Why Buying A Cheap Pickup Truck From China Is Not A Good Idea

Oct 13, 2023

The Donut Media guys bought a "cheap" pickup truck from China, but it turned out to be more expensive than they thought. Was it worth it?

Searching for the ultimate bargain, many car enthusiasts scour the market for the perfect deal, but sometimes a seemingly unbeatable offer can lead to unforeseen challenges. This article chronicles Donut Media's intriguing adventure of purchasing an inexpensive Chinese pickup truck, including the bureaucratic obstacles and hidden expenses they encountered, causing the price to soar to four times the original cost of $8,000.

We'll discuss Jerry and Zach's candid thoughts on the truck, their enlightening test drive, and their ultimate conclusion about the vehicle's true worth. We'll also tell you why getting a used pickup truck for under $10,000 is a much more sensible idea. This also shows you how impressive and capable used cars are, even those that are more than a decade old.

RELATED: Here Are The Most Reliable Pickup Trucks To Buy Used (And 5 To Stay Away From)

The enticing journey of Donut Media in acquiring an affordable Chinese pickup truck began with a seemingly unbeatable offer of $2,000, a very cheap price. Little did they know, this initial bargain was merely the surface of a complex process. Importing the vehicle into the United States came with a series of bureaucratic hurdles, such as managing extensive documentation, liaising with customs, and adhering to import rules.

As they delved deeper into the process, unexpected costs started accumulating. Freight expenses, import duties, and a range of handling fees pushed the truck's price substantially higher. Ultimately, the total expenditure reached an astonishing $8,258 – over four times the initial asking price. Faced with this reality, Jerry and Zach began to question the true value of the truck and pondered whether they could have found a higher quality, pre-owned vehicle for a comparable price.

Following their hands-on experience and evaluation, Jerry and Zach concluded that the truck's subpar quality and performance didn't justify the price they had paid. While the Chang Li EV pickup truck was able to transport plywood and make its way through a drive-thru, its overall build and materials left a lot to be desired. They admitted that the truck might have some novelty appeal or be adequate for extremely light-duty tasks, but couldn't endorse it as a practical choice for those seeking a dependable, high-quality pickup truck.

Donut Media's venture into buying a cheap Chinese pickup truck came out like a funny video, but also acts as a warning for potential buyers. The administrative obstacles and unforeseen expenses they faced resulted in a final cost that was significantly higher than anticipated. Adding to this woe was the truck's underwhelming performance and quality. You should be conscious of the hazards and possible drawbacks when purchasing a low-cost vehicle, particularly one imported from abroad. As the video teaches, it's better to explore alternatives: you could buy a used, locally accessible car that has already demonstrated its reliability.

RELATED: 10 Least Reliable Pickup Trucks That Will Leave You Stranded

If you want to buy a good pickup truck without spending too much money, there are several choices that are better than the Chang Li pickup truck shown in the Donut Media video. Here are four cheaper yet dependable pickup trucks that cost about the same as the Chinese vehicle, which was $8,258 to bring to the United States.

First, the 2008 Toyota Tundra is a big, strong truck that costs nothing. It has a 5.7-liter V8 engine, it's made by Toyota, so it's reliable, and it can tow a lot of weight. The inside of the truck is comfortable, making it a better choice than the Chinese truck, with its poor 36 mph.

Next, the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is another big truck that's good for the price. It has a range of V6 and V8 engines, and the LTZ trim offers 12-way heated and powered front seats, leather upholstery, and a premium audio system, making it a luxurious and comfortable ride.

The 2007 Toyota Tacoma is a great alternative for those who prefer a midsize truck. This versatile pickup offers excellent off-road capability, making it an ideal companion for adventure-seekers. With strong aftermarket support, the Tacoma can be tailored to suit your specific needs. Its reliability and value retention make it a smart choice for buyers on a budget, allowing you to own a solid truck without overspending.

The 2009 Ford Ranger is a compact pickup with notable strength. Although smaller, it features a dependable 207-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine and a limited-slip rear differential, making it a suitable and capable choice for truck owners in urban and suburban areas. Even if it may have some issues, its off-road capabilities and strong support from the aftermarket make it a wise selection for those who value a budget-friendly, maneuverable truck.

Sources: Donut Media YouTube Channel, Kelley Blue Book

Born and raised in the eternal city of Rome, Jacopo Milani has always had a passion for storytelling and fast cars. After studying creative writing for five years at university, today he spends his days writing and revving his engine. In his free time, he can be found cheering on his favorite soccer team or hitting the open road in his beloved car.