Can the BAIC 212 not be used as a family car?
4 Answers
The BAIC 212 has strong off-road capabilities and is not suitable for family use. Different types of cars are suitable for different occasions. Below is a detailed introduction to vehicle types: 1. Overview: Vehicle types refer to a form of vehicle, distinguished by general characteristics, intended use, and functionality. For example, sedans, trucks, buses, trailers, and incomplete vehicles are all separate types. 2. Others: Heavy-duty vehicles have a length of 6m or more and a total mass of 12,000kg or more. Medium-duty vehicles have a length of 6m or more and a total mass between 4,500kg and 12,000kg. Light-duty vehicles have a length of less than 6m and a total mass of less than 4,500kg. Mini vehicles have a length of 3.5m or less and a load capacity of 1,800kg or less.
I drove a BAIC 212 as a daily commuter for half a year, and honestly, it was quite an ordeal as a family car. The seats were as hard as park benches, and going over speed bumps made my molars ache. Even with the AC at full blast, it couldn't compete with direct sunlight, and the kids in the back always complained about the heat in summer. The trunk could barely fit a stroller, leaving no room for groceries unless I cleared the front passenger seat. The most frustrating part was the fuel consumption—the 2.4T engine guzzled 13 liters per 100 km in the city, making my monthly fuel costs for school runs twice as much as others' for two cars. However, if you live in the suburbs with unpaved roads, this car's high ground clearance prevents scrapes, and it handles mud better than urban SUVs.
Last week, I accompanied a friend to test drive the 212 and found it quite a stretch as the family's only car. The window crank requires two full forceful turns, and defogging on rainy days is frustratingly slow. The unassisted steering demands full strength when parking, and my wife complained of wrist pain after just one attempt. The rear seats are short and rigid—my mother-in-law made an excuse to get out after ten minutes. But the mechanical structure is incredibly simple; a repair shop apprentice can remove all the seats in half an hour, and replacing parts is cheaper than applying a screen protector to a smartphone.
Financially, it's really not worth it: The car only costs 80,000 yuan, but commuting in the city costs at least 1,500 yuan per month in fuel, nearly 1,000 yuan more than a Corolla. Insurance is 30% more expensive as it's classified as an off-road vehicle. Car washes charge an extra 20 yuan for mud and grime when they see this car. Repairs are cheap though, with aftermarket parts available everywhere in the auto parts market. Last week, I damaged the headlight assembly and got it fixed with installation for just 280 yuan. But the body panels are so thin they wobble when you press them, and rear-ending someone else would be a huge loss.
