Haval H9 - what to expect from a used Chinese frame SUV

SUVs in Russia are traditionally loved, although there are few of them in our country in percentage terms. This is due to a number of circumstances - ranging from high cost, ending with dimensions and fuel consumption.


Back in 2005, Chinese manufacturers understood the Russian broad soul and began to supply us with their frame SUVs. The latter were usually copies of Japanese models, sometimes even licensed ones.

Now Chinese manufacturers prefer to sell crossovers in Russia, for which the demand is several times higher, but there are also frame models. One of the brightest representatives of this class is the Haval H9.


Today, the cost of a used model of 2015-2016 production starts from 2,3 million rubles. And this is a Chinese car, is it really worth it?

Features

Debuted Haval H9 in 2014. The SUV was initially positioned as a model close to the premium segment. At first glance, you can guess who the Chinese were targeting - this is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

Haval H9 has been on sale in Russia since 2015. The frame SUV was offered with a 245 hp gasoline engine. With. It was specially deformed from 251 hp. so that the car does not fall under increased taxes. The second engine is a 190 hp turbodiesel. With.
All engines have a working volume of 2.0 liters.


Starting from 2019, Haval H9 began to be produced in Russia. The gasoline engine was deformed to 218 hp. with., increasing the torque. This is exactly what the frame SUV needed - lovers of "jeeps" appreciated this innovation positively.

Body

The main question that interests potential buyers of used Chinese cars is whether they are rusty. Haval H9 is ideal in this regard - even the oldest specimens do not know corrosion problems.

The manufacturer claims that the body has a double galvanization, and the paintwork is 140 microns thick. The owners of Haval H9 confirm this information. The SUV also withstands winter operation with honor. Even chips to bare metal do not want to “bloom”.

Although outwardly Haval H9 looks respectable, when they see the nameplates and realize that they have a Chinese car in front of them, many are immediately disappointed. Some owners specifically remove all identification marks, masquerading as a "Japanese".


Haval H9 has obvious and frequent problems only with door handles. Castles do not like winter - sensors often fail. The luggage compartment handle is especially depressing - in rain or winter it can not be opened at all. Some owners solve the problem radically - they lay wiring so that the door is activated from the key fob.

Salon

Haval H9 owners unanimously argue that the Chinese SUV is more comfortable than its main competitors - Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. At first glance, it seems that this is true, but time will tell. So far, finishing materials, even in the oldest specimens, please with wear resistance.



The acoustic comfort of Haval H9 is unexpectedly high for a frame SUV. In this parameter, the car surpasses its Japanese competitors.


But with interior heating, not everything is so rosy. Even the owners of gasoline SUVs complain that in the cold it will take at least 20 minutes of idling the engine. And with diesel versions inside the Haval H9, it’s generally cool in winter.

There is one sure way to deal with this problem - to install a remote engine start. Then even in the most severe winter, you can leave the house and get into a warm car.



Haval H9 in Russia is offered only in a three-row version. For a large family, this may be good, but not for lovers of outdoor activities. Of course, the third row folds up.

With the rear seats unfolded, the luggage compartment volume is only 112 liters - like an urban subcompact. But there are different niches and compartments for tools and small things.


Before making a decision to buy a Haval H9, it is recommended to carefully evaluate the volume of the luggage compartment. After that, you need to answer yourself - are you ready to put up with its modest size. Or you will have to forget about the third row of seats.

In move

Nobody expects sporty handling from a frame SUV, but the Haval H9 has it. The Chinese made the steering light and sharp. In urban conditions, this is good, but on the highway it is a little annoying. There is no speed boost here.

The suspension of the Haval H9 has a hint of premium – it is soft for a frame SUV. This is strange, given the presence of a continuous rear axle. In the city and on gravel roads, this suspension gives the driver and passengers comfort. But for real off-road - this is rather a disadvantage.


Judging by the reviews of the owners, the Chinese managed to create a strong hodovka that tolerates Russian operating conditions and does not fail for a long time. It seems that the manufacturer was guided by Toyota.

Haval H9 engines are distinguished by dynamics, although it is hard for those who have not driven these SUVs to believe it. How can two-liter motors make a frame car move actively? But they succeed, most likely, because of the turbines and 8-automatic transmission.

Although, everything is known in comparison. After the average passenger car, the Chinese SUV is “rushing”, but if you transfer to it from a foreign car from 3,0 liters or more, the dynamics is unlikely to surprise. On the other hand, this is a frame car, it is not designed to participate in races, even “traffic lights”.



The gearbox does not want to learn. Some owners make chipovka - then overtaking begins to be easier.

How often do you need to visit gas stations

But the fuel consumption of Haval H9, even gasoline, of which the majority are on sale, is unexpectedly pleasing. How a frame SUV with a modest turbo engine can fit into 15 liters in the city is not entirely clear.


By the way, Russian-made cars with 218 hp engines. With. more economical by 2-3 liters. The maximum consumption of gasoline in winter in the city, taking into account traffic jams and warming up, reaches 18 liters. You can refuel AI-92.

If you want to save money, it is better to look for a diesel. There consumption does not exceed 12 liters in the city in winter. Just remember that a diesel car is a ride on credit. When it requires engine and outboard repairs, it will quickly swallow up all the fuel savings over a few years.

Reliability

The Chinese car Haval H9 unexpectedly proved to be cheap to operate. The SUV is reliable and easy to repair. The owners claim that after 100 thousand km the interior looks almost like new - this indicates the quality of finishing materials.


The only serious problem regarding the Chinese SUV is the high cost of bodywork and optics. It is difficult to find something on the used market, you have to order and wait for new parts, and they are not happy with the cost.

Trying to save money on buying a Haval H9 after an accident, even a small one, often leads to unforeseen expenses that exceed the benefits of buying a car. Some believe that Chinese parts should be, by definition, inexpensive. But with bodywork and optics for a modern crossover or SUV from China, this rule does not work.

Buying a used Haval H9 will not result in major unexpected costs. Although, for many it is morally difficult to pay for a six-seven-year-old Chinese car from 2,3 million rubles.