Discussion
Would I be mad to consider a 2007 1.8 petrol honda frv over a 2016 sharan/alhambra? We only need 6 seats and obviously the price difference is vast. The Honda is a private seller but the mot history seems OK, its done 77k. The alhambra has 83k with changed timing belt etc. We mostly do shorter journeys but the space of either of these is good for us. Thoughts?
Having been in this exact situation a number of years ago I would suggest you go look at a Mazda 5. I was dead against it at the time, but the misses was adamant it was what she wanted. I have to admit it was by far the best car for the job. Sliding doors were a god send with kids. It actually handled OK compared to other people carriers (I believe the c max is also ok sharing a platform with the 5). We had the 2.0 petrol. It was never going to win any races, but we took it to Italy and back multiple times without any issues.
To answer your actual question I don't think you are mad to consider an FRV, but I'd look at a 5 unless you have already done so.
To answer your actual question I don't think you are mad to consider an FRV, but I'd look at a 5 unless you have already done so.
I ran a 2007 FR-V for a couple of years, nothing went wrong and it was a painless to own, it liked front tyres though mine was the 2.2 diesel.
The seat layout isn`t ideal when 6 up. The front centre and rear centre push back resulting in reduced boot space. I also found the passenger seat base far too short to give any under-thigh support and I`m in no way tall at 173cm.
Make sure you can live with the seat layout before you buy.
The seat layout isn`t ideal when 6 up. The front centre and rear centre push back resulting in reduced boot space. I also found the passenger seat base far too short to give any under-thigh support and I`m in no way tall at 173cm.
Make sure you can live with the seat layout before you buy.
FRVs are excellent cars and you retain the big boot with the two rows of 3 seats only. Fiat also did the Multipla, if you are considering 6 seater. i think both of those are pretty funky, different offerings IMHO.
Can't comment on the Mazda5.
If you are not going to be using the 6 seats very option I think an FRV is a good shout as the footprint of the car is relatively small and therefore easier to live with than an Alhambra sized car IMHO.
What are the respective costs? Got any links?
Can't comment on the Mazda5.
If you are not going to be using the 6 seats very option I think an FRV is a good shout as the footprint of the car is relatively small and therefore easier to live with than an Alhambra sized car IMHO.
What are the respective costs? Got any links?
I've always liked the Honda Elysion, although a Jap import I believe but shares many parts.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...
Hi. We did look at a mazda 5 but there's only two isofix on the outer seats and the seat in the middle would be too small for an adult to get into we reckon unfortunately. We would take granny and grandad on occasion too. The honda is only 1500 but the alhambra is 13950. Obviously the running costs for tax and fuel are more in the Honda but initial cost difference is huge.
Edited by Corsacrazy on Monday 23 May 17:00
Edited by Corsacrazy on Monday 23 May 17:02
The frv seller has said there's 'some' service history but he's going to check. The ad says he's selling it for a friend... he has several listings and all say that.We're super cautious because we've already been bitten once recently with a private seller a few weeks ago. Absolute nightmare. ....think we'll give the frv a miss in hindsight.
Edited by Corsacrazy on Monday 23 May 19:08
Shame! Re FRVs in general. Ours is 2006 2.2 CDTi, abused, ignored, oil service once a year and simply refuses to die. I did treat it to an Air Con repair and regas last summer but its almost getting irritating now as i refuse to replace it till it dies.
If it lasts another year i might even suck up the insurance for my 17 year old to learn in. Its great for fitting an MTB in the boot so would suit him nicely.
If it lasts another year i might even suck up the insurance for my 17 year old to learn in. Its great for fitting an MTB in the boot so would suit him nicely.
Re the FRV. That particular one hasn't had a UK MOT since it expired in March 2019. Are you in the UK and have you asked why this is? Perhaps you are in Ireland hence the km?
In the 2018 MOT in had done 53,859 miles, which equates to just under 87k km. I notice your screenshot states 77k km. This suggests it has lost 10k km in 4years.
I'd be wanting to bottom this out with the seller before proceeding.
Edit: I guess the ad is muddled and it means 77k miles. That would make sense! I'd still like to know why it hasn't had an MOT for 3yrs+
In the 2018 MOT in had done 53,859 miles, which equates to just under 87k km. I notice your screenshot states 77k km. This suggests it has lost 10k km in 4years.
I'd be wanting to bottom this out with the seller before proceeding.
Edit: I guess the ad is muddled and it means 77k miles. That would make sense! I'd still like to know why it hasn't had an MOT for 3yrs+
Edited by SlowV6 on Monday 23 May 20:51
FRVs are fairly reliable I think - mine (a 2005 2.0 petrol) has been sporadically serviced by various garages and me, but not comprehensively. So far the only problems are a noisy aircon bearing, reverse sensor unit needed replacing, and a minor oil leak.
Bad points: Visibility is poor. Not brilliant fuel economy (1.8 is hopefully better). Seats could be better for long journeys.
Good points: Really easy to drive. Not too slow - k20 engine revs well. Good turning circle. Gearbox is good (and interesting, being on the dash). Practicality.
The last point is the main thing, though. It really is brilliant being able to fit all three of us in the front, and when needed just fill the back with stuff. I've been looking for a replacement but we're going to have to switch to a two front seater car (probably would need to anyway as my son gets taller).
Bad points: Visibility is poor. Not brilliant fuel economy (1.8 is hopefully better). Seats could be better for long journeys.
Good points: Really easy to drive. Not too slow - k20 engine revs well. Good turning circle. Gearbox is good (and interesting, being on the dash). Practicality.
The last point is the main thing, though. It really is brilliant being able to fit all three of us in the front, and when needed just fill the back with stuff. I've been looking for a replacement but we're going to have to switch to a two front seater car (probably would need to anyway as my son gets taller).
The sellers obviously not legit and 1500 is too cheap for an frv in my opinion. I bought one for my sister and they are generally good, and large inside. Air con pump can rattle but seem to still work, but are very expensive if need replacing.
I would consider an frv but be very wary of that one if I was you.
I would consider an frv but be very wary of that one if I was you.
If you are looking at the Honda, its definitely worth having a look at the face-lift Fiat Multipla , trued and tested tech, much more robust than than many would imagine, as reliable as the prejudice against Italian cars, and certainly as reliable as the German cars you're looking at
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff