Thinking of Buying a Used Honda HR-V? Here Are the Common Problems to Check

• Here’s a Brief Recap on Prices
• Quick Rundown on Honda HR-V Specs
• Which Powertrain?
• Why Not the S Variant?
• How Much Boot Space?
• What Are the Safety Features?
• Other Standard Features
• Post-facelift Honda HR-V
• Infotainment System
• Recap of Honda HR-V Used Car Prices
• Pros and Cons of Honda HR-V
• A Fair Price to Pay
• Which Honda HR-V Variant to Buy?
• What Are the Common Problems?
• How Much to Maintain?
• Practicality of an SUV Without Sacrificing Maneuverability
• Buy Carsome Certified for Peace of Mind

Written by Law Weize (Louis)

As we’re expecting the third generation Honda HR-V to launch in Malaysia, here’s a recap of the second generation Honda HR-V, which you can reference if you are looking for a used unit.

The second generation HR-V was launched in 2015 and received a facelift in 2019. It was – and still is – a very well-received compact SUV in Malaysia, so much so that it maintained the first position in the compact SUV segment in 2019. In fact, the Honda HR-V accounted for 21 percent of Honda Malaysia’s sales in 2021 (an increase in sale from 2020), making it Honda’s second best-selling vehicle in Malaysia.

The most notable features at the time are as follow:

1.  Honda’s Ultra Seats
2. Honda’s LaneWatch camera
3. Interior space
4. Boot space

Here’s a Brief Recap on Prices

Pre-facelift Honda HR-V:

• Honda HR-V 1.8L S: RM99,800
• Honda HR-V 1.8L E: RM108,800
• Honda HR-V 1.8L V: RM118,800

Post-facelift Honda HR-V:

• Honda HR-V 1.8L E: RM108,800
• Honda HR-V 1.8L: V: RM118,800
• Honda HR-V 1.5L Sport Hybrid i-DCD: RM120,800
• Honda HR-V 1.8L RS: RM124,800

Quick Rundown on Honda HR-V Specs

Throughout this article, please note that the Honda HR-V refers to both pre-facelift and post-facelift in this article unless stated otherwise.

Which Powertrain?

The Honda HR-V is powered by 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine (142 HP, 172 Nm) paired to a G-Design Shift CVT gearbox (for more responsive gear change without sacrificing petrol efficiency) and an ECON Mode, which improves petrol consumption.

However, the post-facelift added a Honda HR-V Hybrid variant (hereinafter Hybrid), powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine (130 HP, 156 Nm) and a 22-kW electric motor (30 HP, 160Nm) paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, giving a combined output of 152 HP and 190 Nm.

Why Not the S Variant?

Take a look at the E variant or higher as the S variant doesn’t even get an automatic air-condition and keyless entry while the media unit looks outdated. Besides keyless entry (which allows you to lock/unlock your car by pressing the button the door handle), it gets push-button start (starting the car with a push of a button instead of the outdated “insert and twist” method), reverse sensors, auto-retractable folding side mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, and an automatic air-condition.

How Much Boot Space?

Moreover, at the time when it was launched the Honda HR-V had the most boot space in its segment at 437-liters (404-liters for Hybrid) and it also came with the famous Honda’s Ultra Seats found in the Honda Jazz with four ways to fold the seats to fit almost anything. In fact, its boot opening is larger than some of its current competitors, which makes it easier to load things in.

What Are the Safety Features?

Safety-wise all Honda HR-V gets dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), brake assist, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), and hill-hold assist as standard while the V variant gets additional side and curtain airbags making it a total of six airbags.

Initially only the pre-facelift V variant gets the six airbags but in the post-facelift, four airbags were a standard feature across all variants, similarly with the cruise control feature. The post-facelift also came with Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) as standard while the V and RS variant received the Honda’s LaneWatch (Honda’s blind spot camera).

Honda’s LaneWatch is one of the best-in-class Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as it provides a live view of your blind spot on the touchscreen display unit whereby in the real world is more practical when compared to a small indicator on the side mirrors that lights up (which is harder to see during a heavy rain).

The ABS, EBD and brake assist prevents the tires from locking up and skidding when sudden braking, which will allow the driver to steer the car to safety. Besides that, the ESS will turn on the hazard warning lights under heavy braking to prevent further potential collision.

Additionally, the VSA helps to stabilize the car during a potential collision when avoiding an accident or preventing skidding on slippery surfaces. On the other hand, the cruise control feature assists the driver in controlling the speed of the car without the driver’s input by setting a speed limit.

Other Standard Features

Furthermore, other standard features were the electronic parking brake, which frees up space for two cupholders in the center console (in front of the center armrest), auto brake hold (maintains the car in a stationary state without stepping on the brakes (a lifesaver during traffic jams), 16-inch rims, auto headlights, and fog lights.

Post-facelift Honda HR-V

The post-facelift Honda HR-V came with redesigned headlights, redesigned rear lights, and reshaped exterior. The rims are also different and bigger at 17-inches while the Hybrid however gets a different gear lever and different instrument cluster (a set of information that displays your current speed, average petrol consumption etc.).

There is also a fourth variant for the post-facelift being the Honda HR-V 1.8L RS, in which it is based on the V variant, but it adds sportier trims such as 18-inch rims, honeycomb-styled front bumper, front/rear lower gloss-black bumpers, gloss-black side mirror caps and gloss-black cladding. All variants also get paddle shifters as standard.

Infotainment System

The pre-facelift gets a simple double-DIN radio with CD player for the S variant, a 5-inch display unit for the E variant and a 7-inch touchscreen display unit with voice control, HDMI connectivity and a multi-angle reverse camera for the V variant. Only the V variant gets six speakers while the S and E variant only gets four speakers.

In the post-facelift, the E and Hybrid variant gets a 6.8-inch touchscreen display unit while the remaining variants gets a 7-inch touchscreen. All post-facelift Honda HR-V also gets HDMI/USB connectivity, hands-free telephone connectivity and four speakers as standard.

Do note that in 2021, Honda Malaysia updated its infotainment system by including an all-new 7-inch touchscreen display unit that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Recap of Honda HR-V Used Car Prices

Pros and Cons of Honda HR-V

A Fair Price to Pay

From our website, the price for a used Honda HR-V ranges from RM60,000 to RM113,000 depending on the year, variant, condition, and mileage of the car. A fair price to pay would be around RM97,300 as based on the table above, that can get you a 2019 Honda HR-V 1.8 V for RM97,300 with a mileage of 46,291 KM. With a 10 percent down payment, the estimated monthly installment is RM1,066 per month.

Carsome Certified Honda HR-V listings

Alternatively, if that is out of your price range then take a look at the pre-facelift 2017 Honda HR-V 1.8 E for RM78,200 with a mileage of 66,259 KM. With the similar loan calculations, you’re looking to pay an estimated sum of RM857 per month.

Nonetheless, if you want the updated entertainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto then take a look at the 2021 Honda HR-V 1.8 RS for RM112,000 with a mileage of 10,783 KM. Again, with 10 percent down payment the estimated monthly installment is RM1,227 per month.

Which Honda HR-V Variant to Buy?

We recommend the post-facelift Honda HR-V 1.8 V as it gets the Honda’s LaneWatch, bigger rims at 17-inches and a more comfortable ride compared to the pre-facelift models.

What Are the Common Problems?

The Honda HR-V has been Honda Malaysia’s second best-selling vehicle for good reason, and you do not get such standing without reliability. Mechanically, there are no common problems here. A regular service and maintenance will keep the car problem-free. There is a reason why Honda Malaysia provides an unlimited mileage warranty for five years as they are confident in the reliability and durability of their car.

Nonetheless, there was a recall by Honda Malaysia for fuel pump replacement for the 2018 models but only as a precautionary measure.

Do keep in mind that there is a difference between a common problem versus wear and tear parts that are due for replacement, which the latter is inevitable when buying a used car.

How Much to Maintain?

At the time when the Honda HR-V was launched, Honda Malaysia provided a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage for both the pre- and post-facelift models. It should be noted that a 2017 model, the warranty would have expired in 2021 whereas a 2021 model the warranty would expire in 2025. Thus, this is something to consider when surveying.

Practicality of an SUV Without Sacrificing Maneuverability

The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment has increased in demand, up by six times since 2014. It has been the trend lately but frankly, not everyone likes the size of an SUV as maneuvering through a tight parking space can be a hassle. This is where the Honda HR-V comes in and does best. It’s a small SUV with excellent practical interior packaging. From having a taller ride height to its Ultra Seats and excellent reliability, it’s no wonder it remains Honda’s second best-selling vehicle in Malaysia.

Buy Carsome Certified for Peace of Mind

Here at Carsome, we believe in creating an end-to-end buying journey to eliminate the concerns of traditional used car buying experience. Carsome Certified is the new standard of buying pre-owned cars backed up by our 175-point inspection together with our Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process. By creating a trusted used car ecosystem, Carsome Certified guarantees trust, transparency, and choice.

Check out our Carsome Certified Honda HR-V inventory here.

Check out our Carsome Certified Hondas inventory here.

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