import and then have the value fall out of it when the manufacturer decides to make them in China.

]]> By: Bob http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35498 Bob Sun, 16 Mar 2008 03:06:09 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35498 How much of a rush are you to get a "sports car"? I probably sound like a broken record, but anyone out there hear of any updates on the Chery M14? If you could dump another 50K - you could go with the Peugot 207CC? Yes - I like small convertible death traps ;-) Is there a used car market in China? - It seems most keep their cars far longer than they do back home (in the States)? How much of a rush are you to get a “sports car”? I probably sound like a broken record, but anyone out there hear of any updates on the Chery M14?

If you could dump another 50K - you could go with the Peugot 207CC?

Yes - I like small convertible death traps ;-)

Is there a used car market in China? - It seems most keep their cars far longer than they do back home (in the States)?

]]> By: ColinG http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35474 ColinG Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:39:53 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35474 If the Mazda 3 was teh MPS version we get in Europe (2.3L 250hp or thereabouts) then it'll be a laugh. But I doubt it! If the Mazda 3 was teh MPS version we get in Europe (2.3L 250hp or thereabouts) then it’ll be a laugh. But I doubt it!

]]> By: ColinG http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35473 ColinG Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:38:39 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35473 As far as I can see there's not a sports car amongst this lot. a 4 door saloon, a 5 door hatchback, an old Korean coupe (which should by rights have died long ago) and some strange home grown chinese thing with odd styling. If this is all you've got then oh dear! As far as I can see there’s not a sports car amongst this lot. a 4 door saloon, a 5 door hatchback, an old Korean coupe (which should by rights have died long ago) and some strange home grown chinese thing with odd styling. If this is all you’ve got then oh dear!

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35453 Ash Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:19:32 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35453 Driving manual in bumper to bumper traffic sucks. Then again, I dont really need a sports car if its bumper to bumper, let alone a soft top. Driving manual in bumper to bumper traffic sucks.

Then again, I dont really need a sports car if its bumper to bumper, let alone a soft top.

]]> By: woxihuanpijiu http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35451 woxihuanpijiu Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:17:33 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35451 Cant you still call it a real sports car of it has an auto?? Cant you still call it a real sports car of it has an auto??

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35404 Ash Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:08:15 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35404 Or a QQ, or a BYD F1 Or a QQ, or a BYD F1

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35403 Ash Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:06:44 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35403 You're right. Ill buy a mian bao che for razzing around in. You’re right.

Ill buy a mian bao che for razzing around in.

]]> By: Slade http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35395 Slade Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:31:04 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35395 Depending on what you import I may want to work for you. :) Depending on what you import I may want to work for you. :)

]]> By: Slade http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35393 Slade Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:24:26 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35393 NO. Just made in China is not good enough. You need to buy, drive and report on a Chinese car. . You may become "famous" for doing that...and rich!!! . I can see it now. The DaShan of Chinese cars. You are well on your way. Now start to drive one! :) NO. Just made in China is not good enough. You need to buy, drive and report on a Chinese car.
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You may become “famous” for doing that…and rich!!!
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I can see it now. The DaShan of Chinese cars. You are well on your way. Now start to drive one! :)

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35382 Ash Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:25:19 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35382 We're working on another project (setting up a factory) that will allow us to import a few 'company vehicles'.... We’re working on another project (setting up a factory) that will allow us to import a few ‘company vehicles’….

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35381 Ash Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:23:38 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35381 Are they going to put the auto trans in it and price it in the 200k range? Are they going to put the auto trans in it and price it in the 200k range?

]]> By: dogtucker http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35366 dogtucker Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:55:33 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35366 Ash-import a Mustang or something (if you can)-still cheaper than these pieces of poo !! But I think Windy's model is by far the best choice! Ash-import a Mustang or something (if you can)-still cheaper than these pieces of poo !! But I think Windy’s model is by far the best choice!

]]> By: Windy http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35345 Windy Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:16:38 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35345 As it looks like it will be launched next month you will need one of these: http://www.lame-delegation.de/mgfcar.de/bike/bike.jpg As it looks like it will be launched next month you will need one of these: http://www.lame-delegation.de/mgfcar.de/bike/bike.jpg

]]> By: Windy http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35344 Windy Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:13:10 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35344 Only if it's made in China? I think it probably has two nationalities. Only if it’s made in China?

I think it probably has two nationalities.

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35322 Ash Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:38:36 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35322 Does an MG count as a Chinese car? Does an MG count as a Chinese car?

]]> By: Slade http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35310 Slade Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:55:13 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35310 Ash, as I have said before, China Car Times NEEDS to own a Chinese car...and I totally agree with you about the Brilliance front end...but, you GOTTA do it. . I'd get the Mazda :p Ash, as I have said before, China Car Times NEEDS to own a Chinese car…and I totally agree with you about the Brilliance front end…but, you GOTTA do it.
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I’d get the Mazda :p

]]> By: Ash http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35302 Ash Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:23:50 +0000 http://www.chinacartimes.com/2008/03/12/sports-car-shopping-with-china-car-times/#comment-35302 Its a toss up between the MG7 and the Brilliance. Of course if the MGTF ever gets launched (and before June) Id take a look at that too! Its a toss up between the MG7 and the Brilliance. Of course if the MGTF ever gets launched (and before June) Id take a look at that too!

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