Australian Politics Forum - Chinese car comparisons

freediver

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #60 - Apr 27^th, 2026 at 10:00am

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 9:43am:

freediver wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 8:26am:

Do you think that the influence of communism on a society can disappear overnight because Deng Xiaoping clicks his fingers? For someone who insists that a centuries-old cultural saying is responsible, you are remarkably optimistic about the pace at which a society can change.

Why do you think I keep saying things like China "was" communist, rather than China "is" communist? Some kind of trick?

The economic situations of nearly all former communist Eastern European countries, including East Germany, improved rapidly within a few years once their citizens were re-motivated by profit through personal enterprise.

There is no reason to believe that the Chinese dragged their feet under the rule of Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao... and there's clear evidence that they took to capitalism almost as quickly as Native Americans did to horseback riding after their reintroduction via the Spanish, triggering their ancient instincts.

In fact, one component of cha bu duo is not the laziness theme, but also the personal profit motive of cutting corners and defrauding people with poorly- and cheaply-made goods for more profit.

So you no longer believe I was claiming that China is still communist?

How long did the influence of communism last in those ex-communist countries?

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People who can't distinguish between etymology and entomology bug me in ways I cannot put into words.

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Bobby.

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #61 - Apr 27^th, 2026 at 10:25am

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 6:51am:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 10:22pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 10:08pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 9:58pm:

Baronvonrort wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 9:56pm:

I wouldn't buy a Chinese car there is no long term data on them.

You get a 7 year warranty on some of them like the Chery Tiggo 4 -

but it has a petrol, 1.5 litre turbo -
how long will a Chinese turbo last?

How far do you live from the dealer?

From Google AI :

Manufacture problems with the Chery Tiggo 4 (particularly the Pro and 2025 models) often involve urgent recalls for safety software, unreliable infotainment/Apple CarPlay connectivity, jerky reversing cameras, and issues with build quality like rattling and water ingress. The vehicle is also criticised for having a stiff, uncomfortable ride and unresponsive, light steering.

yes - I have read all those horror stories. Embarrassed

Your post question: 'What would be a good budget car to buy new in 2026?' highlights a semantic sales trick: that Cheap = good.

Cheap is cheap.

Cars around $25K are not cheap - they are at a budget.

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MeisterEckhart

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #62 - Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:04am

Bobby. wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 10:25am:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 6:51am:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 10:22pm:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 10:08pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 9:58pm:

Baronvonrort wrote on Apr 26^th, 2026 at 9:56pm:

I wouldn't buy a Chinese car there is no long term data on them.

You get a 7 year warranty on some of them like the Chery Tiggo 4 -

but it has a petrol, 1.5 litre turbo -
how long will a Chinese turbo last?

How far do you live from the dealer?

From Google AI :

Manufacture problems with the Chery Tiggo 4 (particularly the Pro and 2025 models) often involve urgent recalls for safety software, unreliable infotainment/Apple CarPlay connectivity, jerky reversing cameras, and issues with build quality like rattling and water ingress. The vehicle is also criticised for having a stiff, uncomfortable ride and unresponsive, light steering.

yes - I have read all those horror stories. Embarrassed

Your post question: 'What would be a good budget car to buy new in 2026?' highlights a semantic sales trick: that Cheap = good.

Cheap is cheap.

Cars around $25K are not cheap - they are at a budget.

What does 'good' in your question refer to? (What would be a good budget car to buy new in 2026?)

With the average price for a new, mid-range budget car in Australia generally falling between $30,000 and $45,000 drive-away, $25K is cheap.

Even a new small car range is $25K - $40K..

AI presumed you meant 'cheap' when you said 'good'.

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Bobby.

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #63 - Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:31am

No Meister - it said affordable:

What would be a good budget car to buy new in 2026?

Google AI:

Top 10 Most Affordable New Cars (2026)

The following list represents the most affordable new cars available, ranked by base price (excluding on-road costs unless specified as drive-away):

Kia Picanto: Starting from $19,190 (manual) / $20,790 (automatic) before on-roads.

MG 3: Starting from $20,990 before on-roads, or $21,990 drive-away for the Vibe variant.

Chery Tiggo 4: Starting from $23,990 drive-away (Urban).

Mahindra XUV 3XO: Starting from $23,990 drive-away (AX5L).

GWM Haval Jolion: Starting from $23,990 drive-away (Premium).

Suzuki Swift: Starting from $24,990 before on-roads (manual).

GAC Emzoom: Starting from $25,590 before on-roads.

MG ZS: Starting from $25,990 before on-roads.

BYD Atto 1: Starting from $23,990 before on-roads (Essential, 30kWh battery).

Hyundai Venue: Starting from $23,000 before on-roads (manual).

Key Market Insights

Electric Options: The BYD Atto 1 is the most affordable fully electric car, starting at $23,990 before on-roads, offering a 220km range on the base model.

Hybrid Availability: Budget buyers can also access hybrid variants, such as the MG 3 Hybrid+ (from $29,430 before on-roads) and the Suzuki Swift Hybrid (from $24,490 drive-away).

Warranty Standards: Most budget models, including those from Kia, MG, GWM, Chery, and Mahindra, offer seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranties, while Hyundai and Suzuki offer five-year unlimited-kilometre warranties.

Price Trends: The only new car under $20,000 is the Kia Picanto; all other competitive options start between $19,190 and $26,531 drive-away.

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MeisterEckhart

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #64 - Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:42am

Bobby. wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:31am:

No Meister - it said affordable:

What would be a good budget car to buy new in 2026?

OK... Affordable as a euphemism for cheap...

How affordable, ultimately, is a car that needs to go back, and back, and back for repairs and recalls?

How good is it as a purchase when it delivers a poor driving experience?

Cheap is cheap.

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Bobby.

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #65 - Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:47am

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:42am:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:31am:

No Meister - it said affordable:

What would be a good budget car to buy new in 2026?

OK... Affordable as a euphemism for cheap...

How affordable, ultimately, is a car that needs to go back, and back, and back for repairs and recalls?

How good is it as a purchase when it delivers a poor driving experience?

Cheap is cheap.

I dunno anymore -
I don't feel like dropping $45K on a new car to get a decent one -
I think I'll buy a second hand car.

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MeisterEckhart

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #66 - Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:56am

Bobby. wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:47am:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:42am:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:31am:

No Meister - it said affordable:

What would be a good budget car to buy new in 2026?

OK... Affordable as a euphemism for cheap...

How affordable, ultimately, is a car that needs to go back, and back, and back for repairs and recalls?

How good is it as a purchase when it delivers a poor driving experience?

Cheap is cheap.

I dunno anymore -
I don't feel like dropping $45K on a new car to get a decent one -
I think I'll buy a second hand car.

Yep... That's what a car dealer relative of mine told me.

The whole new car industry is a scam... calibrated for the rich - not the average buyer.

He told me that one of the big draws that attracts average buyers to a new car is... that 'new car' smell!!

In other words, the smell of new plastic, resins and glue!

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Bobby.

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #67 - Apr 27^th, 2026 at 12:01pm

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:56am:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:47am:

MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:42am:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 27^th, 2026 at 11:31am:

No Meister - it said affordable:

What would be a good budget car to buy new in 2026?

OK... Affordable as a euphemism for cheap...

How affordable, ultimately, is a car that needs to go back, and back, and back for repairs and recalls?

How good is it as a purchase when it delivers a poor driving experience?

Cheap is cheap.

I dunno anymore -
I don't feel like dropping $45K on a new car to get a decent one -
I think I'll buy a second hand car.

Yep... That's what a car dealer relative of mine told me.

The whole new car industry is a scam... calibrated for the rich - not the average buyer.

He told me that one of the big draws that attracts average buyers to a new car is... that 'new car' smell!!

In other words, the smell of new plastic, resins and glue!

And a lot of the stuff - you don't want and you don't need -
all the electronic gizmos -
I'd rather they spend more money on making the engine and suspension bullet proof.

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Bobby.

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #68 - Apr 28^th, 2026 at 12:50pm

What about Japanese cars?

The latest Toyotas will cost over $45K to drive out the door.

Everything is so expensive these days.

https://www.carexpert.com.au/toyota/camry/2026-ascent-sport-josmkfgg20260115

Overview

The 2026 Toyota Camry Ascent Sport is a front-wheel drive, 4-door Sedan that was released to the Australian market on 4th January 2026. The Toyota Camry is regarded as a medium Car built in Japan with prices starting at $42,990 before on-road costs.

This Toyota Camry is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that has 170 kW of power and 221 Nm of torque via a Variable SP AUTOMATIC transmission. Toyota claims the Camry Ascent Sport uses 4.0L/100km of Premium Unleaded in the combined city and highway cycle while putting out 91g of CO2. It has a 50L fuel tank, meaning it should be able to travel 1250km per full tank.

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Bobby.

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #69 - Apr 28^th, 2026 at 1:24pm

The Tiggo 4?

It looks like they are ripping people off.
I found this:

Google AI:

Based on the provided search context, the Chery Tiggo 4 (1st generation, 2019–2025) features partial galvanizing using a cold galvanizing method, which is described as having bad corrosion protection results.

Processing Type: The body is partially galvanized, meaning only nodal points, thresholds, the bottom, and the bottom of the doors are treated, rather than the full body including hidden cavities.

Method: The process used is cold galvanizing, which involves the application of a layer of oxides containing zinc particles.

Corrosion Resistance: Independent assessments rate this method as bad because the zinc-containing coating is not sufficient to resist corrosion effectively compared to hot-dip galvanizing.

Timeline: This partial cold galvanizing method has been consistent across model years from 2019 to 2025.

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MeisterEckhart

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #70 - Apr 28^th, 2026 at 2:02pm

Bobby. wrote on Apr 28^th, 2026 at 1:24pm:

The Tiggo 4?

It looks like they are ripping people off.
I found this:

Google AI:

Based on the provided search context, the Chery Tiggo 4 (1st generation, 2019–2025) features partial galvanizing using a cold galvanizing method, which is described as having bad corrosion protection results.

Processing Type: The body is partially galvanized, meaning only nodal points, thresholds, the bottom, and the bottom of the doors are treated, rather than the full body including hidden cavities.

Method: The process used is cold galvanizing, which involves the application of a layer of oxides containing zinc particles.

Corrosion Resistance: Independent assessments rate this method as bad because the zinc-containing coating is not sufficient to resist corrosion effectively compared to hot-dip galvanizing.

Timeline: This partial cold galvanizing method has been consistent across model years from 2019 to 2025.

Cha bu duo

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Bobby. Gold Member Online Australian Politics Posts: 119359 Melbourne Gender:	Re: Chinese car comparisons Reply #71 - Apr 29^th, 2026 at 12:24am MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 28^th, 2026 at 2:02pm: Cha bu duo The Chinese could be ripping people off.
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Sprintcyclist

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #72 - Apr 29^th, 2026 at 3:17am

Bobby. wrote on Apr 28^th, 2026 at 12:50pm:

What about Japanese cars?

The latest Toyotas will cost over $45K to drive out the door.

Everything is so expensive these days.

https://www.carexpert.com.au/toyota/camry/2026-ascent-sport-josmkfgg20260115

Overview

The 2026 Toyota Camry Ascent Sport is a front-wheel drive, 4-door Sedan that was released to the Australian market on 4th January 2026. The Toyota Camry is regarded as a medium Car built in Japan with prices starting at $42,990 before on-road costs.

This Toyota Camry is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that has 170 kW of power and 221 Nm of torque via a Variable SP AUTOMATIC transmission. Toyota claims the Camry Ascent Sport uses 4.0L/100km of Premium Unleaded in the combined city and highway cycle while putting out 91g of CO2. It has a 50L fuel tank, meaning it should be able to travel 1250km per full tank.

The camry is a very upmarket car.
The auto is smooth, efficient, quiet and very very reliable, even by Toyota standards.

the entire drive train has been Taxi tested for decades

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MeisterEckhart Gold Member Offline Australian Politics Posts: 16973 Gender:	Re: Chinese car comparisons Reply #73 - Apr 29^th, 2026 at 6:40am Bobby. wrote on Apr 29^th, 2026 at 12:24am: MeisterEckhart wrote on Apr 28^th, 2026 at 2:02pm: Cha bu duo The Chinese could be ripping people off. Of course... Cha bu duo corner cutting = more profit.
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Bobby.

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Re: Chinese car comparisons
Reply #74 - Apr 30^th, 2026 at 12:25am

Sprintcyclist wrote on Apr 29^th, 2026 at 3:17am:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 28^th, 2026 at 12:50pm:

What about Japanese cars?

The latest Toyotas will cost over $45K to drive out the door.

Everything is so expensive these days.

https://www.carexpert.com.au/toyota/camry/2026-ascent-sport-josmkfgg20260115

Overview

The 2026 Toyota Camry Ascent Sport is a front-wheel drive, 4-door Sedan that was released to the Australian market on 4th January 2026. The Toyota Camry is regarded as a medium Car built in Japan with prices starting at $42,990 before on-road costs.

This Toyota Camry is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that has 170 kW of power and 221 Nm of torque via a Variable SP AUTOMATIC transmission. Toyota claims the Camry Ascent Sport uses 4.0L/100km of Premium Unleaded in the combined city and highway cycle while putting out 91g of CO2. It has a 50L fuel tank, meaning it should be able to travel 1250km per full tank.

The camry is a very upmarket car.
The auto is smooth, efficient, quiet and very very reliable, even by Toyota standards.

the entire drive train has been Taxi tested for decades

jump to 10:55

Camry gets over 400,000 kms when used as a taxi:

Top 10 Australian Cars That NEVER Break Down | Most Reliable Aussie Cars Ever

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