Why Doesn't the Emgrand GL Hold Its Value Well?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why the Emgrand GL doesn't hold its value well: 1. Slightly High Fuel Consumption for a New Car: Due to its weight and powertrain, the new car's combined fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is relatively high. If frequently driven in urban areas, owners need to consider whether the fuel consumption is within their acceptable range. The old Emgrand's power and fuel consumption were quite attractive at the time, which was a significant advantage. However, this car continues to use the old Emgrand's engine while increasing the vehicle weight. As a result, the performance in terms of power and fuel consumption is not impressive, and for a next-generation model, it's quite disappointing. 2. Dual-Clutch Transmission Instability at Low Speeds: The dual-clutch transmission may be off-putting to some. The Emgrand GL's dual-clutch is among the smoother ones on the market, close to an automatic transmission. However, this doesn't mean its quality has improved. In fact, many people question the use of a dual-clutch in this model. If traffic isn't extremely congested but just slow-moving, frequent acceleration and deceleration are required, causing the transmission to frequently shift between 1st and 2nd gears, leading to jerking and surging. 3. Limited Interior Storage Space: One drawback of the Emgrand GL is the practicality of its front-row storage spaces. The main issue is the lack of suitable places for phones and wallets. There are storage slots on both sides of the center console, but they are blocked by the thighs, making it inconvenient to retrieve items while driving. The cup holders have good depth and diameter, but the small storage slot is barely useful—just the right size for keys. However, since the car comes standard with keyless entry and start, drivers don’t need to take out their keys, making the slot redundant. It would be better if the slot were larger or designed as a card slot. 4. Poor High-Speed Power Performance: The Emgrand GL's small-displacement turbocharged engine excels in mid-range acceleration, such as from 40 to 80 km/h, making it suitable for urban driving. However, acceleration at higher speeds weakens due to the small engine size and limited power reserves. During highway driving, some complaints arise. Even when downshifting early and pressing the accelerator hard, the car struggles to deliver a satisfying acceleration experience, with the speedometer needle rising rather slowly.
As a seasoned driver with 15 years of experience, I have deep insights into the resale value issues of the Emgrand GL. While this car offers great value for money when new, its second-hand market price plummets sharply after three to five years. The main reasons are that the Geely brand lacks a strong reputation domestically—people generally perceive it as less reliable than Japanese or German brands, leading buyers to lowball offers. Additionally, it has common minor issues like loud engine noise and frequent electronic system failures, which cost time and money to repair, negatively impacting maintenance records and used car appraisal prices. Market fluctuations also play a role; frequent price drops or promotions on new models drag down the residual value of older ones. I’ve also noticed its slow design updates fail to keep up with trends, making it less appealing to younger buyers in the used market. Low resale value not only wastes money but also complicates the car replacement process. I recommend checking resale value reports and comparing economical models before purchasing.
As a post-90s car owner, I quickly realized the poor resale value of my Emgrand GL after purchasing it last year. Data from used car apps shows that Geely's low brand premium is the main reason—while new cars are affordably priced, they can't compete with Toyota or Honda in the used market where buyers prioritize brand trust. The car performs decently, but frequent issues like strange noises and air conditioning problems, along with high maintenance costs, reduce its second-hand appeal. I also feel the market is overly competitive, with new budget models constantly emerging and devaluing older cars. In terms of trends, the Emgrand GL's outdated interior lacks modern tech features that young buyers prefer in newer intelligent models. Considering the importance of resale value, it's not suitable for long-term ownership, and selling it results in significant losses requiring extra effort.
