FAW Used Trucks – Complete Buyer’s Guide for African Importers (2026)
FAW Used Trucks – Complete Buyer’s Guide for African Importers (2026)
FAW — First Automobile Works, or FAW Jiefang — is China’s oldest truck manufacturer. Founded in 1953, they made the very first Chinese truck. A lot of people know HOWO for West Africa and Shacman for heavy mining, but FAW has quietly built a solid reputation across East Africa — Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda — mainly because of one thing: fuel economy.
If you’re looking to buy used FAW trucks from China in 2026, this guide covers the J6 dump truck, J6 tractor truck, J6L cargo truck — real prices, engine specs, spare parts situation, shipping, and how to buy without getting ripped off. Whether you’re in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, or Lagos, this should help.
For the other brands, check our HOWO guide and Shacman guide.
Why FAW Trucks in Africa?
FAW Jiefang isn’t just another brand. It’s the oldest automaker in China — Fortune Global 500, and sells over 300,000 trucks a year globally.
Fuel efficiency is the real reason people pick FAW. The CA6DM2 “Aowei” engine uses 10–15% less fuel than a HOWO and 8–12% less than a Shacman. If you run a fleet doing 100,000 km a year, that’s $4,000 to $7,000 saved per truck annually. That’s real money.
Strong in East Africa. FAW has the best dealer network in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. In Ethiopia, it’s basically the dominant Chinese truck brand — you see them everywhere.
Better cab. The J6 cab is more modern than HOWO — better insulation, better seats, better dashboard. Drivers doing long hauls prefer it.
Resale value holds up. In East Africa used FAW trucks sell faster and for more than other Chinese brands, because everyone knows about the fuel economy.
Most Popular FAW Models in Africa
The J6 family is what sells in Africa — mainly J6, J6L, and J6P. Here’s what each one does and what it costs.
FAW J6 6×4 Dump Truck
This is the best-selling FAW model in Africa. Competes with HOWO 371 and Shacman F3000. Buyers pick it because it drinks less fuel — and when fuel is 40–50% of your operating cost, that matters.
| Engine | FAW CA6DM2 (Aowei), 350–420HP |
| Transmission | FAW 10-speed / 12-speed manual |
| Payload | 25–35 tons |
| CIF Lagos (2019–2021) | $18,500 – $26,000 |
| CIF Mombasa (2019–2021) | $16,500 – $23,000 |
| Best for | Mining, construction, sand & gravel |
FAW J6 6×4 Tractor Truck
Very popular for container work on the Mombasa–Nairobi route and cross-border into Uganda, Rwanda, DRC. The fuel savings add up fast on long-distance runs.
| Engine | FAW CA6DM2, 350–460HP |
| Sleeper Cab | Yes, standard |
| CIF Lagos (2019–2021) | $16,000 – $24,000 |
| CIF Mombasa (2019–2021) | $14,000 – $21,000 |
| Best for | Container transport, long-haul logistics |
FAW J6L 6×2 Cargo Truck
Medium-duty truck for city delivery. Box, flatbed, or curtain side. Common in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Accra for last-mile distribution.
| Body Length | 6.2m / 7.2m / 8.6m / 9.6m |
| Engine | FAW CA4/CA6, 220–280HP |
| Payload | 8–20 tons |
| CIF Lagos (2019–2021) | $15,000 – $22,000 |
| CIF Mombasa (2019–2021) | $12,000 – $18,000 |
FAW J6P 8×4 Dump Truck
Heavy-duty, for big mining operations. Not as common as HOWO 8×4, but growing.
| Engine | FAW CA6DM2, 420–460HP |
| Payload | 35–50 tons |
| CIF Lagos (2020–2022) | $26,000 – $36,000 |
| CIF Mombasa (2020–2022) | $23,000 – $32,000 |
Check our used dump trucks and used tractor trucks inventory.
FAW Engine: The CA6DM2 Aowei
The CA6DM2 is built by FAW’s own Oweite division. It’s one of the better Chinese heavy-duty engines out there.
- Four-valve heads — better airflow, cleaner burn
- Bosch common rail injection — precise fuel control
- Jacobs brake — saves your brakes on mountain roads
- B10 life of 10,000 hours — roughly 600,000–800,000 km before overhaul
| Model | HP | Torque | Best For | Fuel Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA6DM2-35E5 | 350HP | 1550Nm | J6L cargo | ~28L/100km |
| CA6DM2-39E5 | 390HP | 1750Nm | J6 6×4 general | ~32L/100km |
| CA6DM2-42E5 | 420HP | 1900Nm | J6 dump/tractor | ~34L/100km |
| CA6DM2-46E5 | 460HP | 2100Nm | J6P 8×4 flagship | ~37L/100km |
One thing to know: Newer models (2021+) have a DPF filter. If you’re buying a newer one, make sure the DPF regeneration works. Older models are simpler and easier to maintain in places where low-sulfur diesel isn’t always easy to find.
FAW vs HOWO vs Shacman — Quick Comparison
We get asked this constantly. Here’s the honest breakdown.
| Factor | FAW (J6) | HOWO | Shacman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Economy | ★★★★★ Best | ★★★★ Good | ★★★★ Good |
| Parts Access | ★★★★ Major cities | ★★★★★ Everywhere | ★★★★ Major cities |
| Load Capacity | ★★★★ Strong | ★★★★★ Strongest | ★★★★★ Strongest |
| Cab Comfort | ★★★★★ Modern | ★★★ Basic | ★★★★ X3000 good |
| Used Price | $$$ Moderate | $$ Cheaper | $$$$ Premium |
| Resale Value | ★★★★ Good | ★★★ Okay | ★★★★ Good |
| Best Region | East Africa | All of Africa | West/Central |
Pick FAW if fuel cost is your biggest headache and you’re in East Africa with FAW dealer support nearby.
Pick HOWO if it’s your first Chinese truck, you operate in remote areas, or you want the cheapest parts and any mechanic to be able to fix it.
Pick Shacman if you need maximum load capacity for mining and have access to Weichai specialists.
Full comparison in our Shacman guide.
FAW Spare Parts in Africa — What You Can Expect
This is the first question most buyers ask. Here’s the real situation:
East Africa — Good coverage
- Kenya: Nairobi (Industrial Area, Mombasa Road) — official FAW dealer with full parts stock. Also, some independent shops.
- Ethiopia: Best coverage of any Chinese brand in the country. Multiple dealers in Addis.
- Tanzania: Dar es Salaam (Kariakoo area). Decent but not as good as HOWO coverage.
- Uganda: Kampala (Nakawa). Growing network.
West Africa — Moderate
- Nigeria: Lagos (Ladipo Market, ASPAMDA). Parts exist, but fewer sources than HOWO.
- Ghana: Accra (Abossey Okai). Stock varies by shop.
Southern Africa — Developing
- South Africa: FAW has an assembly plant in Coega, Eastern Cape. Parts support is solid.
- Zambia: Lusaka — parts available through multiple distributors.
Practical tip: When you buy a used FAW from us, grab a basic spare parts kit — gaskets, belts, filters, and a set of injectors. About $300–$500 covers the most common wear items for the first year. Cheap insurance.
Used FAW Price Guide — CIF to Major African Ports (2026)
All prices include the truck, ocean freight, and insurance — CIF to your port. These are real ranges from recent transactions, not guesswork.
| Model | Year | CIF Lagos 🇳🇬 | CIF Mombasa 🇰🇪 | CIF Dar 🇹🇿 | CIF Tema 🇬🇭 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J6 6×4 Dump | 2019–2021 | $18.5K–$26K | $16.5K–$23K | $17K–$24K | $16.5K–$24K |
| J6 6×4 Tractor | 2019–2021 | $16K–$24K | $14K–$21K | $15K–$21.5K | $14.5K–$21K |
| J6L 6×2 Cargo | 2019–2021 | $15K–$22K | $12K–$18K | $13K–$19K | $12.5K–$18.5K |
| J6P 8×4 Dump | 2020–2022 | $26K–$36K | $23K–$32K | $24K–$33K | $23.5K–$33K |
Prices move with the market. Contact us for current stock and exact numbers.
How to Buy — Step by Step
Here’s how it works when you buy from us:
- Tell us what you need. Dump or tractor? What tonnage? Which port? Give us the details, and we’ll send you what’s available.
- Contact us. WhatsApp +86 157 1768 7720 or email [email protected].
- Live video inspection. We walk around the truck, start the engine cold, run through all gears, and check hydraulics. You see it in real time. No surprises.
- Price and payment. 30% deposit, 70% before shipping. We do L/C for larger orders.
- Documents. We handle everything on the China side — B/L, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, title, export declaration.
- Shipping. From our yard in Shijiazhuang to Tianjin Port (4 hours), then by RORO or container. 20–35 days, depending on your port.
- Clearance. Your clearing agent handles the destination side. We can recommend trusted agents in most African countries.
Shipping Times to Major African Ports
| Port | Transit Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Mombasa (Kenya) | 20–25 days | Weekly |
| Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) | 22–28 days | Weekly |
| Lagos (Nigeria) | 25–35 days | Multiple weekly |
| Tema (Ghana) | 22–28 days | Weekly |
| Djibouti | 18–22 days | Weekly |
| Durban (S. Africa) | 25–30 days | Fortnightly |
RORO is usually the better option — cheaper and no disassembly needed. Container costs 15–30% more but offers more protection.
Inspection Checklist — What to Check Before You Pay
Whether you buy from us or someone else, always check:
- Engine: Cold start. Listen for knocking. Check for oil leaks at the valve cover, turbo pipes, and oil pan. White/blue smoke = injector or ring trouble.
- Transmission: Run through all gears. The 2nd and 3rd wear out first. The clutch should be smooth.
- Chassis: Look for weld repairs, cracks, or rust on the main beam. A bent frame is a dealbreaker.
- Hydraulics (dump trucks): Raise and lower fully. Listen for weird noises. Check cylinders and hoses for leaks.
- Tires: Uneven wear on one tire = alignment. Uneven on all four = frame problem.
- Papers: Make sure engine number, chassis number, and model match the documents. Mismatched numbers = customs nightmare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FAW really more fuel-efficient than HOWO?
Yes. The CA6DM2 engine uses 10–15% less fuel than HOWO’s WD615. If fuel cost is your main concern, FAW wins. But if you need parts everywhere, HOWO is still the safer bet.
Where can I find FAW parts in my country?
Kenya: Nairobi Industrial Area. Tanzania: Dar Kariakoo. Ghana: Accra Abossey Okai. Uganda: Kampala, Nakawa. Ethiopia: Addis Ababa — multiple dealers. Nigeria: Lagos Ladipo Market. We can share specific contacts when you buy.
How long does a FAW truck last?
With regular maintenance, 500,000–700,000 km before major engine work. Some run past 800,000 km. The CA6DM2 is rated for 10,000 hours B10 life.
Do you offer a warranty?
30 days on the engine and transmission for manufacturing defects. Worn items aren’t covered. We do a full inspection and share the report before you pay, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Can I get right-hand drive?
Most FAW trucks are LHD. Many African countries allow LHD commercial trucks under an exemption. Limited RHD units available — ask us.
What’s the payment process?
30% deposit on contract, 70% before loading. We send loading photos and confirmation. L/C available for 5+ units.
Can you customize the truck?
Yes — painting (your company colors), radio, backup camera, etc. Usually takes 3–7 extra days.
Why Buy from HebeiCar?
We’ve been exporting used trucks from China for over 10 years — 20+ countries across Africa. We keep 15–30 FAW units in stock at our yard in Shijiazhuang. You get a live video walkaround of the exact truck you’re buying, all export paperwork handled, and a straight CIF price with no hidden fees.
Message us for current stock and prices:
📧 Email: [email protected]
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