Used Honda Freed for under RM 50k – Sliding-door 7-seater for Alza money, how much to maintain and repair?

• Cheapest used sliding-door MPV on sale.
• Proven powertrain shared with Honda City; low maintenance.
• Excellent practicality and accesibility for elderly passengers.

First launched in 2010, the Honda Freed was billed as an affordable seven-seater MPV with sliding-doors for easier access, that was compact enough to drive around town.

The fully-imported Honda Freed was a charming alternative to buying a recond MPV (likely a Toyota Estima or Wish).

At launch, the Freed was priced at just under RM 113k, approximately RM 30k more than the entry-level Jazz and City in period.

The Freed didn't sell very well when it was new (in part due to its high pricetag), but are in high demand in the used car market.

Most units are snapped up as soon as it goes on sale, often even before being advertised, as it's appreciated by those with elderly family members with mobility issues - sliding doors makes it much, much easier to enter / get out.

Prices of the Freed have dropped to below RM 50k today, which is about the same money for a new Perodua Alza. Ideal used B-Segment MPV for your money? Let's take a closer look.

The Honda Freed variants offered in Malaysia

The Freed was first introduced in April 2010. Fully-imported from Indonesia, the singular ‘Grade E’ was priced at RM 112,980.

The Freed was powered by the (L15A) 1.5-litre single-cam i-VTEC engine that produces 118 PS and 146 Nm of torque, paired to five-speed automatic.

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The Freed was underpinned by the same platform as the Honda Jazz and City, but featured a stretched wheelbase 2,740 mm versus the City’s 2,550 mm (+190 mm) to accommodate a third-row of seats.

As for suspension, the Freed featured MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam rear suspension.

Safety kit is acceptable, with 2-airbags, ABS with EBD and what Honda called the “neck-shock mitigation seat” which is designed to reduce the chance of whiplash in an accident.

Perhaps the main highlight feature of the Freed was its powered sliding-doors which could be operated via the key. This was unheard of at its price range.

In 2012, Honda introduced the Grade S, which brought entry-level prices into the sub-RM 100k region. For roughly RM 12k less, the Grade S loses out on powered sliding rear doors, auto air-conditioning controls, Alpine DVD headunit and a rear spoiler.

In 2013, Honda Malaysia launched the facelifted which carried interior and exterior design updates.

New additions included a redesigned front grille and bumper, slightly tweaked rear bumper as well as updated instrument cluster on the inside.

The Grade E by now came with leather seats, fold-down armrests in the front row was only offered in the new Brilliant White Pearl colour.

The Freed did not have any immediate rivals, comparable only to the less expensive Nissan Grand Livina and the Toyota Innova, which was a larger and more utilitarian, but nonetheless, a 7-seater within the same price range.

Which variant should I buy?

Given there are no mechanical differences between the Freed S and E, the only comes down to the standard equipment features between the two.

The Grade E is the one to go for as the sliding doors sliding doors can be tough to open / close especially when parked on a slope. This is made even harder if you're handling an infant/child at the same time.

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If you wish to take a loan, then your only choice will be to look for newer 2012 – 2014 models, as the earlier 2010 – 2011 will likely need to be bought cash.

Here’s a shortlist of the basic running costs between of the Honda Freed:

Market prices of the Honda Freed?

Prices for pre-facelift 2010 – 2012 units of the Freed range between RM 35k to RM 45k, whilst post-facelift 2013 – 2014 models range between RM 43k to RM 50k depending on mileage and condition.

Despite being a niche product, the Honda Freed does hold value rather well, retains up to 50 percent of its original value after 6-7 years.

As always, prioritize units which offer a comprehensive service history that allows you to plan and execute subsequent maintenance.

What are the common problems of the Honda Freed?

Given the Honda Freed features the same powertrain as the Honda City and Jazz, the Freed is about as reliable as they come.  

Honda L15A engines are known to clock hundreds of thousands of kms with diligent and timely maintenance, replacement parts are readily available and reasonable too.

Likewise, the five-speed automatic transmission also offers phenomenal reliability and maintenance costs are very reasonable.

Here’s a simplified table of the basic maintenance schedule of a Freed:

Given the powertrain is shared with City, maintenance is likewise comparable to the City. 

Another feature to note is the Freed’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) system which means there’s less maintenance and no chance of leaks in the steering system as well.

Besides routine maintenance, there are a few common problems that prospective buyers should look out for.

Besides small oil leaks from the main cap and i-VTEC solenoid gasket, there are also cases of crankshaft and camshaft seal leaks, and mostly caused by irregular maintenance and/or using low-quality engine oil. 

The worst-case-scenario is leaks at the engine main bearing seal (between engine and gearbox), but these are extremely rare cases, caused by the same aforementioned reasons.

Failure or malfunction of the power sliding doors are very uncommon, and are usually caused by a failed motor, door release actuator or control module.

Be advised to conduct repairs at Honda directly or a specialist if the sliding door operation doesn’t seem right. Detecting faults early can save you from a huge repair bill later on.  

Conclusion

The Honda Freed is a superb alternative for growing families who are looking for a MPV that is brilliantly packaged and cheap to own. 

At current prices, the Freed is roughly within the price range of a new base model Alza (which is due to be replaced very soon), for a fully-imported CBU MPV with great features and good driving dynamics. 

With decent parts availabilty and straightforward maintenance schedule, the Freed is also an easy to vehicle to upkeep and enjoy in the years to come. 

For peace of mind, give your Honda Freed the proper care it deserves with GoCar Garage. Operated by the Tan Chong group and based in Petaling Jaya, GoCar Garage offers a manufacturer level service experience, but it's open for all makes and models. 

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Also read: Pros and Cons: Perodua Alza: Worth paying RM 60k for a 12 year old model?