Chinese cars, suddenly seeing quite a few...
Discussion
LuS1fer said:
£500 a month for a BYD Seal.
Blimey.
I bought a Fiat Panda for that price and it's still doing everything it should in these speed limited and surveilled times. I'm trying to give up flushing thousands away in depreciation for a car I can't work up the slightest enthusiasm for.
I could actually easily afford £500 a month, in retirement and indeed, this year's addition of the state pension would more than cover it but no thanks.
You sound like a sheddist. Don’t be embarrassed, I am too. But we’re in the minority. Many folk want trinkets and baubles. Some have access to company car schemes, salary sacrifice and other tax breaks. In their eyes, £500 a month is within reach and justified.Blimey.
I bought a Fiat Panda for that price and it's still doing everything it should in these speed limited and surveilled times. I'm trying to give up flushing thousands away in depreciation for a car I can't work up the slightest enthusiasm for.
I could actually easily afford £500 a month, in retirement and indeed, this year's addition of the state pension would more than cover it but no thanks.
Moodyman1 said:
LuS1fer said:
£500 a month for a BYD Seal.
Blimey.
I bought a Fiat Panda for that price and it's still doing everything it should in these speed limited and surveilled times. I'm trying to give up flushing thousands away in depreciation for a car I can't work up the slightest enthusiasm for.
I could actually easily afford £500 a month, in retirement and indeed, this year's addition of the state pension would more than cover it but no thanks.
You sound like a sheddist. Don’t be embarrassed, I am too. But we’re in the minority. Many folk want trinkets and baubles. Some have access to company car schemes, salary sacrifice and other tax breaks. In their eyes, £500 a month is within reach and justified.Blimey.
I bought a Fiat Panda for that price and it's still doing everything it should in these speed limited and surveilled times. I'm trying to give up flushing thousands away in depreciation for a car I can't work up the slightest enthusiasm for.
I could actually easily afford £500 a month, in retirement and indeed, this year's addition of the state pension would more than cover it but no thanks.
We all like different things though, and I do sometimes struggle with that to be fair. A Cerbera 4.5 or a BYD? Surely that should be a no brainer in the direction of the TVR I reckon for me, but nowadays it just isn't though, and almost everyone seems to prefer the BYD in comparison for some reason now.
unsprung said:
Ha! Fashionably late might be okay. Party in Chiantishire perhaps.
The new Charger looks ace. I've shouted about it on this forum. Not just battery-electric, but also available with a twin-turbo inline six. It is indeed a car that carries the design language of Charger and Challenger of yore.
But my argument is different.
Let's make a new car look almost the same, if not identical, to the much-loved original. Here's an example. Imperfect, but I'll explain.
The cars above are new, not restored. They ride on a specially-engineered chassis (not a copy of the original) and feature entirely new body panels and interiors as well as a 21st-century powertrain.
Unlike the originals, these cars drive with a bit of precision. And they are reliable daily drivers. They come loaded with mod cons. In terms of the brief I argued above, we can say that these cars tick most of the boxes.
I did say that this example was imperfect. And here's why:
These cars are far more safe than their ancestors. And being small-scale in production, they were allowed to be engineered without fulfilling each and every safety regulation on the books today.
Modern safety in an old design is, as I've said earlier, a considerable engineering challenge. I nevertheless believe that this is a challenge that we can overcome. And win.
With apologies to those who already know about Revology and their new-original Mustangs. Based in Orlando, Florida:
https://revologycars.com/
Also a mention on Top Gear:
https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/revology/musta...
Ford Motor Company agreed to provide them an official license - again, these new cars look almost identical to the originals. Only this year, in 2025 did Ford withdraw the license. In doing so, Ford issued a statement that all cars built or licensed by Ford must meet the most current standards for safety.
I have no problem with that. Safety is good.
What I would have done differently, however, is to build a collaborative team around Revology and Ford to pioneer the use of 21st-century methods in the execution of 20th-century designs.
Your example is also ridiculously expensive.The new Charger looks ace. I've shouted about it on this forum. Not just battery-electric, but also available with a twin-turbo inline six. It is indeed a car that carries the design language of Charger and Challenger of yore.
But my argument is different.
Let's make a new car look almost the same, if not identical, to the much-loved original. Here's an example. Imperfect, but I'll explain.
The cars above are new, not restored. They ride on a specially-engineered chassis (not a copy of the original) and feature entirely new body panels and interiors as well as a 21st-century powertrain.
Unlike the originals, these cars drive with a bit of precision. And they are reliable daily drivers. They come loaded with mod cons. In terms of the brief I argued above, we can say that these cars tick most of the boxes.
I did say that this example was imperfect. And here's why:
These cars are far more safe than their ancestors. And being small-scale in production, they were allowed to be engineered without fulfilling each and every safety regulation on the books today.
Modern safety in an old design is, as I've said earlier, a considerable engineering challenge. I nevertheless believe that this is a challenge that we can overcome. And win.
With apologies to those who already know about Revology and their new-original Mustangs. Based in Orlando, Florida:
https://revologycars.com/
Also a mention on Top Gear:
https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/revology/musta...
Ford Motor Company agreed to provide them an official license - again, these new cars look almost identical to the originals. Only this year, in 2025 did Ford withdraw the license. In doing so, Ford issued a statement that all cars built or licensed by Ford must meet the most current standards for safety.
I have no problem with that. Safety is good.
What I would have done differently, however, is to build a collaborative team around Revology and Ford to pioneer the use of 21st-century methods in the execution of 20th-century designs.
What fobs me off is the "safety" of modern cars. It seems to me that a high bonnet means a bluffer front which means a taller front so the pedestrian has nowhere to go except splat or under the car.
How is that safe?
cerb4.5lee said:
I remember paying £500 a month for my Cerbera 20 years ago, and in fairness at the time that felt like a few quid to me being honest. Never in a million years would I want to throw £500 a month at a BYD though for sure.
We all like different things though, and I do sometimes struggle with that to be fair. A Cerbera 4.5 or a BYD? Surely that should be a no brainer in the direction of the TVR I reckon for me, but nowadays it just isn't though, and almost everyone seems to prefer the BYD in comparison for some reason now.
£500/month 20 years ago is equivalent to nearly £900/month currently, so you're not comparing apples with apples, Lee.We all like different things though, and I do sometimes struggle with that to be fair. A Cerbera 4.5 or a BYD? Surely that should be a no brainer in the direction of the TVR I reckon for me, but nowadays it just isn't though, and almost everyone seems to prefer the BYD in comparison for some reason now.
Oh, and btw, that BYD will out accelerate the Cerbera to 60, whilst seating 5 with far more mod cons, as I said, not apples with apples.
Mammasaid said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I remember paying £500 a month for my Cerbera 20 years ago, and in fairness at the time that felt like a few quid to me being honest. Never in a million years would I want to throw £500 a month at a BYD though for sure.
We all like different things though, and I do sometimes struggle with that to be fair. A Cerbera 4.5 or a BYD? Surely that should be a no brainer in the direction of the TVR I reckon for me, but nowadays it just isn't though, and almost everyone seems to prefer the BYD in comparison for some reason now.
£500/month 20 years ago is equivalent to nearly £900/month currently, so you're not comparing apples with apples, Lee.We all like different things though, and I do sometimes struggle with that to be fair. A Cerbera 4.5 or a BYD? Surely that should be a no brainer in the direction of the TVR I reckon for me, but nowadays it just isn't though, and almost everyone seems to prefer the BYD in comparison for some reason now.
Oh, and btw, that BYD will out accelerate the Cerbera to 60, whilst seating 5 with far more mod cons, as I said, not apples with apples.
I think manufacturers are trying to tempt people in with power and acceleration as its so easy to achieve with an electric motor, and to be honest after years of agonizing over the fastest, I am no longer all that bothered. When you get someone in a Tesla Model 3 rattling on about how their car will dust something legendary you realise it doesnt matter any more, a Model 3 performance will likely out accelerate a GT40, but who cares ?
I am not going to get an EV because of fast acceleration, thats kind of a Faustian Pact, would feel like trading an actual dog with all its faults, quirks and hilarity in for one of those Sony Aibo ones that doesnt hump your leg, bark or do real dog things.
But, not against having one, but would still need a fun ICE car in my life.
Saw a Jaecoo this morning on the way to work, looked alright, people are buying them.
Mammasaid said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I remember paying £500 a month for my Cerbera 20 years ago, and in fairness at the time that felt like a few quid to me being honest. Never in a million years would I want to throw £500 a month at a BYD though for sure.
We all like different things though, and I do sometimes struggle with that to be fair. A Cerbera 4.5 or a BYD? Surely that should be a no brainer in the direction of the TVR I reckon for me, but nowadays it just isn't though, and almost everyone seems to prefer the BYD in comparison for some reason now.
£500/month 20 years ago is equivalent to nearly £900/month currently, so you're not comparing apples with apples, Lee.We all like different things though, and I do sometimes struggle with that to be fair. A Cerbera 4.5 or a BYD? Surely that should be a no brainer in the direction of the TVR I reckon for me, but nowadays it just isn't though, and almost everyone seems to prefer the BYD in comparison for some reason now.
Oh, and btw, that BYD will out accelerate the Cerbera to 60, whilst seating 5 with far more mod cons, as I said, not apples with apples.
J4CKO said:
Saw a Jaecoo this morning on the way to work, looked alright, people are buying them.
Being pushed by mainstream salary sacrifice schemes (like Octopus IIRC)If you don't care about cars and you're making a choice on a website then I'd imagine it's difficult to look past how cheap they are
Even if you thought it was a bit cack when it turned up I bet a lot of people would rationalise it based on money they can spend on other things that interest them more.
DodgyGeezer said:
WRT to the monthles yes £500 20 years ago may be £900 now - but given wages haven't increased in the same way maybe that isn't a bad example in terms of spending power?
Average full-time wages in the UK have risen pretty much bang in line with inflation over that time period. The Wookie said:
J4CKO said:
Saw a Jaecoo this morning on the way to work, looked alright, people are buying them.
Being pushed by mainstream salary sacrifice schemes (like Octopus IIRC)If you don't care about cars and you're making a choice on a website then I'd imagine it's difficult to look past how cheap they are
Even if you thought it was a bit cack when it turned up I bet a lot of people would rationalise it based on money they can spend on other things that interest them more.
A mate of mine has a Tesla Model 3, and he says that it is absolutely crap, but it doesn't bother him though...because it costs him peanuts to have and run though for example.
cerb4.5lee said:
The Wookie said:
J4CKO said:
Saw a Jaecoo this morning on the way to work, looked alright, people are buying them.
Being pushed by mainstream salary sacrifice schemes (like Octopus IIRC)If you don't care about cars and you're making a choice on a website then I'd imagine it's difficult to look past how cheap they are
Even if you thought it was a bit cack when it turned up I bet a lot of people would rationalise it based on money they can spend on other things that interest them more.
A mate of mine has a Tesla Model 3, and he says that it is absolutely crap, but it doesn't bother him though...because it costs him peanuts to have and run though for example.
Secretly I bet he loves it but has heard your thoughts and daren't express his profound and true love for his Tesla with you around for fear of what he will set off, am thinking that Angry Hitler meme that did the rounds.
I really do expect you to be in EV within ten years Lee, anyone who protests that much if definitely in denial over their true feelings
First it will be the gateway drug, a hybrid, a BMW perchance (very nice BTW, forgot to comment !) ? I know its only a bit hybridy, but you have sneaked a little electric motor in, you can feel it filling in the gaps in power delivery, its no big deal, you can handle it, can go back to full ICE any time....I forsee an American Beauty style epiphany, not you trying to snog the bloke next door, just a tearful yet poignant moment in the YangWang showroom when you allow your true feelings to flood out as you sign on the dotted line for your lovely new EV.
saw a BYD seal advert on telly the other day, the bit that caught me was the 8 year 125,000mile warranty!!!!
now i am sure there is a lot of clauses wrapped up in that warranty, but its essentially the same trick that Hyundai and Kia did on entry to the UK market and look at them now !!!
now i am sure there is a lot of clauses wrapped up in that warranty, but its essentially the same trick that Hyundai and Kia did on entry to the UK market and look at them now !!!
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 14th April 16:09
J4CKO said:
cerb4.5lee said:
The Wookie said:
J4CKO said:
Saw a Jaecoo this morning on the way to work, looked alright, people are buying them.
Being pushed by mainstream salary sacrifice schemes (like Octopus IIRC)If you don't care about cars and you're making a choice on a website then I'd imagine it's difficult to look past how cheap they are
Even if you thought it was a bit cack when it turned up I bet a lot of people would rationalise it based on money they can spend on other things that interest them more.
A mate of mine has a Tesla Model 3, and he says that it is absolutely crap, but it doesn't bother him though...because it costs him peanuts to have and run though for example.
Secretly I bet he loves it but has heard your thoughts and daren't express his profound and true love for his Tesla with you around for fear of what he will set off, am thinking that Angry Hitler meme that did the rounds.
I really do expect you to be in EV within ten years Lee, anyone who protests that much if definitely in denial over their true feelings
First it will be the gateway drug, a hybrid, a BMW perchance (very nice BTW, forgot to comment !) ? I know its only a bit hybridy, but you have sneaked a little electric motor in, you can feel it filling in the gaps in power delivery, its no big deal, you can handle it, can go back to full ICE any time....I forsee an American Beauty style epiphany, not you trying to snog the bloke next door, just a tearful yet poignant moment in the YangWang showroom when you allow your true feelings to flood out as you sign on the dotted line for your lovely new EV.
I have let myself down letting that tiny electric motor in the gearbox sneak into one of my cars as you say!
It is definitely downhill from now on I reckon.
XJSJohn said:
saw a BYD seal advert on telly the other day, the bit that caught me was the 8 year 125,000mile warranty!!!!
now i am sure there is a lot of clauses wrapped up in that warranty, but its essentially the same trick that Hyundai and Kia did on entry to the UK market and look at them now !!!
I bought a new Kia Ceed in 2008 and was lured by the decent (if not class leading) build, 7 year warranty and low price. Mates took the piss, obviously, but I drove it to 95k in 7 years and the few things that broke were fixed quickly under warranty. That's the benchmark for these new brands.now i am sure there is a lot of clauses wrapped up in that warranty, but its essentially the same trick that Hyundai and Kia did on entry to the UK market and look at them now !!!
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 14th April 16:09
BTW, replaced that car with a used 59 plate diesel Ceed estate which is still going strong now as our shed lol
XJSJohn said:
saw a BYD seal advert on telly the other day, the bit that caught me was the 8 year 125,000mile warranty!!!!
now i am sure there is a lot of clauses wrapped up in that warranty, but its essentially the same trick that Hyundai and Kia did on entry to the UK market and look at them now !!!
You are confused. The 8 year/125k warranty relates to the battery, not the entire car. The cars have a factory warranty of 6 years/93k miles. now i am sure there is a lot of clauses wrapped up in that warranty, but its essentially the same trick that Hyundai and Kia did on entry to the UK market and look at them now !!!
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 14th April 16:09
Regarding the 8 year battery warranty. That's hardly something novel.
Tesla, MB, BMW, VW are some of the manufacturers that offer an 8 year warranty on their batteries, and in the case of Toyota and some MB models (EQS), you get a 10 year warranty on the battery.
raspy said:
XJSJohn said:
saw a BYD seal advert on telly the other day, the bit that caught me was the 8 year 125,000mile warranty!!!!
now i am sure there is a lot of clauses wrapped up in that warranty, but its essentially the same trick that Hyundai and Kia did on entry to the UK market and look at them now !!!
You are confused. The 8 year/125k warranty relates to the battery, not the entire car. The cars have a factory warranty of 6 years/93k miles. now i am sure there is a lot of clauses wrapped up in that warranty, but its essentially the same trick that Hyundai and Kia did on entry to the UK market and look at them now !!!
Edited by XJSJohn on Monday 14th April 16:09
Regarding the 8 year battery warranty. That's hardly something novel.
Tesla, MB, BMW, VW are some of the manufacturers that offer an 8 year warranty on their batteries, and in the case of Toyota and some MB models (EQS), you get a 10 year warranty on the battery.
VW Group’s All In package is pretty good coverage and, if you time it right, can run to 8 years - but they don’t offer it on EVs….
Moodyman1 said:
LuS1fer said:
£500 a month for a BYD Seal.
Blimey.
I bought a Fiat Panda for that price and it's still doing everything it should in these speed limited and surveilled times. I'm trying to give up flushing thousands away in depreciation for a car I can't work up the slightest enthusiasm for.
I could actually easily afford £500 a month, in retirement and indeed, this year's addition of the state pension would more than cover it but no thanks.
You sound like a sheddist. Don’t be embarrassed, I am too. But we’re in the minority. Many folk want trinkets and baubles. Some have access to company car schemes, salary sacrifice and other tax breaks. In their eyes, £500 a month is within reach and justified.Blimey.
I bought a Fiat Panda for that price and it's still doing everything it should in these speed limited and surveilled times. I'm trying to give up flushing thousands away in depreciation for a car I can't work up the slightest enthusiasm for.
I could actually easily afford £500 a month, in retirement and indeed, this year's addition of the state pension would more than cover it but no thanks.
raspy said:
You are confused. The 8 year/125k warranty relates to the battery, not the entire car. The cars have a factory warranty of 6 years/93k miles.
Regarding the 8 year battery warranty. That's hardly something novel.
Tesla, MB, BMW, VW are some of the manufacturers that offer an 8 year warranty on their batteries, and in the case of Toyota and some MB models (EQS), you get a 10 year warranty on the battery.
The battery warranty of 8 years is state of charge only, not manufacturing defects (which is the same as the main warranty).Regarding the 8 year battery warranty. That's hardly something novel.
Tesla, MB, BMW, VW are some of the manufacturers that offer an 8 year warranty on their batteries, and in the case of Toyota and some MB models (EQS), you get a 10 year warranty on the battery.
The 8 year warranty is actually based on a UN requirement for battery life (UN GTR 22). That’s why they are all the same.
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