When developing the Lifan X60 crossover, the Chinese focused on the Toyota RAV4 – hence the many matching layout and design solutions, starting with the suspension engineering. Four-wheel drive, however, is not.
During restyling in 2016, the exterior, optics and center console were refreshed.
They were assembled in Cherkessk, where welding and body painting were mastered.
Lifan X60
Advantages:
- Extremely cheap.
- Very spacious and quite comfortable interior.
- Energy-intensive, but not shaky suspension.
- Thumbs up equipped, even in the “base”.
Defects
- The results of corrosion appear after 2-3 years.
- Sloppy assembly, low quality components, an abundance of minor malfunctions.
engines
There’s nothing to choose from – the only petrol aspirated LFB479Q 1.8 (128 hp) is a modified copy of the Toyota 1ZZ-FE. He successfully inherited the main ulcer – a tendency to the rapid accumulation of soot and the appearance of rings. You should not wait for a wild oil spill, it is better to preemptively replace the piston rings and de-boil everything else. With a large amount of soot, the risk of wear and other mechanical damage is high. If anything, many Toyota components are suitable.
The timing chain lives up to 150 thousand km. Converters can barely withstand 100 thousand. The phase controller may fail earlier. There are no hydraulic lifters. The engine source is estimated at 250-300 thousand km, and it is cheap to repair.
Transfer
There is no hydraulics. The mechanics are not very successful – at 100 thousand km, a shot is sometimes necessary due to bearing wear. There were cases of destruction of the closed body at low mileage – this problem was removed after 2014.
In 2015, the X60 also received a VT2 variator from the Dutch company Punch Powertrain, however designed by ZF specialists. Like other CVTs, it will not tolerate sudden acceleration and skidding. But it is quite reliable and with regular oil changes it serves 200 thousand km. True, halfway through, it will most likely be necessary to replace the solenoids. During repairs, there is a high probability of a shortage of spare parts. The unit, though huge, is not here, but in China.
A separate topic: the inconsistency of the engine with transmissions. The mechanics have an odd selection of gear ratios – they say even gears are redundant here. And the variator is distinguished by too fluffy work, which makes you step harder on the pedal. This does not affect the intensity of the acceleration, but it accelerates the wear of the unit.
operational ulcers
- There are no obvious weaknesses in the suspension, but with frequent driving on bad roads it is too early (at 50-80 thousand km) wheel bearings and shock absorbers are surrendered – more often the front ones.
- The nature of the breakdowns and the frequency of their occurrence resembles VAZ models. Almost anything can break at any time. The most common complaints are about ABS failures, bearing and relay failures in the generator, door locks, wiper drive. There are also very successful examples, where repair was required for the first time at 100-120 thousand km.
- As for the mounting styles, then, as a rule, most of the shortcomings are remedied by the previous owners. Usually you need to reattach the seals, align the doors and locks. But the curved gaps between the body panels aren’t going anywhere.
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Euro NCAP: not tested
The largest offer on the secondary market: X60 1.8MCP
Optimal choice: X60 1.8MCP
For the same money: Lada 4×4, UAZ Patriot, Chevrolet Niva, Geely Emgrand X7
- How do you find a good crossover? Here are tips from experts.
- “Behind the wheel” can also be read on VKontakte.