Used 5th gen Honda CR-V in Malaysia: Up to 193 PS turbo, bigger than a Corolla Cross, from just RM 110k
Sanjay · Apr 21, 2023 09:00 AM
0
0
Interesting proposition isn't it? Prices of the used 5th genHonda CR-V (RW) in Malaysia have dropped enough to now encroach into brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross territory – some even cheaper – perhaps enhancing its position as the de facto king of pre-owned value SUVs.
As the 5th gen CR-V is still available brand new at the time of writing, we'll focus on the earlier model years: the pre-facelift 2017 to 2020 cars, and touch a bit on the facelifted units that were available since 2020.
The 1.5-litre L15B7 is an uprated version of what's in the Civic FC
No matter which model year you go for, you'll have 2 powertrain choices: either the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre (154 PS/189 Nm) that's in the base model, or the 1.5-litre turbo (193 PS/243 Nm) that's in every other variant above that.
Both these engines are paired to an Earth Dreams CVT automatic, and keep in mind that aside from the regular front-wheel drive (FWD) cars, there's 4WD variants as well.
Pre-facelift interior; note the 120V socket in the cubby
522L bootspace is larger than the Corolla Cross' 440L and X70's 512L
All 5th-gen CR-Vs sold in Malaysia are of the 5-seater variety. Not that anyone would complain given Honda's affinity for clever interior packaging, and there's decent trunk space too – 522 litres with the rear seats up, and 1,084 litres with them folded flat.
Sparsely equipped it is not, with niceties like auto LED headlights, LED DRLs and fog lamps, black combination leather seats, walk-away auto door locks, smart keyless entry, paddle shifters, dual-zone air-conditioning with vents for the rear passengers being standard fare.
Android Auto mirrors on the digital instrument cluster; underrated but much-needed feature
Standard items extended to a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, powered front seats (8-way for the driver, 4-way for the passenger), rear parking sensors, auto dimming rear-view mirror, two rear USB charging ports, and also Android Auto/Apple CarPlay functionality through its 7-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Regardless of variant or model years, you get this class-leading space
Going up the variant scale nets you different interior trims, bigger wheels, and a bit more features. On the 2017-2020 model, Honda Sensing ADAS was only available in the range-topping 1.5 Turbo Premium, but it's now in all turbo variants since the facelift.
The Honda Sensing suite contains these:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Low Speed Follow (LSF)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
LaneWatch works a charm at night
Speaking of facelifts, 2020's relook brought upon a mildly-retouched exterior, while the cabin benefitted from an extra 2 USB ports. Safety was bumped up too – while Sensing stays as a turbo-variant-only feature, Honda LaneWatch is now standard, just as the new rear seatbelt reminder system is.
Pre-facelift, note two bulbs sandwiched between the chrome strips
Missing in the facelift
Despite that, keep in mind that Active Cornering Lights (ACL, lights that follow your steering wheel movements) were removed from the facelift exercise.
Reviews, and which variant to buy
Stellar best describes it. Even newer opponents still find the CR-V's interior to be quite insurmountable. Spot-on ergonomics, tip-top user friendliness and most importantly, quality that holds up are values that make the ownership experience that much sweeter.
Turbo variants have got big power and are actually quite fuel efficient. Comfort is right up there with the best – "feels like driving a big and spacious sofa" – but it feels a little wooly in the corners.
If you can, spring for the variants with Honda Sensing to make the CR-V that much more complete. You'll appreciate the ACC a lot in slow-moving long-hauls.
Though if you'd like something extra special, Honda Malaysia did roll out a limited-run (300 units only) CR-V Mugen a few years ago, but it's very rare on the used car classifieds. Performance wise you aren't missing much as the only Mugen bit is the bodykit.
Costs, maintenance, recalls, problems
Nothing extraordinary when it comes to road tax, fuel, and tyre costs, though note that the turbo variants have bigger tyres. Your basic running costs should look as follows:
Honda CR-V running costs in Malaysia
Variants
2.0 NA
1.5T
Road tax (RM)
440
120
Tyre size
235/65R17
235/60R18
Tyres/pc (RM)
~440 - 580
~600 - 780
Battery (RM)
NS60LS/55B24L ~RM420
Super important: several model years of the Honda CR-V were issued recalls for some issues:
2018, 2019: Fuel pump, electric power steering, gear push knob button
2020: Fuel pump
To be safe, make sure you note the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) and run it through Honda Malaysia's recall checker here. If the car you're looking at so to be part of a recall, don't worry, just get in touch with Honda and have the necessary fixes done for free.
When new, the CR-V came with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, so some 2018-2020 cars are still protected. Just note that coverage is contingent on what's been done to the car prior to its sale – usually if a car's been modified or missed one too many service intervals, the warranty will be void.
Issues are few and far between. Suspension components, for any car really, need to be replaced over years of use, however some owners have highlighted steering rack issues, which can (usually) be replaced under warranty.
Generally though a CR-V is a problem-free vehicle.
Used Honda CR-V spare parts cost
Part
Symptom
Approx cost
Steering rack
Steering freeplay/grinding noise
~RM 1k - RM 7k
Front lower arms
Clunking noise/vibrations
~RM 300 - RM 800
Tie rod ends
Steering freeplay/knocking sounds
~RM 200 - RM 300
Engine mounting
Excessive engine vibration
~RM 600 - RM 1k
Also if you are springing for the 4WD variants, bear in mind a few drivetrain-specific items down the line, such as an addition of lubrication for the rear differential.
It's also just good ownership hygiene to check its tyres (if it's older than 5 years, change them), thickness of brake pads, and fluid levels before you sign the dotted line.
It'll also do you well to check its body for any signs of a major accidents or flooding, and run through the car through an online database to see its beyond its skin (if it's been in a total loss accident, stolen NCD information and insurance history).
You probably won't have the time for all that so our advice is to just leave it to the pros. CARSOME Certified Honda CR-Vs are all properly tip-top, meticulously refurbished and presented, and you'll get a 5-day money back guarantee to go with a 1-year warranty as well.
As your time with your new-to-you CR-V grows, CARSOME can also keep it ticking with qualified technicians over at CARSOME services centres in an area near you.
The best part of getting a used car? No waiting list
There's also great Hari Raya deals to take advantage of through CARSOME, which currently offers exclusive discounts of up to RM 8,000, free service and warranty packages, and attractive interest rates for a limited time only. Download the Carsome App via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and start browsing today.
Not only that, there's an option for you to broaden your search a little bit more (with similar reassurance!) through Carlist Qualified.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
