BAKU — Chinese-made vehicles, once hailed in Azerbaijan for their sleek design, affordability, and high-tech features, are quickly falling out of favor. What started as a surge in consumer interest has now turned into widespread disappointment, fueled by serious concerns over resale value, reliability, and service availability.
Sharp Depreciation Alarms Buyers
One of the biggest red flags for Azerbaijani consumers has been the rapid depreciation of Chinese cars. Many owners report their vehicles losing 20–30% of their value within just a few months of purchase. For buyers who viewed these cars as an investment or planned to resell them later, the financial hit has been difficult to ignore.
Quality Issues Emerge Early
Technical problems have also become a major point of frustration. Multiple reports from owners indicate that mechanical failures—particularly involving engines, steering systems, and electronics—can appear after driving just 10,000–15,000 kilometers. These early breakdowns not only disrupt daily use but also lead to costly repairs and time-consuming service center visits.
Spare Parts Hard to Find
Another major hurdle: spare parts. For many Chinese car models, replacement parts are either hard to find locally or must be ordered from abroad—often from China itself. That adds significant wait times and expense for drivers who need urgent repairs.
Weak Secondhand Market
A lack of demand in the used car market has further complicated ownership. Drivers looking to sell their Chinese vehicles face long wait times and significantly lower offers than expected. Without a strong resale ecosystem, many potential buyers are reconsidering their options.
Experts Call for Major Overhaul
Auto industry analysts in Azerbaijan argue that Chinese brands will need to do more than offer low prices to win back trust. “If manufacturers want long-term success in this market, they must improve build quality, ensure reliable service infrastructure, and guarantee the availability of spare parts,” says Ilgar Azimov, an independent automotive expert.
Without those reforms, experts warn, Chinese cars will remain a passing trend—popular for a moment, but quickly left behind by a skeptical and increasingly informed consumer base.
