Chery cars are consistently among the most popular in the Russian market, but their operation can be significantly more expensive than buyers of budget crossovers expect. Despite the affordable purchase price, a service interval of 10,000 km, specific features of turbocharged engines, and sensitivity to fuel quality create a noticeably higher maintenance cost than it seems at first glance. Experts and owners interviewed by Autonews.ru confirmed: Chery has long moved away from the status of a "cheap" brand in terms of maintenance.
The main feature of Chery is frequent maintenance. The manufacturer sets a limit of 10,000 km of mileage, taking into account Russian realities: cold climate, traffic jams, low average speed, and load on turbocharged engines. According to experts, this approach is not unique, but in comparison with Hyundai or Kia, where many models require maintenance every 15,000 km, Chery owners are forced to visit the service more often. This reduces the risk of timing belt wear, turbocharger wear, and increased load on the oil, which loses its key properties by 10,000 km. Experts consider this regulation conservative but justified: for turbocharged units, this is a real way to extend the lifespan.
Real expenses confirm this picture. The owner of a Tiggo 7 Pro Max said that he spent almost 90,000 rubles on scheduled maintenance at the dealer for 30,000 km of mileage. The first maintenance after break-in cost 10,500 rubles, TO-1 already cost 15,700 rubles, and TO-2 cost 31,500 rubles. Among the expensive operations are brake maintenance, throttle cleaning, and door mechanism maintenance. TO-3 turned out to be comparable in price to the previous one - about 30,800 rubles. At the same time, we are talking only about planned maintenance, without repair or replacement of major components. According to service centers, Chery spare parts are on average at the level of popular brands in terms of cost, sometimes being slightly cheaper than Korean counterparts. In the aftermarket, the price range is even wider: many elements cost 10-30% less than competitors.
However, frequent visits to the service are not the only feature of owning a Chery. Experts note that the reliability of modern models has significantly improved, but weak spots remain. Most often, owners complain about the multimedia system, camera freezes, as well as individual suspension elements - silent blocks, ball joints, stabilizers. Turbocharged engines, CVTs, and dual-clutch gearboxes require increased attention to the quality of oils and compliance with regulations. There are also isolated problems with the steering rack and sensors. The example of the Tiggo 7 Pro Max owner is indicative: the problem with closing the door could not be solved for more than a year and a half, and the defect was eliminated only at the third maintenance.
The owners themselves have mixed feelings about Chery's regulations. Some consider frequent maintenance an attempt by the dealer to make money, others see it as a way to extend the life of the engine. Those who have encountered expensive turbine repairs on other brands usually support the policy of earlier oil changes. But the key problem is not the lack of spare parts, but the difficulty with rare parts: body elements, some sensors, and transmission parts sometimes have to wait longer.
The Chery representative office emphasizes that the cost of maintenance is formed taking into account market conditions and is aimed at maintaining competitive prices. Prices are indexed not on a schedule, but depending on changes in the economy and supplies. The manufacturer recommends using only original parts: the installation of third-party components may affect reliability and deprives the owner of extended technical support. Chery notes that the official dealer network guarantees compliance with all procedures, the availability of original software, and the work of qualified specialists.
As a result, the maintenance of a Chery cannot be called frankly expensive, but it also does not belong to the initial budget level. Frequent maintenance, attention to fuel quality, features of turbocharged engines, and regular suspension checks make the operation of these cars closer to the level of global brands. Buyers who choose Chery for its pleasant price and modern equipment should take into account: maintenance may require more serious expenses than it seems when buying, but with a competent approach, it ensures reliable and predictable operation.
