Why Does the Envision Depreciate So Rapidly?
3 Answers
The key reasons for the Envision's poor value retention include rapid price drops for new vehicles, comparatively expensive repair costs, high fuel consumption, and a high complaint rate. Below is more information about the Envision: 1. Model Positioning: The Buick Envision is positioned as a midsize SUV with ample interior space. It is priced around 200,000 RMB. The vehicle's exterior exudes a sense of strength while maintaining a stylish appeal, making it an ideal choice for young drivers. 2. Debut: On August 28, 2014, the Buick Envision, an SUV model under SAIC-GM, made its official debut on the eve of the Chengdu Auto Show. The Envision is equipped with a 2.0T engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 3. Limited Millionth Edition: To celebrate the Envision's sales surpassing one million units, the 2020 Envision specially introduced a limited Millionth Edition, featuring an exclusive custom sports package for a more striking and personalized visual effect.
The rapid depreciation of the Buick Envision can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, American cars generally have lower resale value in the market compared to German and Japanese brands, which enjoy greater consumer confidence. Particularly for older Envision models, the widely reported transmission jerking issues led to many owner complaints, making used car dealers wary of vehicles from that era. Secondly, the competition is fierce—models like the CR-V and Tiguan L in the same price range boast strong resale values, leaving the Envision at a disadvantage. Thirdly, Buick's brand premium has declined in recent years; once associated with a business-like image, it now struggles to compete with Japanese brands in the family car segment. Fourthly, ownership costs play a role—while the Envision offers spacious interiors, its higher fuel consumption is a deterrent for used car buyers who factor in long-term expenses. Lastly, substantial new-car discounts (often slashing prices by 40,000-50,000 RMB) directly undercut used car prices. For buyers, a used Envision offers good value, but sellers must temper their expectations accordingly.
A friend just sold his 2017 Envision and took a painful loss. After researching, I found the steep depreciation mainly stems from two factors: inherent flaws and market positioning. The major flaw lies in the 28T version—while powerful, its fuel consumption is notably high, especially in urban areas where it can hit 12L/100km. The 6AT transmission also faced widespread complaints about jerky shifts in its early years, making second-hand buyers wary of models from this era. Market-wise, Buick is stuck in an awkward spot—lacking the prestige to compete with luxury brands while being outperformed by Japanese rivals in reputation, making it the worst 'sandwich cookie' scenario. The newer models switched to a 9AT, improving fuel efficiency significantly, but the brand's image had already taken a hit. Used car dealers now slash prices by 30% upfront. Another downside is the missing rear middle headrest, a big minus for family buyers. Think twice before buying new, but used ones might offer a bargain.
