Honda FR-V

CiniO

I'm slowly looking to upgrade wife's car to something bigger as we are expecting second child.
I was thinking initially about 7 seater, but that's not a must.
I approached Honda FR-V and thought this was interesting option, as it's 6 seater with reasonable boot space, and 3 separate rear seats. Only problem is that is not really popular so there's very few to choose from on second hand market.

I'd be rather looking for older one (05-07), petrol model. Diesel is not an option.
All advertised in Ireland seem to be petrol 1.7. I read on HonestJohn that much better engine option is 2.0 petrol as it's chain driven so doesn't require timing belt change, and generally it's much better engine. Unfortunately I can' find a single on 2.0 on the market.
Is there actually anything wrong with this 1.7 petrol engine, or is it just the difference between chain and belt (and obviously power) between those engines?

Other option is to get one with 1.8 petrol, but that was only introduced in late 2007 if I'm right so most likely it would be too expensive to purchase.

Any other opinions about the car?

NIMAN

I own a 2008 1.8 petrol, chain driven.

A great car so far. Not very economical, probably getting mid 30s mpg but it suits us perfectly (we have 3 young kids, 2 still in car seats).

I had considered 7 seaters but found many of them too big, plus didn't like the idea of putting young children in seats 6 & 7 as they are so near the rear of the car in the event of being rear-ended.

I personally think there should be more of a market for 6 seaters as they are ideal for a family of 5, allowing a spare seat for granny!

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Have you thought about importing perhaps? I now the Euro is weak against Sterling at present.

Seweryn

CiniO wrote: »

Any other opinions about the car?

A 2.0 litre petrol Honda Accord 2.0 as an obvious choice comes to mind...

NIMAN

Do you see any more children arriving?

To be honest, if its only you, partner and 2 kids, there is really no need for an MPV (imho)

CiniO

NIMAN wrote: »

I own a 2008 1.8 petrol, chain driven.

A great car so far. Not very economical, probably getting mid 30s mpg but it suits us perfectly (we have 3 young kids, 2 still in car seats).

I had considered 7 seaters but found many of them too big, plus didn't like the idea of putting young children in seats 6 & 7 as they are so near the rear of the car in the event of being rear-ended.

That's the same as my thoughts. I read that those rear two seats in most 7 seaters are fairly unsafe in case of being rear-ended. Also with them boot space is very limited in most cases, while in FR-V you can take 6 people and still have all boot space available.

I personally think there should be more of a market for 6 seaters as they are ideal for a family of 5, allowing a spare seat for granny!

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Have you thought about importing perhaps? I now the Euro is weak against Sterling at present.

Well the thing is that this is going to be our "second car in the family" and used mostly for local runs. Therefore I don't really want to spend much and prefer getting older version, even in worse condition but for small money. Then I could do some repairs on it myself as I like doing so
Due to big VRT on those early models of petrol FR-V, it only makes sense to import probably 2008 onwards diesel. Otherwise it just comes more expensive than you can buy in Ireland. That's from my quick look up the UK websites and VRT calculator.

Unfortunately if I want 2 litre petrol, most likely I'll need to import it, as pretty much all those FR-V's on Irish market from years 05 or 06 are 1.7 But maybe 1.7 is not that bad really.

Do you see any more children arriving?

No, two is plenty

To be honest, if its only you, partner and 2 kids, there is really no need for an MPV (imho)

Well I know you can fit a family like this in Cinqucento no problem, but we often have family visitors, and currently often use all 5 seats (with 1 child) to get to the town or do some Irish coast scenery exploring. Once we get 2nd child, this will automatically mean 6 seats needed. Obviously we could use two cars for that, but as we're thinking about getting new one anyway, why not get 6 seater and be able to fit in one.

CiniO

Seweryn wrote: »

A 2.0 litre petrol Honda Accord 2.0 as an obvious choice comes to mind...

That is an option obviously, but I'd prefer 6 seats.

NIMAN

Try to get a test drive of the 1.7 petrol if you can. I know there isn't many of them about.

I'm in North Donegal if you want to ever get a run in one.

AMKC

What about a Fiat Multipla. Its a 6 seater and they are really good to drive too. Just try and get one of the revamped ones. You should be able to get one from 2005 or maybe 06. It has a really cool interior too. They should be cheap enough now if you can find one and should be cheap to service and maintain.

zizou_

I know the 07 FrVs cost a bit more than earlier cars but they are quite a few differences other than engine.

Facelift.
1.8 with chain drive and 6 sp (car can be noisy on motorway so big deal)

Cruise control standard

Elec folding mirrors - handy for carparks

Nice alloys, roof rails and tinted windows make a big improvement imo

Better interior quality and gadgets auto wipers, aux-in

For all those reasons you find it easier to sell on the 1.8 when time comes.

CiniO

AMKC wrote: »

What about a Fiat Multipla. Its a 6 seater and they are really good to drive too. Just try and get one of the revamped ones. You should be able to get one from 2005 or maybe 06. It has a really cool interior too. They should be cheap enough now if you can find one and should be cheap to service and maintain.

Don't get me wrong.
I do like Fiats, and I would even call myself a Fiat fan. Current second car in the family now is Fiat. I've had 7 different Fiats myself, and I really think they are greats cars...

But there is nothing in this world which would make me buy Multipla :eek:

CiniO

zizou_ wrote: »

I know the 07 FrVs cost a bit more than earlier cars but they are quite a few differences other than engine.

Facelift.
1.8 with chain drive and 6 sp (car can be noisy on motorway so big deal)

Cruise control standard

Elec folding mirrors - handy for carparks

Nice alloys, roof rails and tinted windows make a big improvement imo

Better interior quality and gadgets auto wipers, aux-in

For all those reasons you find it easier to sell on the 1.8 when time comes.

Indeed facelift model seems better.
They keep their price well though, and they are rather much more expensive than other comparable size cars of this age.

tyney

Actually, if you are interested in a black 08 1.8 petrol, drop me a pm. I bought one for my wife, but she didn't like it. I have ended up with it, and it's not really something I would have bought for myself. Laziness has stopped me from selling it. It's hard to walk away from a car that you know will be trouble free for a decade more.