Honda CRV mark I - Refurbish or Replace ?

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Mon 3 Jan 2011 21:28
Honda CRV mark I - Refurbish or Replace ? - bubbs999

I have a 1998 Honda CRV on an 'S' Plate. I have owned the car for 2 years and it has served me well. Let me down twice - once due to the battery (original !) failing - the second time due to battery again (another rubbish halfords part).

The car has a dented rear door (bad - but cosmetic) where I backed it into the wall at home (don't ask!). and 2 very minor rust spots, which have been corrosion treated. It is comfortable to drive (I'm a big guy), and has so far passed each MOT without issue. I have it serviced locally and do minor work myself - but the car came with a comprehensive honda service history when I bought the car, and had been pampered by it's previous owners.

The Honda is now showing 140,000 miles, and with the damaged door I estimate it to be worth £1000 second hand.

My dilema is;

Do I keep what is now a 13 year old car, and spend what I estimate will be £700 - £1000, as this year it will need the cambelt and tensioners changing, water pump, transmission oil, 4 tyres, and possibly some suspension work. I suspect after this the car will keep going for another 4 years with routine maintenance ?

or

Sell or part ex the honda and buy, say, a 5/6 year old ford focus or mondeo diesel. My budget would be £2500 plus whatever I get for the Honda. The 'new' car would then be kept for 3 to 4 years.

My current mileage is around 12,000 a year. I'm not tunnel visioned into ford. Any reliable, value for money diesel car would be fine. The Honda is a 2 litre petrol, and a little thirsty. 30 mpg is my maximum (more like 20 around town). I like the idea od chaep to run small cars, but usually end up in something big and roomy (like I said - I am a big bloke).

Any and all advice is welcome.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

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Tue 4 Jan 2011 06:29
Honda CRV mark I - Refurbish or Replace ? - bazza

I would say keep CRV, maintain it properly without spending needlessly and it will be cheaper over next say 3 years than buying used at your budget. The expenses you mention are all routine that any vehicle will have sooner or later. A 5/6 year old diesel could be a money pit - read about diesel repair costs on here! Although you are paying a bit more on fuel, you're unlikely to be bitten by any unexpected massive diesel-related engine repairs. A car body shop can probably put your door right for a couple of hundred, if you consider it worthwhile ( I wouldn't)

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Tue 4 Jan 2011 06:45
Honda CRV mark I - Refurbish or Replace ? - NARU

I'd stick with the Honda.

You might find a rear door the right colour in a scrap yard for not much money.

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Tue 4 Jan 2011 16:17
Honda CRV mark I - Refurbish or Replace ? - oldtoffee

Bazza's right - an old diesel "might" be ok but very costly if you end up replacing some or all of injectors, dmf, clutch. I'd keep the CRV, sounds a good one, carry out the necessary work and it will still be worth £1,000 in 3 years time.

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