Buying used: (2016-2019) Honda BR-V

GOOD FOR: Spacious cabin, reliable engines.

LOOK OUT FOR: Faulty electronics, early brake wear.

The Honda BR-V may not have set the sales chart on fire, but it is a good option as a used buy for someone with a large family and in need of extra space. This seven-seater looks more like an MPV, a factor that played a major role in it not doing too well. Getting a used one is tempting because the value has dipped by almost 50 percent. The top-spec VX trim that came in at around Rs 15 lakh can now be had for just Rs 7-8 lakh, with under 30,000km on the odometer.

The styling is very much like an MPV, but has got good ground clearance.

You can also choose from a range of variants. The BR-V launched in 2016 came with three trims for the petrol and four trims for the diesel engine. The base E and S have the bare minimum features and hence are best avoided. If your primary drive is in the city, the petrol-automatic is the more convenient option. That said, the engine with the CVT transmission is far from efficient. Expect fuel efficiency anywhere between 6-8kpl, and that is if you drive it with a light foot. Then there is the manual version, which is marginally better, but the engine isn’t exciting enough to be enjoyed with a manual gearbox. The diesel engine is best if you go out of town frequently and can use that extra litre of efficiency. Also, the BR-V has an impressive ground clearance of 210mm, which is more than enough even with the car fully loaded. Handling is like you would expect of a people carrier, but highway stability is good.

When it comes to features, you get the basic safety kit like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reversing sensors with camera and a rear wiper too. However, this is only on the VX trim, so look for this variant in particular. The automatic transmission is only available on the V trim, which misses a reverse camera but gets all the other equipment.

Simple and clean dashboard design; fit-finish is good too but infotainment looks old.

In terms of infotainment, you get a 7.0-inch touchscreen with a card-based navigation system on the top spec, and a basic audio system with Bluetooth on the lower ones. Space-wise, the first two rows are roomy enough for five adults, while the third row is best suited for children or short drives. You can also fold the third row to get a big 691-litre boot. Overall build and quality are synonymous with Honda cars. Plastics and interior trimmings are of good quality and don’t wear easily. Reliability too is excellent and there aren’t any major flaws that crop up.

Lastly, service and maintenance of the BR-V is reasonable and if the insurance has expired, renewing it will set you back by around Rs 26,000-30,000. Look for cars that have Honda’s extended warranty package – it can save you some more money in the long run.

HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE

Buyer, beware…

Faulty electronics

Buttons and switches for the infotainment and power windows tend to fail so make sure you get that checked. It is an inexpensive fix, but it is always better to give it a look.

CVT transmission

The CVT transmission is a reliable unit. However, some owners have reported wear and delay in progress, so have it checked by a trusted mechanic.

Brake wear

When test driving, check the brakes, as many owners have reported early fade. Replacing the brake pads will cost you Rs 3,500 and an entire disc costs Rs 3,100.

Also worth knowing

If you are looking at the diesel model, make sure the clutch is in good shape. If the car has trouble engaging gear, it could be a worn-out clutch. A new clutch replacement will set you back by Rs 8,000.

How much to spend

Rs 7 lakh

If you are looking at a top-spec VX trim model, asking prices are in the range of Rs 8-9 lakh. However, if it is an early production model, you can haggle the price down to about Rs 7.5 lakh. That said, a majority of the BR-Vs on sale in the used market are the V spec and go for as little as Rs 6 lakh. A well-maintained model with less than 20,000km and the warranty intact can be bought for about Rs 7 lakh, which is a good deal. If you are in the market for an automatic with the practicality of a seven-seater, know that, except for the fuel efficiency, the BR-V is a very good option.