Marat Boroda Koliev is one of the brightest names in the Russian-speaking automotive community. His car reviews receive millions of views, and the blogger's opinion often becomes the deciding factor when choosing a car. But how objective are his assessments? What criteria does he rely on when testing, and should his recommendations be trusted unconditionally? In this article, we will analyze Koliev’s approach to car analysis, highlight the key points of his reviews and help you critically evaluate the blogger’s advice before purchasing.
Marat's style differs from classic car reviews: he combines technical analysis with emotional presentation, often focusing on little things that elude professional journalists. Its content is especially valuable for beginners who want to understand real pros and cons of the car, and not just listen to dry characteristics. However, this approach also has a downside - subjectivity, which is important to take into account.
We analyzed more than 50 of Koliev's videos over the past two years, identified recurring patterns in his ratings, and created a checklist that will help you separate useful insights from marketing gimmicks. We will pay special attention to how the blogger evaluates reliability, comfort and cost of ownership - three pillars on which any honest review rests.
Who is Marat Boroda Koliev and why is his opinion important?
Marat Koliev began his career in the auto industry as an ordinary enthusiast, but quickly won an audience thanks to his unconventional approach. Unlike many bloggers, he is not limited to test drives of new models - his reviews often include used cars, making the content relevant to most buyers. His YouTube channel has surpassed 3 million subscribers, and his videos regularly receive 500-800 thousand views.
Key features of his style:
- 🔧 Technical expertise: Marat is not afraid to get under the hood and show the real condition of the components, and not just the interior and exterior.
- 💰 Economic pragmatism: He always calculates cost of ownership, including fuel consumption, insurance and repairs.
- 🎥 Visibility: Uses a GoPro camera to provide a view from the driver's seat to help evaluate ergonomics.
- 🗣️ Directness: Does not hesitate to criticize even popular models if he finds flaws in them.
However, this approach also has disadvantages. For example, Marat often tests cars in ideal conditions (clean roads, good weather), which does not always reflect actual use. In addition, his preferences may not coincide with yours - for example, he is biased towards automatic transmissions, although many drivers prefer them.
⚠️ Attention: Koliev often cooperates with dealers and car showrooms, which can affect the objectivity of reviews. Always double-check his words on independent sites such as Drive2 or Avto.ru.
What criteria does Marat pay attention to first?
Analyzing Koliev’s reviews, we can identify 5 key parameters that he evaluates in each car. These criteria help to create an objective picture, but it is important to understand that their weight may vary depending on the class of the car.
| Criterion | What does Marat check? | Example from reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | Condition of the engine, gearbox, suspension; presence of “childhood diseases” model | In review Toyota RAV4 2020 focused on problems with the variator after 100 thousand km |
| Comfort | Noise level, seat ergonomics, climate control, multimedia | Criticized Kia Sportage for hard front seats on long trips |
| Controllability | Steering sharpness, cornering behavior, braking distance | Praised Mazda CX-5 for "sporty" handling in the crossover class |
| Economical | Real fuel consumption (not according to the passport), maintenance cost, spare parts price | In review Hyundai Tucson compared consumption on the highway and in the city with that declared by the manufacturer |
| Practicality | Trunk volume, ease of loading, availability of useful little things (cup holders, pockets) | Scolded Nissan Qashqai for the small trunk with the rear seats folded down |
An important nuance: Marat almost never tests cars in extreme conditions (off-road, severe frost, heat), so his reliability ratings may be incomplete for regions with harsh climates.
What brands and models does Marat recommend most often?
Over the past two years, more than 150 models have slipped into Koliev’s reviews, but he praises some brands especially often. It is important to understand that his preferences are formed on the basis price-quality ratio, not brand premium. For example, he rarely recommends Mercedes or BMW due to the high cost of ownership, but often recommends Korean and Japanese brands.
Top 5 brands that Marat mentions in a positive way:
- 🚗 Toyota: Particularly praises RAV4, Camry and Land Cruiser Prado for reliability and liquidity in the secondary market.
- 🚙 Hyundai/Kia: Notes Tucson, Santa Fe and Sportage as the best offers in the crossover segment.
- 🚘 Mazda: CX-5 and Mazda 6 often calls it the most balanced cars in its classes.
- 🚚 Skoda: Kodiaq and Octavia praises for practicality and Czech build quality.
- 🚛 Mitsubishi: Outlander and Pajero Sport Recommends for off-road and long trips.
At the same time, there are brands that he systematically criticizes:
- ⚠️ Renault: Often scolds for build quality and electronics (especially Duster and Kaptur).
- ⚠️ Nissan: Indicates problems with CVTs and body corrosion in Qashqai and X-Trail.
- ⚠️ Peugeot/Citroen: Criticizes for expensive repairs and difficulty of diagnosis.
If Marat praises a car for its “reliability,” always clarify what mileage we are talking about. For example, Toyota Corolla can be reliable up to 200 thousand km, but after that it will require serious investments.
How Marat tests cars: analysis of the methodology
Unlike many bloggers, Koliev is not limited to a superficial inspection. His test drives usually include 7 stages, each of which is aimed at identifying specific pros and cons. Let's look at them in more detail:
- External inspection: Checking the body for corrosion, quality of paintwork, gaps between panels. Marat often uses endoscope for inspection of hidden cavities.
- Interior check: Evaluation of finishing materials, ergonomics, noise and vibration insulation. Pays special attention
seat adjustmentsandvisibility through the windshield. - Engine diagnostics: Listening to cold and hot operation, checking compression (if possible), exhaust analysis.
- Gearbox test: Checking smoothness of shifts, presence of jerks, “kick” test for automatic transmission.
- Behavior on the road: Tests for acceleration, braking, cornering control. Marat often compares with his competitors.
- Economical: Measurement of real fuel consumption in the city and on the highway (uses the application Fuelio).
- Documentation analysis: Checking service history, presence of an accident, legal cleanliness (via Autocode or CarVertical).
However, his technique has weaknesses. For example, Marat rarely tests cars in long trips (over 500 km), so its comfort ratings may be incomplete. It also barely touches environmental standards (for example, matches Euro 6), which is important for owners planning to travel abroad.
☑️ What to check in a car using Koliev’s method
Typical mistakes that Marat makes in reviews
Despite his professionalism, even Koliev has mistakes that are important to take into account. Here are the most common:
1. Bias towards automatic transmissions. Marat often criticizes automatic transmissions and CVTs, although modern models (for example, ZF 8HP or Aisin A800) are not inferior to mechanics in terms of reliability. His arguments are often based on experience with legacy boxes.
2. Ignoring climatic features. Most tests take place in temperate climates, so its scores may not be suitable for regions with extreme frosts (for example, Yakutia) or high humidity (Sochi).
3. Underestimation of safety. Marat rarely goes deep into tests Euro NCAP or analyzes the operation of active safety systems (for example, ABS, ESP). For family cars this is a critical drawback.
4. Focus on new models. Although he occasionally reviews used cars, his main focus is on cars under 3-5 years old. This does not reflect the reality of the secondary market, where most transactions are for cars over 7 years old.
⚠️ Attention: If Marat says that the car “doesn’t break down,” check the mileage and operating conditions. For example, Toyota Hilux really reliable, but only with regular maintenance and without extreme loads.
How to use Marat's reviews when buying a car
To get the most out of Koliev's video, follow this algorithm:
1. Check with other sources. Check reviews on Drive2, Avto.ru or foreign sites (for example, Edmunds). Pay attention to long reviews (from 1000 characters) - they are usually more objective.
2. Consider the region. If you live in an area with poor roads or a harsh climate, look for reviews from local bloggers. For example, canals are useful for Siberia Siberian Autoblogger or Trucker.
3. Check prices. Marat often talks about cost of ownership, but prices for spare parts and maintenance can vary greatly depending on the city. Use services like Exist.ru or Autodoc for comparison.
4. Test it yourself. Even if Marat praises the car, be sure to drive it at least 30-50 km. Please note:
- 🔊 Noise level at speeds of 90-110 km/h
- 🪑 Seat comfort after 1-2 hours of driving
- 🚦 Behavior of the gearbox in traffic jams
- 📱Easy media management
Marat's reviews are a good starting point, but your final decision should be based on your experience and independent testing.
Alternative opinions: who else to listen to besides Marat
To get the full picture, we recommend following the following experts:
| Blogger/Channel | Specialization | How is it different from Koliev |
|---|---|---|
| AutoView | Market news, comparative tests | More technical approach, less subjectivity |
| Garage 54 | Repair, diagnostics, used car reviews | Deep analysis of hardware, but little attention to comfort |
| Bearded Man (Dmitry Larin) | Long-term operation experience | Tests cars with mileage of 100+ thousand km |
| AutoReview | Premium and sports cars | More attention to dynamics and design |
If you choose used car, be sure to check out the reviews from bearded man or Garage 54 - they specialize in used cars and know all the typical problems of models.
How to check a blogger for objectivity?
Look how many negative comments there are in his reviews. If all the cars are “super”, this is a reason to be wary. Also check if he has affiliate programs with dealers (usually indicated in the video description).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about reviews by Marat Boroda Koliev
Marat often says that the car “doesn’t break down.” Is it possible to believe?
No, you cannot believe unconditionally. Reliability depends on operating conditions, maintenance regularity and quality of spare parts. For example, Toyota Corolla It’s really reliable, but only if you fill it with original oil and don’t skimp on consumables. Always check what mileage you are talking about.
Why does Marat rarely review German cars (BMW, Audi, Mercedes)?
He explains this to high cost of ownership and the complexity of repairs. German cars require expensive maintenance, original spare parts and qualified craftsmen, which makes them unprofitable for most buyers. However, this does not mean that they are bad - just the target audience is different.
Is it worth buying a car just because Marat praised it?
No. His reviews are one of the sources of information, but not the ultimate truth. Required:
- Drive by car yourself (at least 30-50 km).
- Check history via Autocode or CarVertical.
- Read owner reviews on forums.
- Estimate the cost of insurance and maintenance in your region.
How does Marat feel about electric cars?
He is skeptical about electric cars because of infrastructure (few charging stations in Russia) and cost of ownership (expensive batteries, high prices for new models). However, he admits that electric cars can be beneficial for the city. In 2023 he tested Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, noting their advantages, but emphasizing that they are not yet suitable for long trips.
Where can I find an archive of all Marat's reviews?
All videos are posted on his YouTube channel. To make your search easier, use playlists by brand (for example, "Toyota", "Hyundai"). Also, some of the reviews are duplicated on Rutub and Zen. If you are looking for a specific model, use hashtag searches (for example, #ToyotaRAV4).