So, you’re thinking about buying a Changan CS55 Plus? That’s great! But before you hand over your hard-earned cash, let’s talk about some things you might not hear from the dealership. We’re diving deep into the less-than-stellar aspects, the hidden flaws, the potential headaches – the things that could turn your dream car into a nightmare. Let’s start with the problems that can pop up even before you drive it off the lot.
First off, the paint quality. I’ve heard from several owners reporting inconsistencies in the finish, even on brand new vehicles. We’re not talking about a tiny imperfection here and there; some have reported noticeable orange peel effect, uneven color application, and even tiny paint chips appearing straight from the factory. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can affect the long-term protection of your car’s body and potentially lead to rust down the line. It’s something to carefully inspect before accepting delivery. Then there’s the issue of fit and finish. Some owners have reported panel gaps that are wider than they should be, suggesting a lack of precision in the assembly process. This isn’t just about aesthetics; uneven gaps can compromise the car’s structural integrity and lead to problems down the road. And finally, there are reports of minor scratches and blemishes appearing on new cars, suggesting a lack of care during transportation or handling at the dealership. These are all things you should be meticulously checking before signing on the dotted line. Don’t be afraid to be thorough; it’s your money, and your investment deserves proper scrutiny.
Now, let’s move on to a couple more issues related to the body itself. Beyond the paint and assembly, there are some concerns about the overall durability of certain components. Several owners have reported issues with the door handles, some experiencing premature wear and tear, others even experiencing complete failure. This is a significant problem, as it directly impacts the usability of the vehicle. Then there’s the issue of the chrome trim. Many owners have reported that the chrome plating on various exterior parts, like the window trim and grille, can peel or fade prematurely, again impacting the car’s overall appearance and potentially leading to rust. This is particularly frustrating considering it’s a relatively new car. And finally, some owners have reported problems with the seals around the doors and windows, leading to issues with water leakage during heavy rain. This isn’t just annoying; it can lead to interior damage and mold growth if left unaddressed. These are all things to keep in mind when assessing the long-term reliability of the Changan CS55 Plus. Remember, these are potential issues, not guarantees, but being aware of them allows you to be a more informed buyer.
So, let’s dive straight into the issues some owners have reported with the Changan CS55/Plus. First up, the comfort inside the cabin. Now, I know looks can be deceiving, and the CS55/Plus boasts a pretty stylish interior, but several owners have complained about some significant shortcomings. The biggest issue seems to be the seats. Many describe them as being too firm, lacking sufficient cushioning, especially on longer journeys. After a couple of hours on the road, you’re likely to feel every bump and imperfection in the road. This isn’t just about personal preference; we’re talking about genuine discomfort that can lead to back pain and fatigue. Beyond the seats, the noise insulation has also been a point of contention. Road noise, engine noise, even wind noise at higher speeds – it all seems to penetrate the cabin more than you’d expect from a vehicle in this price range. Some owners have reported that the sound system, while decent enough, struggles to overcome this ambient noise, making it difficult to enjoy music or podcasts comfortably. And finally, the overall ergonomics of the cabin haven’t impressed everyone. Some controls are awkwardly placed, and the infotainment system, while modern-looking, has been criticized for being slightly unintuitive and slow to respond at times. It’s a shame, really, because a comfortable and well-designed cabin is crucial for a positive driving experience.
Next, let’s talk about the safety systems, or rather, the lack thereof in some instances. This is a serious concern, and it’s something that has popped up repeatedly in online forums and owner reviews. Several reports detail safety system failures, sometimes almost immediately after purchasing the vehicle. We’re talking about things like the automatic emergency braking system not engaging when it should, lane departure warnings failing to activate, and even problems with the airbags deploying unexpectedly or not deploying at all in simulated crash tests. Now, I understand that mechanical failures can happen in any car, but the sheer number of reports concerning these critical safety features is alarming. It suggests a potential issue with either the quality control during manufacturing or perhaps even a design flaw. This isn’t something to be taken lightly. Safety should be paramount, and these reports raise serious questions about the reliability of the CS55/Plus’s safety systems. It’s crucial for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and perhaps even consider independent safety testing before making a purchase. These aren’t minor inconveniences; these are potentially life-threatening problems. The frequency of these reports is simply unacceptable. It’s a significant drawback that overshadows many of the vehicle’s positive attributes.
