- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 85
- Average repair cost
- £614
- Most regular repair request
- Electrical system
- Average age at repair
- 8 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 76,000 miles
Honda CR-V: A Reliable SUV for the Savvy Used Car Buyer
In the world of used car buying, the Honda CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) seems to be on the rise in popularity in the UK. There are over 900 listings available nationwide on CarGurus, indicating a significant supply of used CR-Vs for prospective buyers [1]. Auto Express notes that while the CR-V isn’t a bargain option, it remains a “fine all-rounder” with excellent reliability, making it an attractive choice for used car buyers [2]. Reliability is exactly what we have found for the Honda CR-V in our latest edition of the Reliability Index.
The CR-V boasts an impressive overall score of 85 out of 100 and not only that, it hit the number one spot in our most reliable SUV’s (Sports Utitity Vehicles) list. But, even the most dependable vehicles can face unexpected issues, as many CR-V owners with Warrantywise have discovered.
In this article, we’ll delve into the key factors that make the CR-V stand out in terms of reliability and running costs, helping you make an informed decision if you’re considering this popular vehicle. We’ve crunched the numbers using data from our reliability index to give you the full picture. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Honda CR-V’s reliability score: 85
As we highlighted earlier, the Honda CR-V boasts an impressive overall score of 85 placing it at the top end of our reliability rankings. This score reflects how well the vehicle has performed overall, considering factors like the frequency and cost of repairs, age, and mileage when issues typically arise.
Most regular repair requests
For the CR-V, we found the most common area of concern to be with the electrical system, with the alternator receiving the most repair requests. Alternator problems can be a significant concern for motorists, potentially leading to a range of electrical issues and even complete vehicle breakdown.
When an alternator fails, it can no longer effectively charge the car’s battery or power the electrical systems, resulting in symptoms such as dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, and malfunctioning electrical components [3][4].
Drivers may notice a growling or whining noise coming from under the bonnet, which can be an early warning sign of alternator trouble[5]. Promptly addressing these symptoms is vital, as it not only helps to prevent more serious damage but also reduces the risk of being stranded by the roadside.
Most expensive repair: catalytic converter
The most expensive repair request recorded in the Reliability Index for the CR-V involved the catalytic converter, which cost £2,519.17 to repair. While this is not a frequent issue, it’s a reminder that major repairs can occasionally occur, particularly in older vehicles. Large repair bills such as this are where having an extended warranty in place can offer some added financial protection and support when you need it most in keeping you on the road – subject to your plan terms and conditions.
In contrast, when compared to the most expensive repair request made for a Mitsubishi Outlander, which was £14,298.08, it gives CR-V owners a little more peace of mind. The average repair request for the Honda CR-V comes in at £614.40, which is also relatively low compared to many other SUVs in the same category.
Age and mileage insights
On average, the CR-V tends to have repair requests at around 7.6 years old with around 76,000 miles on the clock. So, what’s the average age of the used car in the UK? Interestingly, the average age of cars on UK roads has been steadily increasing in recent years.
According to the latest data from the Department for Transport, analysed by NimbleFins, the average age of cars in Great Britain and the UK in 2022 was 8.8 years old [6]. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reporting that the average age reached a record high of 8.4 years in 2021 [7]. The trend has continued, with more recent SMMT(Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) data indicating that the average UK car is now 9 years old as of 2024 [8].
Given that the average age of cars on UK roads is now 9 years, your Honda CR-V may reach the point where repairs are needed slightly before the national average. However, with proper maintenance and possibly an extended warranty, CR-V owners can keep their vehicles running reliably even as they approach and exceed the average age of cars in the UK.
Running costs: how the CR-V compares
When evaluating running costs, the Honda CR-V is now a standout for budget-conscious buyers. With a modest average repair cost of £614.40 and fewer high-ticket repair requests compared to rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander (with an average repair of £1,527.79), the CR-V strikes a good balance between reliability and affordability.
How much does a Honda CR-V cost to buy used?
The price of a Honda CR-V in the UK varies widely, influenced by factors such as age, mileage, and specification. In the used market, a broad spectrum of options is available. Listings on Auto Trader show that newer pre-owned models can range from £30,000 to £40,000 [9][10], while Arnold Clark, a major UK car retailer, offers used CR-Vs starting from £15,998 [11]. On average, well-maintained, recent models typically fall within the £20,000 to £30,000 range. It’s also important to note that hybrid and higher-spec versions often command higher prices, reflecting the CR-V’s status as a premium family SUV in the UK market.
Final thoughts
Are you looking for a reliable SUV that won’t break the bank? The Honda CR-V might just be the perfect fit. The Honda CR-V is an excellent choice for used car buyers looking for a reliable, practical, and cost-effective SUV. With its high OVR score, reasonable repair costs, and strong market pricing, the CR-V continues to be a leading option in its class.
Considering an extended warranty?
Given that electrical repairs are common and catalytic converter repairs can be costly, opting for an extended warranty could be a wise decision. For those seeking peace of mind, an extended warranty could be a sensible addition to protect against potential repair costs as your CR-V ages. Buy your extended warranty online and start your journey to peace of mind motoring.
Sources
[8] https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/362910/average-uk-car-now-9-years-old-drivers-delay-replacements
Disclaimer: Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage, and average labour time, from 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on cover. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQ’s.
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A car warranty, or an extended car warranty as you may also see it called, can help to pay for the cost of fixing your car if something goes wrong with it, like a mechanical or electrical problem.
New cars usually come with a warranty that lasts for 3 years. This means the manufacturer will fix any problems during that time. After this period any repairs or problems will need to be fixed by the vehicle owner.
For peace of mind, after your manufacturer’s warranty expires to help you seek to manage repair costs effectively, you can purchase an extended warranty.
Warranties do not include all defects. Most warranties will never pay for accidental damage or premature failure of a part.
You must read the plan terms and conditions of any warranty before you take it out.
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Our warranties are discretionary. This discretion allows for flexibility, as in each case we exercise our discretion to decide whether and how to resolve repair claims.
We have appointed an independent arbiter, Edd China, to ensure that any disputes with customers are resolved in a fair and un-biased manner. In the event of a dispute between us, Edd China has the final ‘discretion’.
This is what makes Warrantywise unique.
With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs.
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An extended car warranty from Warrantywise provides protection for your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, shielding you from unexpected repair costs that can arise due to mechanical or electrical failures. With additional benefits including recovery, car hire and onward travel, to name but a few, our warranty gives you peace of mind, eliminating the stress and hassle associated with unforeseen repairs and expenses. With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs. By choosing Warrantywise, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs with cover you can be confident in.
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Our warranties are designed to provide the widest potential scope of repairs for the age and mileage of your vehicle. We automatically select the most appropriate level of plan for your vehicle, which you can then tailor to meet your specific needs during the online quote process or by speaking with one of our team of warranty experts on 0800 001 4990, who will help you through the process.
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At Warrantywise, we aim to make the repair process hassle-free for everyone. When If you choose one of our Authorised Repairers to carry out an approved repair, we will handle the settlement of the repair cost directly with them, eliminating the need for you to make any payments.
We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. Their repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality.
However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labour rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
If you decide to use your preferred garage, you may be required to pay the bill in full. However, rest assured, once the repair work has been agreed by us, we will promptly reimburse you directly for the agreed expenses. Our aim is to provide convenience and financial peace of mind throughout the repair journey.
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As long as your car has an up to date service history you don’t necessarily need to service the car before we issue a warranty. However, if the vehicle doesn’t have evidence that the last service was performed at the correct time, you will need to arrange to have the car serviced to the manufacturer’s recommendations before your warranty cover is effective. Please refer to Section G – Servicing your vehicle for full details.
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It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to maintain their vehicle. Following the manufacturer’s service schedule ensures that vehicles are properly maintained.
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It is important to thoroughly check the service history of a second-hand vehicle before purchasing. Where the previous owner has missed a service, we’ll still provide a warranty if the service history is brought up to date according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (including any recommended remedial work). This must be brought up to date immediately and proof of the service provided.
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No, you don’t have to have a car inspected before it can go on cover.
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Our warranties are available in lengths to suit your needs. From monthly warranties to 12, 24 or 36 month warranties.
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You can choose to pay for your warranty in full, over 4 month or PAYG (monthly pay as you go).
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All Warrantywise plans come with a no question 14 day money back guarantee. You can cancel the plan at any time within the first 14 days and providing you have not requested that we meet the cost of any repairs, we will cancel the plan and refund your payment without deduction.
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We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. These repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality. However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labor rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
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Our repairs office hours are 8.30am-5.00pm Monday – Friday (except bank holidays). If you breakdown out of hours, please phone our 24/7 breakdown service on 0800 054 2174. For full details on what to do with regards to repairs out of hours, please refer to Section H in your plan book.
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It is important to stop driving the vehicle immediately, and call our repairs team on 01254 355102. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. In the case of an emergency breakdown out of hours, please call 0800 054 2174. If you continue to drive after you suspect a fault, it could affect your warranty. Rest assured, we are here to assist you throughout the process.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Electrical’ as: (1) concerned with, operating by, or producing electricity. This means it has to be powered by, use, or produce electricity in order to function. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Mechanical’ as: (1) relating to or operated by a machine or machinery. (2) relating to physical forces or motion. This basically means it has to be a part that moves, is moved and/or is acted upon by something else that makes it do that motion. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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If, during a journey, your Vehicle suffers a Breakdown within Great Britain you can telephone 0844 693 1910 (24h service) and we will arrange for an engineer to attend. If your Vehicle suffers a breakdown whilst in the European Union, you will need to make your own recovery arrangements and submit a claim under the warranty.
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If your repair is approved and you need a hire car, because your vehicle is off the road, we may reimburse you for up 10 days for car hire, please refer to the terms of your warranty for details.
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If you purchased your warranty directly, then yes. If you sell your car, you can transfer the remainder of your warranty to your new vehicle. Depending on the make, age and mileage of your new car additional charges may apply. Call our admin team on 0800 001 4990 for full details.
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We take complaints very seriously and all complaints are thoroughly investigated by our Customer Relations Team. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that if you are dissatisfied with the initial response, we have an escalation process in place to address your concerns further. We value your feedback and strive to continuously improve our services, ensuring that your experience with Warrantywise is of the highest standard. For more information on the escalation process, please refer to our complaints page, and if we cannot resolve your complaint between us, you can refer it to Edd China for consideration in his role as Final Arbiter.
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All calls are answered directly from our UK offices by our knowledgeable and experienced customer advice teams. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your enquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Our dedicated teams are here to assist you with any questions you may have, offering expert guidance and support.
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Edd China fulfils the role of independent arbiter, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of final arbiter to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.