Why is it not recommended to buy the GS8?

[Jasmine]

It is not recommended to buy the GS8 because there are many domestic mid-to-high-end brands, such as Lynk & Co and VV7, as well as mid-size SUVs like the BYD Tang, which are priced similarly to the GS8. Whether domestic or joint-venture, the GS8's price does not offer a competitive advantage. In terms of body size, the Highlander is 45mm longer than the GS8, making it appear more extended overall. However, the GS8 has a 10mm advantage in wheelbase and a 50mm advantage in height, giving it a taller and more imposing appearance. Consequently, the GS8's competitiveness in terms of price is weaker. Below is an introduction to the GS8's powertrain parameters: In terms of powertrain, the GS8 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine independently developed by GAC. This engine does not incorporate the currently popular direct injection technology, so in terms of parameters, it can only produce a maximum power of 148kW and a maximum torque of 320Nm.

[CalebLynn]

I've been running an auto repair shop for ten years and have encountered many GS8 owners complaining about the car's high fuel consumption. The 2.0T engine easily consumes 13-14 liters per 100km in traffic jams, which is heartbreaking at the gas station. The transmission jerking is also quite noticeable, especially when crawling in low-speed traffic—it lurches forward abruptly. The most frustrating issue is the frequent minor electronic system glitches. A friend's car started having frequent false radar alarms and a blacked-out infotainment screen right after the warranty expired, and replacement parts are hard to find. The suspension tuning is on the stiff side, making it quite bumpy over speed bumps—comfort is noticeably worse compared to joint-venture models like the Highlander. Resale value is also low, dropping by half in just three years. Anyone considering this car should be mentally prepared.

[Devon]

Initially, I was drawn to the GS8 for its bold exterior and spacious interior. However, after purchasing it, I found the third-row seats to be quite cramped during long rides—my knees ache at 178 cm tall. The AC cooling efficiency is mediocre; on 30+°C summer days, it needs to be cranked up to max. Interior rattles started within six months, especially from the dashboard over bumps. The paint is too thin—a branch scratch exposed the primer. Fuel consumption costs over 1 RMB/km in city commutes, adding 300-400 RMB extra monthly compared to others. I regret not opting for a hybrid. A used-car dealer mentioned its higher failure rate, warning that its value may drop further in two years.

[VanLucas]

My neighbor bought a used GS8 last year and has been frequently visiting the repair shop. First, there was an oil leak in the turbo pipes, and even after replacing the seals, it still seeped. Then, the sunroof leaked and soaked the headliner. Last week, the reversing camera suddenly stopped working. The original parts took two weeks to arrive, and the labor cost was over 600 yuan. The chassis rust is quite noticeable, especially after spreading de-icing agents during snowy days in the north. The car weighs nearly two tons, and the braking distance is relatively long, requiring extra caution in rainy weather. The infotainment system is very user-unfriendly; even connecting to CarPlay is a hassle, and you have to buy a package to upgrade the navigation.

[AlanaFitz]

When accompanying a friend to the used car market, the dealer said it's best to avoid the GS8 due to its low resale value. A three-year-old car with 50,000 kilometers can only fetch around 120,000 RMB now, which is a steep depreciation. There are also design flaws—the second-row seats don't fold flat with the trunk, causing large items to slide around. The steering has too much play, and body roll is noticeable during high-speed cornering. Maintenance costs aren't high, but the service intervals are short, requiring a visit every 5,000 kilometers. The owner groups are full of complaints about battery drain issues, with the car failing to start after just a week of sitting. Sound insulation has been heavily downgraded, resulting in loud tire noise on the highway.

[SarahMarie]

Test drove the GS8 three times. The power specs look good on paper, but it feels like the engine is loud and acceleration is sluggish. The suspension does a poor job filtering out minor road vibrations, and elderly passengers in the back complained about feeling dizzy from the bumpiness. The third-row windows offer a claustrophobic view, making it feel like riding a minibus. The most frustrating part is the air conditioning controls being integrated into the touchscreen, which is particularly unsafe to adjust while driving. The high loading sill of the trunk makes lifting heavy items a hassle. With just a 60-liter fuel tank, the claimed 800km range falls short, barely reaching 600km in reality. The parking sensors frequently give false alarms, beeping wildly for no reason and startling the driver, lacking the stable feel of joint-venture cars.