HR-V - is it wrong?

[drgoatboy]

First post in the Honda section so hello to all you Honda fans!
I've got a dilemma, looks like I will be buying a new house in the next few months and chances are it will need a bit/lot of work doing on it.
Not a problem except for the fact that my 350z will be completely useless at going to B&Q, so I'm thinking of selling up to get something with a bit more load lugging capability.
So I was searching the classifieds for a suitable cheap (less than £3K) estate, and a HR-V came up. I've always dismissed them as stupid cars but for some reason I am oddly drawn to them now. They are cheap, and 4WD (sometimes) and that appeals.
But I don't know if they are any good.
Anyone on here have any experience of them?
Are they OK to drive, do the seats fold down, are they expensive to run, will people point and laugh in the street, will I fit in (being 6'5 this is never a given)?

any general thoughts? Cheers

[Glosphil]

This is the summary from a car mag. review

FOR Fun to drive, excellent reliability, smooth performance from 1.6 engine
AGAINST Limited off-road ability, three-door bodyshell short of practicality, dull interior

The review had a picture of a 5-door HR-V!

[10 Pence Short]

I drove one a few times as a courtesy car. Surprisingly agile and practical. Not going to set your world on fire, but then it won't break down or p*ss you off, either. As a second car/snotter they're worth the money.

[drgoatboy]

thanks
The reviews are actually suprisingly positive about them and they get excellent reliablility ratings in all the surveys.
I'm just not too sure on peoples opinions on them in general. Not sure if they have an image problem...
Think I might have to hunt one down for a closer look this weekend.

[hondafanatic]

We've had two HRVs at various points in our car history, one brand new, the other 2nd hand. The wife loves them and I like them. We had 3dr V-Tec models. There is non V-Tec model as well.

If you've going to view any of them, one thing to watch for is the rear diff. It gets very little use and there are plenty of knackered ones. The simple test is to go from lock to lock at walking pace... if there is a problem, you'll quickly hear/feel it... they grind and judder the whole car. It took about 10 test drives until we found one that didn't judder.

There were some very early models that were the original 'Joy Machine' with 2wd and no roof spoiler..there was also a facelift at some point, I’m thinking 2002ish onwards. It was more sombre inside with black dials and seat cloth, the earlier model was blue dial/seats and a bit brighter.

The interior wears well, but the seat fabric is easily pulled...apart from that, there isn't much to go wrong.

And don't get the wee wee coloured jobby. Urgh.

[hondafanatic]

Just to add - the image question - Honda was aiming them at the Sinky and Dinky market - however, it all went wrong when the silver surfer brigade found the HRV was nice and easy to get into and out of because it was that bit higher.

Hence you see more grannies driving them than yoofs.

[aabbaa1980]

For 3k you can not go wrong. I owned a HR-V from new. Had it for a few years and not a single problem with it. I would like to note I am quite a hard driver and I always pushed the car. Nothing rattled! The car was in the family for 5 years and it was cheap to service and own.

Only issue is the seats in my car were always getting caught on sharp things. So if transporting twigs/branches to the skip for example make sure you cover the seats with a sheet to prevent issues.

Its not powerful but it is nippy with light steering, with the rear seats down you get a lot of rear space.

Go for it!

[drgoatboy]

Well I went and looked at one this afternoon and had a quick drive.
It was an automatic and it hadn't got a record of a service for the last 60k miles but it was comfy quiet and drove really well.
OK it wasn't fast but it had enough pull for what I want it for.
I'm quite a big chap and I fitted in very nicely indeed! Boot was pretty big with the seats down, nowhere near as big as a mondeo estate (which I also looked at but its sooo boring!) but should be fine for those lugging jobs I have in mind.

The one I saw today was definately ropey but its a very promising choice once the zed is gone...
Thanks for all your advise everyone. Anyone went a well loved 350z