Is the new "Hunter" worth a million: I tell you how I made a choice

So we lived up to the moment when the UAZ was worth more than a million. For many people, this is perplexing. They say that for such money it is more reasonable to buy a decent used foreign car. But most motorists not only didn’t drive, but didn’t even sit in this car, so such judgments are at least incorrect.

A bit of history

It all started back in 1972. Then the 469th appeared. It was an army SUV, which was developed on utilitarian principles.

The concepts of "comfort", "economy", "attractiveness" did not matter. The car for the army turned out to be excellent - simple, maintainable, cheap to manufacture.



But the USSR collapsed and UAZ found itself in a difficult situation. It is not known whether the leadership was inspired by the experience of the Germans and Americans, who managed to make iconic off-road vehicles out of military equipment. But the Russian manufacturer chose a completely different path - instead of a complete rework and adaptation to civilian life, the UAZ continued to be made almost in its original form. In 1993, they gave him the fashionable name "Hunter", hinting at a military past. But you can be sure that even new cars are the same 469th, any Gelendvagen will envy stability and constancy.

What do we get in the end?

A million for an UAZ seems to be quite a lot, but it still won’t work to buy a new “rogue” of a different brand for this money. Let's figure out what we get as a result. I will say right away - during the production of the model, nothing was used. In an effort to improve the design, reduce the cost, and sometimes simply because of the lack of alternatives, changes were constantly made to the car. No wonder they say that it is almost impossible to find two identical Hunters. Therefore, we will analyze the option that the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant offers now:

• ✅ ZMZ 40906 engine with 134,6 hp volume of 2,7 liters. In my opinion, this is the most successful solution created specifically for this model. The timing chain mechanism and good quality in general provide an average mileage to the first capital of 250 thousand. From the “sores”, I will highlight problems with the fuel system, throttle valve and oil pressure drop as it wears out. But sometimes unpleasant surprises pop up in the form of the need to balance the crankshaft and so on - this is UAZ
  
• ✅ Today they put two types of gearboxes. On the cheapest version for 1, this is a Chinese BAIC, and for 007 you can get a Hunter with a Korean Dymos gearbox. I strongly recommend the second option - the price difference is minimal, but the transmission is much more comfortable to use and, unlike the Chinese, it takes a long time
  
• ✅ Bridges "Spicer" and razdatka are not reliable. Often they howl, flow, but they perform their task normally. For an additional fee, you can take the option with a rear differential lock, it will cost several tens of thousands, but it will positively affect the patency
  
  
  The engine is simple and reliable, though gluttonous - it takes from 13,5 liters per 100 km. Photo: youtube.com
  
  
  There are practically no brakes in the usual sense of the modern driver. The car stops painfully long, it is better to start pressing the pedal in advance so as not to be 20 meters further than planned. The steering wheel sets the direction of movement, but there is no question of sensitivity and sharpness. Suspension of springs and springs is not designed for a smooth ride. But all these aspects matter on asphalt. In its natural environment, "Hunter" does not bother at all with weak brakes, rolled steering and stiff suspension.
  
  
  The tidy hasn't changed a bit since the 70s. Photo: youtube.com
  
  
  As for safety, then, oddly enough, there is ABS. There is also an ERA-GLONASS device, which is convenient, since you can drive light on a UAZ car to where only emergency services can find you. Yes, an ISOFIX child seat mount is also available, but carrying children in this vehicle is not the best solution.

The hydraulic booster is a big plus, it should be noted that it generally works well, although it often sins with leaks. The upholstery of the seats and the floor covering that can be washed is another plus for such a vehicle, especially if it is used for its intended purpose.

The body requires special attention. Metal stamped panels that are simply painted and screwed on are not designed to last for years. If, after the purchase, you don’t get confused and do not properly process the bottom, hidden cavities and removable elements inside, after 2-3 years rust can cover a significant area of ​​\uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe metal.



The gaps here "do not dance" initially. From there the wind blows, water flows and there is a suspicion that a squirrel could penetrate if it were to set such a goal. It is hot in the cabin in summer, cold in winter, and damp during precipitation.





All flaws and flaws cease to matter as soon as the machine enters the environment for which it was created. When the dirt barely reaches the windows, you won't have to worry about soft suspension or weak brakes. This is a utilitarian technique designed for certain conditions. And she copes with her direct tasks perfectly.



There are many nuances, but the purchase of the Hunter is justified for two reasons. The first practical one is when you have to drive every day where another car cannot pass. The second - at the call of the heart. And here the flaws are not important, usually then another 1-2 costs are invested in the car in order to improve the off-road conqueror. And even in this case, it will turn out cheaper than buying a car with comparable cross-country ability.

Are there any alternatives?

If we consider new cars, then in addition to the Hunter, these can be ... That's right, other UAZs. And in this case, saving will not work. The minimum price tag for the Loaf is 962 thousand, and this is for the Tadpole with a double cab and a body. An all-metal van will cost 980 thousand, and a passenger version with seats costs from 1. I think it’s not worth reminding that the equipment is no better than that of the car we are considering. The same metal box with good traffic, only the shape is different.



UAZ "Patriot" resembles modern cars much more. There is an attractive, albeit without frills, appearance. And a comfortable interior, when compared with the Hunter, more options and safety features. Patency is also at the level, although inferior to the classic solution.

But the price of "Patriot" is higher. If at the factory it is 1, then at dealers the minimum is 134. When half the time you need to drive around the city or normal roads, I advise you to consider this solution as an acceptable option with at least some comfort.

You can look for an imported "beushka", but then how lucky. Someone finds live SUVs, and someone has to invest hundreds of thousands in repairs. Hunter has a 12 month warranty. or 30 miles. This is a new, albeit not a modern car.