Why Doesn't Anyone Buy the Karry K60?
4 Answers
Karry is a relatively low-profile brand that primarily produced commercial vehicles in the past. With the booming SUV market in China, Karry has begun to venture into the passenger vehicle segment. Karry K60: The Karry K60 is likely Karry's second passenger vehicle model, with the first being the Karry K50, an MPV. As Karry's initial foray into the SUV market, the K60 still retains traces of its commercial vehicle roots. From the A-pillar to the rear, the design exudes a distinctly van-like appearance. Karry Models: From the side, the Karry K60 appears somewhat bulky, and the tire-to-body proportions seem awkward—particularly noticeable in the base model, which comes with 15-inch wheels compared to the 17-inch wheels on other variants. Overall, the K60 lacks a strong sense of dynamism. The interior also offers few highlights, with hard plastics dominating the materials. The only pleasant surprise is the 8-inch infotainment screen.
Honestly speaking, the poor sales performance of the Karry K60 mainly stems from its weak brand recognition. Many people aren't even aware that Chery has such a sub-brand. Look at its competitors like the Wuling Hongguang and Baojun 730 – their names are household brands, even roadside repair shops know them. While the K60 looks decently spacious on the outside, the interior reveals its flaws with cheap hard plastics everywhere. The third-row seats are as cramped as small stools, making family trips uncomfortable. It's powered by an outdated 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that struggles with highway overtaking, yet its fuel consumption isn't low either – at this price point, you could even consider hybrid options. The dealership network is pitifully sparse, requiring long trips just for a test drive, not to mention the hassle of future maintenance. Add to that its abysmal resale value, depreciating by half in just two years – buying one is nothing short of a financial headache.
From my observation, the biggest issue with the K60 is its ambiguous positioning. It claims to be a family MPV, yet its comfort and space flexibility fall short compared to the Baojun 730. As a utility vehicle for hauling goods, the rear seats don't fold completely flat, and the tailgate isn't square enough, making it less capable than the Wuling Hongguang when it comes to loading large boxes. Priced between 60,000 to 70,000 yuan, it feels slightly expensive for those looking to upgrade from microvans, while those genuinely seeking a family car find it unappealing. Several friends have also mentioned rough assembly quality, with issues like door seal leaks and dashboard rattles being particularly off-putting, suggesting a lack of attention to quality control. With the current popularity of new energy vehicles, adding a bit more budget at this price point can get you a plug-in hybrid with a larger battery, making such traditional fuel-powered vehicles even less attractive.
The Karry brand itself is a drag. Based on research conducted in third- and fourth-tier cities, 8 out of 10 people don't recognize Karry, and the remaining two think it's somehow related to Cowin. The K60's configuration looks impressive on paper, featuring a large central control screen and a reversing camera, but the infotainment system is laggy and prone to freezing, offering an experience akin to a knockoff tablet. The reliability of key components is also questionable. Mechanics report numerous complaints about steering gear noise, and the powertrain matching is subpar, with noticeable jerking at low speeds. The used car market is even harsher—after three years, the residual value drops to around 40%, compared to the Lingzhi's 55%, directly impacting potential buyers' decisions. Distribution channels are another major weakness, with only three 4S stores in the entire province, making it a hassle just to see the car.
