The fact that Russian motorists are very conservative and stereotyped in their preferences is a well-known fact that is actively used by automotive business players. When choosing between Toyota and Opel, the average buyer in most cases will choose Toyota. And between Peugeot and Kia – definitely Kia. It is for this reason that potential buyers often miss potentially interesting and inexpensive cars in ads for one single reason – they are not widely known. We fill the gap with a limited budget.
Skoda Roomster
Probably the most pragmatic and conservative brand of the Russian market – Skoda – in the middle of the 2000s decided to play with the design of its models, releasing a couple of extremely curious and, in fact, experimental cars to attract a young audience – Yeti and Roomster.
Despite the fact that the cars gained some popularity (mainly due to the relatively affordable price), the bold design could not correct the established image of the Skoda brand, but it scared away the usual age audience. As a result, the bright Yeti was replaced by a solid, but uncomplicated Karoq, and the Roomster format did not find a successor at all.
But today, an incredibly pragmatic, but not the most popular car with a specific design is quite often found in very good condition, sometimes from one hand and for quite reasonable money. The main advantage of the car is a spacious interior with a high roof and a convertible sofa. All this is supported by simple and maintainable equipment, relatively inexpensive maintenance and thoroughbred European driving habits.
Hyundai i20
Photo: Hyundai Press Service.
Another undeservedly forgotten interesting car. Hyundai i20 – is nothing more than the second generation of the popular Getz hatchback in Russia – the first completely European model of Hyundai. The i20 is noticeably more modern in every way and feels more expensive, though the savings are plentiful here too. The car did not last long in our market and was replaced by a commercially more justified localized Solaris, and therefore there are less than a hundred ads in the whole country today.
The i20 is interesting in that it was most often chosen as a car for the beautiful half of humanity, and therefore in most cases it has a very good condition and not the highest mileage. In addition, the hatchback was equipped with a strong and rather vigorous 100-horsepower 1.4 engine, as well as a quite hardy classic automatic. In general, this is a technically simple, at the same time, European-made and unpretentious “Korean”, which, in good condition, can last a long time.
Suzuki Fire II
Photo: Suzuki press service.
A car that was never officially sold in Russia, but was always present on it in the background. One of the first urban compact crossovers, the Ignis has a modest 175mm of ground clearance, a high seating position and a relatively roomy interior, making it a much more comfortable vehicle than most BC-class cars for the same money.
Suzuki Ignis does not differ in sophisticated design and glossy interior, but a simple and durable design, a maintainable 100-horsepower M15A engine and a running machine will definitely not ruin during maintenance. Interestingly, the owners of this Suzuki are in no hurry to part with it, so that even older models meet with a single owner.
Peugeot 307307SW
Photo: Peugeot press service.
Many will turn their noses when they see an age-old Frenchman in the selection, and they will do it in vain. In fact, the Peugeot 307, which was produced until 2008, is still relevant.
First and foremost, thanks to the indestructible 1.6 engine (109 hp) of the TU5 series, which takes care of 350-400 thousand km, the “Frenchman” turned out to be much more reliable than his successor 308 with the problematic 1.6 engine of the EP6 series.
Secondly, the original French assembly and 12-year warranty on the bodywork, accident-free copies were kept in very good condition. And thirdly, the Peugeot 307 is regularly found in the SW version, which is one of the most spacious and comfortable cars in its class.
The car had exactly two shortcomings. This is the notorious AL4 automatic machine, which with a high probability has already been sorted out more than once, and the electric glitches that have been encountered, which worried the owners on trifles. The first problem can be solved by purchasing the “on the handle” version, but the second is compensated by the modern availability of French services that have long studied the sores of the once popular models.
Hyundai Sonata IV (ТагАЗ)
Photo: Hyundai Press Service.
Korean “Volga” – this is how the owners themselves most often call the “Sonata” of the fourth generation.
One of the reasons is the Taganrog assembly, which is designated by the Soviet abbreviation “TagAZ” and often scares away potential buyers. In fact, there was nothing particularly terrible in domestic production. Owners complain mainly about “shoals” of coloring.
Otherwise, this is a large and spacious sedan, with good equipment and a decent level of comfort. The only caveat is the outdated interior, returning to the late 90s, early 2000s.
The car did not have any serious technical shortcomings, except that, due to age and mileage, you will have to invest in good maintenance with the replacement of worn parts. Both gasoline engines – 2.0 and especially 2.7 – are gluttonous. Otherwise, this is a very good and solid car per ruble spent, which, with proper care, runs for a long time.