Weaknesses of Haima 3 - the whole truth about the Chinese sedan

Haima 3 is a compact sedan produced in China from 2007 to 2013. It was built on the ninth generation Mazda 323 platform and was offered in sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles.


Production was carried out by a joint venture between Mazda and the Hainan provincial government. The car received a body inspired by the Mazda 3.

Haima 3 configurations

The sedan was produced in one generation, but there was no restyling. The manufacturer offered three configurations, but all of them included a 1,8-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 112 hp. With. Basic - the simplest equipment. The equipment offers a modest set: front airbags, ABS, central locking, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, power steering, power windows. The seats fold down, there is air conditioning, and the steering wheel is height adjustable. The interior upholstery is made of fabric and the wheels have steel rims. The standard audio system will not please you with high-quality sound.

The Deluxe package, in addition to the options described above, includes a multifunction steering wheel, single-zone climate control and other body colors. The interior is made of leather (probably artificial), although after a few years of use it quickly wears out. The most sophisticated option for a car of that time was the Sport package. In addition to the options described above, it includes sports front seats, airbags for all passengers and the driver. The interior of the Sport version is made of genuine leather. Power windows have been added to the rear doors.

Engines and their problems

Haima 3 is equipped with an atmospheric gasoline engine. Each cylinder has four valves, the total number is 16. The fuel supply system is implemented through distributed injection. This engine can be called an example of a reliable design without frills and complex mechanisms. The timing belt has a service life of 60 km, but it is recommended to change it more often when operating in difficult conditions. In the event of a break, the valves may bend.


The engine is quite playful, but car owners complain that it is “strangled” (to the Euro-4 environmental standard), which is why the engine sometimes lacks power on the highway. Alternatively, you can solve this problem by resetting the control unit by flashing it to Euro 2.

Other disadvantages

Most often, car owners complain about the low ground clearance of 145 mm. This is usually not enough for driving on rough roads and in winter conditions. Low ground clearance increases the risk of damage to the bumper, underbody and other body parts. Haima 3 does not have an on-board computer, which can cause inconvenience. BC is not added even to the top version of the sedan. If necessary, the absence of a computer can be compensated for by installing an additional device.

Another weak point is sound insulation. Noise from the engine, road and wheels is clearly audible in the cabin. During long trips, poor sound insulation quickly tires the driver and passengers. The problem can be solved by additional “noise reduction”.


Poor quality paintwork is a drawback of many “Chinese” cars. Paintwork is susceptible to corrosion; chips and scratches quickly rust, which spoils the appearance of the car. To protect the body, it is recommended to use anti-corrosion materials. Wheel arches, exhaust system elements, the bottom, and the lower part of the doors rust. This occurs, among other things, due to the contact of the body with reagents that are sprinkled on roads in large cities. In addition to anticorrosive, you need to wash your car more often in winter.

Many car owners complain about poor low beams. Haima 3 headlights do not provide sufficient illumination at night. To solve the problem, you can install more powerful lamps or fog lights. Over time, the front optics become cloudy, which also worsens the lighting. To restore the transparency of headlights, it is recommended to use special polishes.

On some cars, the windshield blows unevenly: on the driver's side faster than on the passenger side. The plastic of the instrument panel is hard and not very pleasant to the touch. The material itself is not expensive, it looks cheap. Plastic starts to squeak over time.


The Haima 3 does not have cruise control even in the maximum configuration, which is inconvenient for long trips. The finish, while not top-notch, is relatively reliable. The factory audio system is underwhelming - the standard tape recorder is limited to the CD format, and the speakers sometimes produce unpleasant wheezing. Many owners solve this problem by installing a third-party audio system.

Owners note some malfunctions, such as a fallen off radiator pipe, a malfunctioning fuel pump, and non-working wipers. These problems are caused by poor build quality. Spare parts for Haima 3 are not always easy to find in stock in stores. They may only be available to order, which increases repair time.

Due to wear and tear on the interior seals, leaks are sometimes possible, so it is necessary to carefully inspect the mats and the space under them. One of the most frequently replaced elements is the idle speed sensor, problems with which can cause unstable speed. Some owners are successfully experimenting with replacing them with analogues, for example, with IAC from Logan, which, in general, gives positive results.

Chassis and gearbox

The first parts to wear out are usually the shock absorbers, followed by the wheel bearings, and finally the ball joints. All these elements rarely reach 70 thousand km. The braking system is a hassle: calipers oxidize, hoses are prone to leaks, and factory discs don’t even last up to 70 thousand km.


The manual transmission is generally reliable, with the exception of the shifter, which can wear out by 50 thousand km. As an analogue, you can use spare parts from the Kia Spectra or Mazda 323. The solution to the problem may include replacing the rocker arm bushings, which are available separately.

The clutch cylinder often wears out up to 100 thousand km, the malfunction is manifested by the failure of the pedal. Drive gaskets on manual transmissions sometimes leak due to wear, so, if possible, you should pay attention to them. A problem area familiar to owners of old Mazdas is the right axle shaft with an outboard bearing. They are replaced complete with both CV joints.

Prices

The cost of Haima 3 produced in 2011 varies between 300-400 thousand rubles. Sedans in good technical condition, without rust or rot on the body, with a mileage of no more than 100 km can cost 000-450 thousand rubles.

Haima 3 is a relatively good car for the money. Like any other “Chinese”, he is not without shortcomings. “Haima” can be the first car for a novice motorist or suitable for someone who wants to switch from a domestic car to a foreign car, but is looking for a budget option. Among the analogues of this model in its price category are Lifan Breez, Chery Bonus, TagAZ C10, Daewoo Gentra. If you are looking for a more reliable car, then you should pay attention to Nissan Almera, Fiat Punto, Volkswagen Bora.