We compare the Chery J3 with similarly valued alternatives on the used market

The Chery J3 was introduced into the South African car market back in 2013. The Chinese automaker impressed motoring media and customers with a vehicle that offered much improved quality from previous offerings making it a worthy option within the segment. Does the same ring true today?

The Chery J3

The Chery J3 features a neat and clutter-free design which has aged rather well over the years. Its rounded design hides a cabin that beats many in its class for boot (350-litres) and utility space. Unfortunately, rear-seat accommodation feels pinched in all directions. That said thought the controls and infotainment screen are adequately positioned on the facia and relatively easy to use. The Chery features an impressive sound system with a CD/DVD player, iPod and USB functionality, Sat Navigation and Bluetooth. The luxurious continue with leather seats, multifunction steering wheel and air conditioner with climate control. Rain sensing wipers also feature as well as airbags and ABS. Under the hood of the Chery is a 1.6-litre engine that develops around 87 kW and consumes a little over 7-litres per 100km.

We found an example on for R34 000. What else can you get for the money that has the same or similar features to the Chery J3 for that money? Using AutoTraders easy to-use search options we managed to enter in our price range of between R30 000 and R50 000. The website will search through over 70 000 used vehicles in a blink of an eye to find us our options. These are our top two picks from around 800 vehicles in that price category.

 

Related: More power, important upgrades for Chery J3 hatchback

 

BMW 325i (E46)

We found a decent 2001 BMW 325i for R31 000. This generation BMW 3 Series was produced in South Africa and it is still considered to be one of the best models that the brand has ever made. The 325i features a 2.5-litre straight six engine that delivers 141kW and 245Nm or torque. The model we found also features a 5-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive as well as a leather interior, wood trim, airbags and ABS. Sure, it is void of a DVD player like the Chery but these cars have become so popular that many aftermarket upgrades are available at low prices. We found an Android infotainment system with Bluetooth and GPS that claims to be plug and play for a little over R2800.

Volvo V50 2.0D Auto

Like the BMW, the Volvo V50 is one car that has retained its good looks over the years. This, an estate might not be the most desirable vehicle on the road but at R44 000 for a 2008 model we can agree that it is a bargain. The model that we found was jam packed with luxuries such as a CD player, Cruise control, Front side airbags, Curtain airbags, Multi-function steering wheel controls, Rain sensor (auto wipers), climate Control Automatic Air Conditioning as well as an Autodim interior mirror. The Volvo also features a 100kW turbo diesel 2.0-litre engine meaning that it will return a fuel consumption figure of 6.0l/100km.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the stats:

	Chery J3	BMW 325i	Volvo V50
Model Year	2014	2001	2008
Engine	1.6l 87kW	2.5l 141kW	2.0TD 100kW
Safety	six airbags in the front and rear	4 airbags front and side	6 airbags front and rear
Luxuries	CD/DVD, rain sensor, leather trim, USB/AUX/BT	Leather trim, electric windows, multifunction steering wheel	CD player, cruise control, auto wipers, auto climate, total 1,307-litres luggage
Price and kilometres	R34 000 118 000km	R31 000 217 000km	R44 000 238 000km

 

Verdict

After taking a closer look at the above statistics the BMW, although the cheaper option has too much kilometres for what you get, thus it is out. The Volvo however, although having covered more kilometres offers more in terms of space and features than the BMW and Chery. It also offers the most in terms of occupant safety out of the three. If you can find one with less distance covered and with a full service history, one should consider it. We found a number of good examples on here to look at. 

 

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