Buying a new car is an exciting time, whether you’re buying new or used. Although the temptation is there to buy whichever car happens to catch your attention first, there are a number of things to look out for when buying a used Honda car. These tips aren’t unique to the Honda HR-V and should be considered no matter what type of car you decide on.
Why buy a used Honda HR-V?
When you look for a new car, you’ll be taking into consideration various factors before you make a choice;
Do you need more space in your next car?
Do you need a bigger car to cater to your family?
Are you looking for a car that contains all of the mod-cons as standard?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, then the Honda HR-V is a good contender in your search. Used Honda cars are abundant in the market, so there’s no need to worry that you might struggle to find the perfect HR-V. When looking at the benefits of a used Honda HR-V, there are many things to be considerate of:
Reliability
Many Honda owners can vouch for this one - Honda vehicles have been known to last beyond the 200,000 mile mark and when you really consider how many miles that is, these vehicles can take you a long way. This isn’t unique to the HR-V - many other Honda models share the same type of engineering and can offer their owners years of use. Of course, this will be dependent on the proper maintenance and care of your car, such as MOTs and servicing. Proper maintenance means there will be fewer visits to the garage for repairs.
Lower Depreciation
Depreciation hits a new car the moment it is driven off the forecourt and within the first few years of ownership. However, used Honda cars have been known to hold their value, especially when they are an older model. This is due to the build-quality and reliability, which we have discussed above. Honda themselves have rigorous quality control testing to ensure performance is a long-lasting factor. This reputation keeps their value high and your costs low.
Design
When you take a look at the HR-V from the outside, you can tell immediately that the car is spacious and will offer you all the room you need for your family. A unique feature that Honda offers is the magic seat function, which allows the owner to fold the seats in different configurations and this is no different for the HR-V. This is perfect for both luggage, cargo and passengers and gives you the versatility to suit your lifestyle.
Safety Features
As with most used cars, we tend to look for certain safety features when we’re researching which car to buy - a used Honda offers what you would expect and more. Most HR-Vs are fully equipped with airbags, stability control, a rear view camera and Honda’s own ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. Some of the newer versions of this vehicle may include more advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation. Ensuring your safety when driving is paramount and Honda isn’t sparing when it comes to being kitted out with the latest safety technology.
What should I look out for when buying a used Honda HR-V?
An important factor in your search is ensuring that the car you choose does everything that you need it to do and that everything looks as it should. When looking at a car, there are some things that you should look out for:
The car’s year and mileage
One of the main things you should look out for is the mileage of the car compared to the year of manufacture, to gauge its condition. The more mileage a car has accrued over time, the more wear and tear it is likely to have on certain components. This is important when considering an older vehicle - it may require more maintenance or could have less of the technological features of the newer models that make it safer.
Service and maintenance history
When looking at a used HR-V, make sure that you check the maintenance history of the vehicle. If the vehicle has a full service history, then it’s clear that the car has been well looked after and cared for, as well as reducing the risk of costly repairs in the future.
Common issues
Research the model before viewing a car to see if there are any common issues that other drivers have experienced with their HR-V or that have been commonly reported. Understanding these issues can help you to avoid any major problems in the future, especially as they could end up costing you a lot in repairs or replacements.
Test drive and thorough inspection
When you first see the car you want in person, it’s easy to overlook any minor issues and take the car at face-value. However, conducting a thorough inspection of the car can make you aware of any minor damages that could turn major and you’ll be able to see if there is anything that isn’t working as it should. Some things to double check could include:
Tyres
Take a look at the condition of the tyres and the tread that they have left. The legal limit for a tyre is 1.6mm so if the tyres are below 3mm, you would need to consider changing them soon. Whilst the brand of tyre is your choice, for higher performance cars, you’d need to consider premium tyres (which may be more expensive).
Dents and scratches
Rain and darkness can easily mask any abnormalities with the paintwork of the car, so it’s important to consider checking a used car in full daylight. Small dents and scratches are a normal sign of wear and tear on a used HR-V so don’t be too put off by them - they can be fixed easily and at a very low cost.
Under the bonnet
Checking under the bonnet gives you an idea of the condition of the inner workings of the car and not just the cosmetics. Take a look at the fluid levels and the oil level to ensure they are at optimal levels before you drive away. It’s also a good opportunity to check for any leaks coming from anywhere within the engine and to make the seller aware of them.
Electronics
If you’re considering buying a newer version of the HR-V, ensure all of the electronics are working effectively - this includes electric windows, air conditioning, infotainment system and windscreen wipers. Whilst most of these would be simple and low-cost repairs, it’s always worth making sure you are getting the value or what you pay on the car.
Windows
Ensure there are no chips in the windscreen or on the front or rear lights. Chips in the windscreen could turn into cracks at any moment, which will have the added cost of replacement. Depending on where the chip is located, it could also mean an MOT failure. Rear lights can be prone to condensation and fogging.
Interior
Take a look at the interior of the car, particularly the seats and upholstery. Check for tears and stains and ensure that they don’t smell unpleasant. This is especially important for a car that has been smoked in or the previous owner transported their dogs around.
Spare wheel
Most used HR-V vehicles will come with a spare tyre, but this will depend on the year the car was manufactured. Many newer vehicles will now only include a tyre repair kit, rather than a spare. If you are lucky enough to get a spare, it’s important to check that it is in full working order, as you’ll need this in an emergency. Ensure the tyre repair kit includes everything that you would need and make sure nothing looks as though it is missing.
Find a used Honda HR-V today
Inspecting a HR-V before you buy it ensures that there aren’t any costly surprises later down the line and that you are getting the right value for the price you pay. Using our handy checklist will help prepare you for inspection when you find the perfect car. Browse through our used Honda vehicles today to find your perfect used car deal. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.