Honda CR-V or Hyundai Santa Fe?
Hi,
I'm currently driving a Land Rover Freelander TD4 and am looking to change. I am considering a 2008 Honda CR-V EX 1.9 petrol or a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.1 diesel. I am based in Dublin but do a good bit of driving around the country. Can you please let me know about the performance and reliability (potential problems) of these two cars, and point out any other vehicles I should be considering. My budget is a max of €14,000.
Joe Harbourne (Dublin)Jun 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
Both excellent choices although it's worth pointing out that the petrol-powered Honda will struggle more to hold on to any value as the market is so diesel-obsessed at the moment. Still, that means prices are cheaper for you at buying time...
As with all Hondas, the CR-V is remarkably reliable, although this model has suffered from some issues. There have been some problems with trim scratching and scuffing too easily, as well as problems with the alternators. Some have had issues with the gearbox too and high front tyre wear. You should also check carefully underneath to make sure that any previous owner hasn't been taking the 4x4 bit too seriously.
That goes equally for the Hyundai and the good news here too is that reliability is excellent. The only regularly reported problems with the Santa Fe are that the air conditioning system can need regular re-gassing and that the stereo is pretty rubbish.
Both will be expensive to run though. The CR-V has CO2 emissions of 194g/km so motor tax is going to be pricey. Despite being diesel, the Hyundai is no better, with CO2 emissions of 191g/km. Both will average around 35mpg in regular driving.
I have to admit to a small bias - my father-in-law has owned his 2.0-litre petrol CR-V from new in 2007 and loves it. It's been massively reliable (only ever needing a replacement alternator) and he regularly gets better than 40mpg from it. That said, the Hyundai is also an excellent vehicle and I would say both are safe bets - try some test drives and see which one you prefer and let us know which way you go.
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser@neilmbriscoe