FAW Besturn B70 is a Chinese mid-class sedan that has gained popularity due to its combination of affordable price, spacious interior and good reliability. The model was produced with 2006 to 2021 (with restyling in 2013) and became one of the first Chinese cars that seriously competed with budget European and Korean counterparts. Under the hood B70 motors were hidden from Mazda and Toyota, and the platform was borrowed from Mazda 6 GG first generation. This made the car attractive to those who were looking for a reliable sedan at a reasonable price.

Today FAW Besturn B70 often found on the secondary market, where it is offered at prices ranging from 300 to 800 thousand rubles depending on the year and condition. But is this car worth buying in 2026? What are its weak points, and what should you pay attention to during examination? In this guide, we will look at all the key aspects - from engines and gearboxes to typical breakdowns and operating nuances.

Model history: from Mazda 6 to Chinese bestseller

Initially FAW Besturn B70 was created as a joint project of a Chinese company First Automobile Works (FAW) and Japanese Mazda. The platform on which the car is built is a modified version Mazda 6 GG (2002–2007). The Chinese received a production license and adapted the model to the local market, adding a more spacious interior, simplified suspension and budget finishing materials.

First generation B70 debuted in 2006 with petrol engines 2.0 and 2.3 liters, borrowed from Mazda. B 2013 restyling took place: the front optics, radiator grille, bumpers and interior were updated. There was also a version with 1.8-liter turbo engine (163 hp), which was developed jointly with Toyota. This modification has become the most dynamic in the line, but also the most problematic in terms of reliability.

Production FAW Besturn B70 officially ended in 2021when the model changed it Besturn B70S - actually the same car, but with a different design and modified suspension. However, on the secondary market B70 remains in demand due to its simple design, cheap spare parts and the possibility of repairs “in the garage”.

  • 📅 2006–2012 — first generation (pre-styling)
  • 🔄 2013–2021 — restyling (updated design, new engines)
  • 🚗 Platform — Mazda 6 GG (adapted)
  • 🏭 Assembly — China (factory FAW in Changchun)

Technical characteristics: engines, gearboxes, suspension

One of the main advantages FAW Besturn B70 its power units are considered. Most of the motors were licensed from Japanese manufacturers, which guaranteed them a good service life with proper maintenance. However, not all engines are equally reliable - some require special attention.

considered basic 2.0 liter CA4GB20 (147 hp), which inherited the design from Mazda L-series. This engine is famous for its “indestructibility” - with timely replacement of the oil and timing belt, it easily passes 300–400 thousand km. More powerful 2.3 liter CA4GB23 (160 hp) is also reliable, but is less common and more expensive to repair.

But 1.8-liter turbo engine CA4GC18T (163 hp), which appeared after restyling, raises more questions. He is prone to overheating, oil consumption and problems with the turbine after 150–200 thousand km. If you are considering B70 With this engine, be sure to check the compression and condition of the turbine.

Engine Volume Power Box Consumption (city) Resource (approx.)
CA4GB20 2.0 l 147 hp 5MT/6AT 10–12 l/100 km 350–400 thousand km
CA4GB23 2.3 l 160 hp 5MT/6AT 11–13 l/100 km 300–350 thousand km
CA4GC18T 1.8 l (turbo) 163 hp 6MT/6AT 9–11 l/100 km 200–250 thousand km

Gearboxes on B70 They also have Japanese roots. Mechanical transmissions (F25M-R and G25M-R) are practically eternal, if you don’t skimp on oil. But 6-speed automatic Aisin TF-80SC (installed on the version with a 2.3-liter engine) requires careful handling: with aggressive driving, already to 150 thousand km There may be jerks and delays when switching.

Suspension FAW Besturn B70 - classical MacPherson strut at front and multi-link at rear. It's softer than the original one Mazda 6, but less accurate. Main weaknesses:

  • 🔧 Stabilizer links - they crunch after 50–70 thousand km
  • 🛞 Support bearings - fail by 100 thousand km
  • 🔩 Wheel bearings - require replacement every 100–120 thousand km
  • 🚗 Rear shock absorbers - "break through" after 80–100 thousand km
📊 Which FAW Besturn B70 engine do you consider the most reliable?
2.0 l (147 hp)
2.3 l (160 hp)
1.8T (163 hp)
I don't know, I didn't own it

Weaknesses and typical breakdowns

FAW Besturn B70 It’s not for nothing that they call it the “Chinese Mazda” - in terms of reliability it is really close to its Japanese counterparts, but there are also specific “diseases”. Many of them are related to simplifying the design and saving on materials.

One of the most vulnerable places is electrician. Problems often start with:

  • 🔋 Generator - on cars before 2013 it is rather weak (100 A) and may not cope with the load when the air conditioning and headlights are on.
  • 💡 Fuse box — contacts oxidize, which leads to “glitches” of lighting devices.
  • 📻 Radios and climate control — often “freeze” due to poor soldering of the boards.

Another headache for owners - corrosion. Despite the galvanization of the body, rust appears after 3–5 years operation in Russian conditions. Particularly vulnerable:

  • 🚪 Thresholds and lower edges of doors
  • 🔧 Rear suspension mounts
  • 🛠️ Spars in the rear bumper area
⚠️ Attention: Upon examination FAW Besturn B70 be sure to check the condition fuel tank. On cars before 2015, it often rusts from the inside, which leads to clogging of the fuel system. Signs of a problem: jerks during acceleration and the check light coming on P0171 (lean mixture).

Also worth mentioning air conditioning system. The compressor and radiator of the air conditioner here are weak - their service life rarely exceeds 100 thousand km. And if the car was operated in the southern regions, then replacement may be required before this mileage the entire circuit.

What happens if you ignore rust on door sills?

If corrosion is not eliminated at an early stage, rust will eat through the metal, which will lead to weakening of the rigidity of the body. In advanced cases, the thresholds may simply fall off due to a strong impact (for example, during an accident or hitting a curb). In addition, rusty sills become a source of drafts and noise in the cabin.

Owner reviews: pros and cons in real use

Opinions about FAW Besturn B70 are divided among owners. Some praise the car for its space, comfort and low price of spare parts, others criticize it for its “crude” assembly and electrical problems. We analyzed the reviews on the forums and identified the main pros and cons.

Pros:

  • 💺 Spacious salon - according to the width and height of the ceiling B70 not inferior Toyota Camry those years.
  • 💰 Low cost of ownership — spare parts are cheaper than those from the Koreans, and many components are interchangeable with Mazda 6.
  • 🛣️ Soft suspension — “swallows” potholes well, but doesn’t sway too much.
  • 🔧 Easy to repair — most of the work can be done independently, without resorting to a dealer.

Cons:

  • 🔌 Unreliable electrics - especially on cars before 2015.
  • 🛠️ Weak noise — at speeds above 100 km/h, you can hear everything in the cabin, including wind noise.
  • 🚗 Poor handling — the steering wheel is “empty”, and at high speed the car can be blown away by a side wind.
  • 💨 Climate problems — the air conditioner often breaks down, and the stove heats poorly.

Interestingly, many owners note: if FAW Besturn B70 serve strictly according to regulations (change the oil every 7–8 thousand km, monitor the coolant, update the brake fluid on time), then the car serves faithfully. But if you neglect it, problems with the engine, gearbox and suspension begin.

💡

Upon purchase FAW Besturn B70 be sure to check the service history. If the previous owner skimped on oil or refueled at dubious gas stations, there is a high risk that the engine is already “tired.” The best option is a car with a mileage of up to 150 thousand km and full service.

How to choose FAW Besturn B70 on the secondary market: checklist

If you decide to buy FAW Besturn B70, then during inspection pay attention to the following points:

  1. Engine:
    • 🔍 Check the oil level and condition - if it is black or has metal shavings, the motor is most likely worn out.
    • 🔊 Listen to the operation when cold - knocking or “diesel” sounds indicate problems with the piston.
    • 📊 Measure the compression (standard for 2.0/2.3 l - 12–13 bar in each cylinder).
  2. Gearbox:
    • 🔄 On an automatic transmission, check the smoothness of the shifts - jerks or impacts when switching from 1st to 2nd gear indicate an imminent repair.
    • 🛢️ Check when was the last time you changed the automatic transmission oil (interval - 60 thousand km).
  3. Suspension:
    • 🚗 Ride over uneven surfaces - knocks from the front are usually associated with stabilizer struts or support bearings.
    • 🔧 Check the play in the steering - if there is any, most likely the tips or rack are worn out.
  • Body and interior:
    • 🔍 Inspect the sills, arches and bottom for rust.
    • 🚪 Check the operation of all electric windows - they often break due to contact oxidation.
    • 💺 Make sure that the dashboard does not squeak and the door trim does not fall off.

    ☑️ What to check before buying FAW Besturn B70

    Done: 0 / 6

    Pay special attention documents. Make sure that:

    • 📄 Original PTS (not a duplicate).
    • 🔑 The car is not in collateral or under arrest (check via traffic police website).
    • 📋 There are checks for changing oil, belts and other consumables.
    ⚠️ Attention: Often found on the market FAW Besturn B70 with "twisted" mileage. To avoid being deceived, check the condition of the steering wheel, pedals and driver's seat - if they are very worn, and the odometer shows 80-100 thousand km, most likely the mileage has expired.

    Maintenance and repair: what to change and when

    FAW Besturn B70 does not require very complex maintenance, but there are a few nuances that are worth knowing about.

    Regulatory work:

    • 🛢️ Engine oil - every 7–8 thousand km (preferably semi-synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40).
    • 🔗 Timing belt - every 80–90 thousand km (2.0 and 2.3 l) or 60 thousand km (at 1.8T).
    • 🔧 Brake fluid - once every 2 years or 40 thousand km.
    • 🛞 Shock absorbers and struts - every 80–100 thousand km.
    • 🔋 Spark plugs - every 30–40 thousand km (more often on 1.8T).

    Weaknesses requiring attention:

    • 🔥 Thermostat - on cars before 2015, it often jams in the closed position, which leads to overheating.
    • 🛠️ Pump - resource about 100 thousand km, if it fails, the timing belt may break.
    • 🔌 Crankshaft position sensor - If there is a malfunction, the engine stalls or does not start.
    • 🚗 Wheel bearings - they start buzzing after 100 thousand km.

    If you are planning to renovate FAW Besturn B70 yourself, you will need the following information:

    • 🔧 Tightening torques:
      • Cylinder head bolts - 90–100 Nm
      • Wheel nuts - 100–110 Nm
      • Spark plugs - 20–25 Nm
    • 🛠️ Consumable sizes:
      • Timing Belt (2.0L) - 137 teeth
      • Brake discs (front) — 280×25 mm
      • Brake pads (rear) - 295×16 mm
    💡

    The most expensive part of the renovation FAW Besturn B70 — this is a replacement of an automatic transmission or turbine (on 1.8T). All other work is relatively cheap due to the availability of spare parts.

    Tuning and improvements: what can be improved

    FAW Besturn B70 is not the most popular car for tuning, but some owners still modify it to suit their needs. Here are some areas for improvement:

    Engine and transmission:

    • 🔥 Chip tuning - on a 2.0-liter engine can be removed +10–15 hp by flashing the ECU.
    • 🛠️ Installing a Direct Exhaust Manifold — improves performance at high speeds (relevant for 2.3 l).
    • 🔧 Replacing an automatic transmission with a manual transmission - if the machine is already “dying”, some people bet 6-speed manual transmission from Mazda 6.

    Suspension and handling:

    • 🚗 Installation of racks from Mazda 6 — makes the suspension stiffer and reduces roll in corners.
    • 🛞 Replacing springs with stiffer ones - improves handling, but reduces comfort.
    • 🔧 Rear stabilizer installation — reduces sway at high speed.

    Exterior and interior:

    • 💡 LED optics — many people change the standard headlights to LED or xenon (but this requires adjustment so as not to blind oncoming people).
    • 🎨 Painting bumpers in body color — on pre-restyling versions they are often black, which visually “cheaps” the car.
    • 📱 Installation of a modern radio - the standard audio system is rather weak, many people install Android-auto with a big screen.

    If you want to seriously improve FAW Besturn B70, please note that:

    • 🔧 Most spare parts from Mazda 6 GG fit without modifications.
    • 💰 Tuning suspension and brakes will cost less than on European cars.
    • ⚠️ Turbo engine 1.8T does not tolerate forcing well - it is better not to risk it.

    Alternatives to FAW Besturn B70: who to compare with when choosing

    If you are looking for a spacious sedan for a reasonable price, then in addition to FAW Besturn B70 It's worth considering other options. Here are the main competitors in the secondary market:

    Model Years of manufacture Engines Pros Cons Price (2026)
    Toyota Camry (XV40) 2006–2011 2.0, 2.4, 3.5 l Reliability, comfort, liquidity Expensive spare parts, weak Shumka 500–900 thousand ₽
    Mazda 6 (GG) 2002–2007 2.0, 2.3 l Excellent handling, high-quality assembly Rustes, more expensive to repair 400–700 thousand ₽
    Kia Magentis (MG) 2005–2010 2.0, 2.7 l Spacious interior, reliable engines Weak automatic transmission, squeaky plastic 350–600 thousand ₽
    Geely Emgrand EC7 2009–2018 1.5, 1.8, 2.0 l Cheaper to maintain, more modern B70 Flimsy suspension, noisy interior 300–500 thousand ₽

    Compared to competitors FAW Besturn B70 wins in the following aspects:

    • 💰 Lowest price among sedans of this class.
    • 🛠️ Easy to repair - many components are interchangeable with Mazda 6.
    • 🚗 Spacious trunk (500 l) - more than Toyota Camry XV40.

    But if it's more important to you reliability over long distances, then it’s better to take a closer look Toyota Camry or Mazda 6. They are more expensive to purchase, but cheaper to operate over long runs.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about FAW Besturn B70

    ❓ Is it possible to drive on 92 gasoline?

    The manufacturer officially recommends 95 gasoline, but many owners run 92nd without consequences. However, on 1.8T It’s better to pour only 95 or 98 - because of the turbine, the risk of detonation is higher.

    ❓ What is the resource of the 2.0 l engine?

    With proper maintenance (regular oil changes, timely replacement of the timing belt), the engine CA4GB20 passes easily 350–400 thousand km. There are cases when engines have been maintained for 500+ thousand km, but this is rather an exception.

    ❓ Why is it difficult to start in the cold?

    Most often the problem is related to:

    • 🔋 Weak battery (especially if he is more than 3–4 years old).
    • 🔥 Faulty spark plugs.
    • 🛢️ Thickened oil (if mineral water or low-quality semi-synthetic water is used).
    • 🔌 Coolant temperature sensor.

    First check the battery and spark plugs, then the sensors.

    ❓ How much does an engine overhaul cost?

    The cost of capital depends on the volume of work:

    • 🔧 Replacing piston rings and liners - from 40 to 60 thousand rubles (with spare parts).
    • 🔥 Complete overhaul with block boring — 80–120 thousand rubles.
    • 🛠️ Replacing the cylinder head — 30–50 thousand rubles (depending on condition).

    On 1.8T repairs are more expensive due to the complexity of the design.

    ❓ Where to buy spare parts for FAW Besturn B70?

    Spare parts can be found:

    • 🛒 Official di