Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

TECH TALK

Peace of mind guaranteed

As the used car market is overtaking the new car market, Wheels looks at a few options available to the Indian car buyer for a tidy sum

STILL GOING STRONG You will never regret buying a used Honda CR-V

You are an exclusivity-seeking buyer. Your budget is around Rs. 10 lakh but don't want to buy a Corolla or Octavia because those cars don't offer exclusivity they once did. But you cannot stretch your budget beyond the million mark to buy a bigger and more exclusive car. Then a used Honda CR-V is a fine choice of vehicle to own. It's every bit as well built and reliable as it's saloon sister Accord. However finding one in the used car mart can be a tough affair, because its owners refuse to let go of it. But who would want to sell a car that's reliable, hassle-free and has a strong image. It is well equipped, has car-like driving characteristics, a very spacious interior and smart styling.

When buying a used CR-V take a look at the condition of the body panels, as any repairs will be expensive. While on a test drive do check the gearbox. Automatic gearboxes should change smoothly and silently, and if the manual gearbox is difficult to engage, give the car a wide berth. A slipping clutch is also fairly expensive to fix. Try and jack up the car and look for any signs of off-roading damage, and either avoid or haggle hard for a discount on such an example. Also check that all body panels are in good shape and the car has not been involved in a major shunt.

It is as reliable as most other Hondas — who have good reliability records. It promises excellent durability as long as it is not pushed too hard for off-road duties.

Originally, the car came with a 2-litre, 132bhp engine till the end of 2004, which was later upgraded to the Accords 2.4 litre, 152bhp engine that delivers good performance. Being a Honda means reliability of the engines is nearly bullet proof.

Externally, it is easy to differentiate the two models, the 2 litre cars come with unpainted bumpers while the 2.4 litre engine cars have body coloured bumpers. Although the older engine did perform well, it's better to gun for the 2.4 litres, especially as spares would be more easily available and the car would hold its value better.

Sheer class

Honda had introduced the car with black plastics interiors, these plastics that adorn the cabin are uninviting but well put together and of high quality and all of the switchgear operates with a near-clinical efficiency. In late 2004, Honda introduced dual-tone beige interiors, which go a long way in brightening the interiors of the car and offering an air of sheer class.

Corrosion is not an issue on the CR-V, which is built far better than some other mid-sizers. But do take a close look at the tyres and check the suspension for any noises. Tyres usually last around 40,000km, so if the mileage on the car doesn't match the tyres condition then something is fishy. Any clunk noises coming from the front suspension means worn out bushes, which is only a minor and not so expensive worry.

Tightening and replacing the bushes can easily correct it. The CR-V's Achilles heel, fuel economy, was marginally improved at a time when Honda introduced a manual gearbox on the car, but it's still not as great as a regular mid-size car. It's hard to get more than 6-7kpl in city conditions. This Honda is a heavy sipper. There is no diesel option, though. Most CR-V owners do not tend to give their cars heavy use, so most examples even with higher mileage rarely show their true age. Remember that the CR-V unlike many other SUV's is not an all round seven-seater, also it might not be adept at taking on serious off-road duties like other 4x4's.

Though it is hard to find a CR-V in the used market, the best place to look for a CR-V is at an authorised Honda dealership where many owners trade in. As it's not too old in the market some used cars even have their original warranty on them. In any case, a used car from a Honda dealer will come with a warranty and peace of mind.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail