The car "Chevrolet Aveo T250" began to produce in 2006. He replaced the T200 model and received a more modern body. The equipment as a whole remained the same, however, the technical characteristics improved. The attractive design, especially compared to the previous version, made an impression, and the new Aveo quickly gained a wide audience of customers. He became one of the favorites in the market for budget cars, and to this day is selling well. For ten years, the car managed to show itself, so we have the opportunity to consider it from a practical point of view, based on the experience of the owners.
general characteristics
"Aveo T250" is made in three versions. The most popular of these is the 5-door sedan. There is also a hatchback, with the presence of three and five doors. The model is assembled in China, Korea, Poland and Ukraine. Chinese cars assembled at GM affiliate received the highest ratings from the owners. Models of the Chinese assembly are primarily distinguished by a 1.6-liter engine and good equipment. Among the minor differences can be noted the grille, painted in body color, and a chrome decorative strip between the taillights, as well as wood elements in the cabin. Chinese versions are performed using the sedan body type.
Body
Compared to the previous version, the Chevrolet Aveo T250 has a more corrosion-resistant body. However, anti-corrosion treatment is very appropriate, like on any other budget car. Unfortunately, the metal of which the body is made is very soft. Just pushing the car, you can leave a dent on it. As for optics, it is not tight enough on some machines, as a result - fogging of headlights. Basically, this is where the weaknesses of the Aveo T250 sedan end. “Aveo T200” had a serious drawback - a weak welding seam of fastening the shelf between the cups of the rear racks. In the second generation, this defect was fixed.
Salon
The interior of the Aveo T250 is similar to an older brother, but has a lot of useful improvements. The Chinese version has a beige finish, and all the rest are dark gray. The light finish looks more expressive, but it is very impractical and needs very careful handling. The interior is trimmed with hard, but not creaky plastic. Due to the wide side pillars in the corners, there is a lack of visibility. Noise isolation of the body is frankly weak. In the back row passengers of medium height can quite comfortably accommodate, however, the three of them will be crowded. Compared to its closest competitor, Daewoo Lanos, the Aveo T250 interior is narrower and the rear seatbacks are more upright. But the landing on the seats is slightly higher. The luggage compartment has a volume of 320 liters, which is not enough in comparison with competitors.
Engine
All Chevrolet Aveo T250 models are equipped with gasoline engines. The most common of them is a 1.5-liter, 8-valve unit, which has proven itself well in the last generation of cars. With proper operation, it can be used without major repairs up to 500 thousand km. However, it happens that after 200 thousand mileage the rocker arms of the gas distribution mechanism go out of their working position due to wear of the hydraulic compensators. Therefore, when knocking valves, it is necessary to check the hydraulic lifters and, if necessary, replace them. On cars of those who like to drive at high speeds, over time, the valve cover gasket and camshaft seal may lose their tightness.
A Chinese engine with a volume of 1.6 liters can have both in-line and V-shaped cylinders. Its main advantage is higher power with almost the same appetite as the 1.5-liter engine. This engine also did not reveal any serious "diseases", so you can safely buy it. There is only one characteristic problem - leak valve cover gaskets.
The timing belt of both motors must be changed together with the rollers every 6 thousand kilometers. But the pump, which is driven by this very belt, serves twice as much.
The car has a pretty solid appetite - about 10 liters per 100 kilometers, so many owners install HBO on it. As practice shows, engines running with the help of gas plants serve no worse than gasoline. Tuning "Aveo T250" makes it possible to improve the characteristics of the motor, but usually they do not resort to it.
Transmission
The lion's share of cars of this model is equipped with 5-speed mechanics. Cars with a 4-speed automatic machine will be typed no more than 20%. Both boxes suffer from poor tightness of the shaft seals and the crunch of external grenades. Therefore, sometimes these elements have to be changed. Otherwise, both gearboxes are quite reliable. Several problems that were characteristic in the previous version of the car, the manufacturer successfully eliminated. The clutch has a hydraulic drive, which deserves just one comment - the noise of the release bearing.
Suspension
The chassis has a high energy intensity, and copes well with the defects of our roads. However, with sharp maneuvering, the body heels significantly. Therefore, the car is more suitable for measured driving.
The Aveo T250 suspension design is similar to the previous version - an independent McPherson front and a semi-independent beam at the rear. The suspension is well adapted to our realities and lasts quite a long time. Stabilizer racks can serve at a distance of up to 50 thousand km, but silent blocks of front levers, ball bearings and stabilizer bushings usually withstand mileage of up to 100 thousand km.
Steering and brake system
Aveo T250 steering wheel is equipped with a hydraulic booster. This unit is sometimes susceptible to leakage of the steering shaft oil seal. Even less is the wear and tear of power steering, which is manifested by a characteristic knock. The steering tips serve 60-80 thousand km, and thrusts and even up to 100 thousand. The brake system works flawlessly, however, ABS sensors sometimes fail.
Conclusion
The status of one of the leaders in sales in the post-Soviet market of budget cars, this car received well deserved. Aveo combines reasonable cost, reliability, adaptability to our roads and low-cost maintenance. The machine is well suited for any audience of budget buyers. It is moderately modern, and looks more profitable than some competitors. Easy tuning “Aveo T250” will make the car even more interesting and forget about the desire to change the car for several years.
In 2012, the Chevrolet Aveo T250 model was discontinued. The price of a car in the secondary market today is from 5 thousand dollars. But the story of the car does not end there, since in 2012 it has been produced in Ukraine under the name ZAZ Vida. In addition to the name, nothing has changed in the car. The new "Vida" costs about 12 thousand dollars.