A Russian driver reflects on her experience after owning a Chinese Changan CS35 car for over a year, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the vehicle. Despite initial skepticism and warnings about the reliability of Chinese cars, the owner has found the car to be a generally satisfactory purchase for city driving.

The owner initially considered other options, including a Russian-made Moskvich and a used Lada Vesta, before settling on the Changan CS35 due to its price and availability. The car’s price has remained relatively stable over the past year, costing around 2.6 million rubles without loan or trade-in discounts.

Financially, the owner reports that the car loan payments are manageable, and the car’s fuel consumption is comparable to her previous Daewoo Matiz. City driving consumes 8-9 liters per 100 kilometers, while highway driving lowers consumption to 6-7 liters.

The car has proven reliable for everyday use, with no technical issues encountered in over a year of ownership. It performs well on highways and handles winter conditions effectively. However, the owner cautions against off-road driving, as the front-wheel-drive vehicle struggled in muddy or grassy terrain.

Maintenance costs include 14,000 rubles for both the zero and first maintenance checks, with the second maintenance check expected to cost 28,000 rubles. A minor accident involving a damaged bumper was easily repaired with affordable parts found online.

One significant drawback is the car’s limited off-road capability. The owner recounts instances where the car became stuck in seemingly harmless puddles and struggled on grassy inclines. The front-wheel-drive system is best suited for city driving and light trips outside of the city.