The list includes cars of European, Korean and Chinese brands. They have one thing in common – they cost no more than 1.5 million rubles.
On the secondary market today you can find an all-wheel drive compact crossover for one and a half million rubles – and it will not only be a “state car” like the Hyundai Creta, but also, for example, the BMW X1. As the publication “Behind the Wheel” writes with reference to expert Sergei Zinoviev, with age the difference in price between premium and mass models disappears: the new Creta in 2016 cost 750-900 thousand rubles, and the new BMW X1 – at least 2 million, while now their prices are almost equal.
However, the expert advises not to rush into choosing a premium brand. Maintaining a budget crossover is much cheaper. The maintainability of mass-produced models is higher; many jobs can be performed in a garage. In addition, “state employees” often have more durable engines: they have naturally aspirated engines in their base, while premium competitors are equipped with turbo engines with direct injection, which after 200 thousand kilometers may require serious investments (replacing fuel injection pumps, injectors, timing drive).
Another important advantage is the presence of a manual transmission. In Russia there are many adherents of the “handle”, while the BMW X1 or Audi Q3 with a manual transmission was not even offered here. As for automatic transmissions, with a mileage of 150 thousand kilometers, it is better to choose a torque converter rather than a variator or robot: the latter are more expensive to maintain and repair.
All-wheel drive deserves special attention. For all budget models it is implemented according to a standard scheme with an automatically connected coupling. However, experts remind that the 4×4 system does not last forever: after 150-200 thousand kilometers, repairs are due. In the Renault Duster, the cardan crosspieces and gearboxes are the first to be delivered, in the Hyundai Creta – the intermediate shaft splines, in the Opel Mokka – the suspension bearing. Therefore, when buying, it is better to look for a car that has not left the asphalt. For purely urban use, all-wheel drive is generally overkill, but in a snowy winter it won’t hurt.
The author considers the Haval Jolion as an alternative to European and Japanese models. For 1.1-1.5 million rubles you can find two- to three-year-old copies with a mileage of less than 100 thousand kilometers. Jolion has all-wheel drive with a BorgWarner clutch, which is not much different from its competitors in terms of reliability. However, the Chinese crossover has disadvantages: a turbo engine with direct injection, capricious electronics, weak paintwork and chassis. However, the ground clearance of 190 mm and generally normal reliability make it a workable option.
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