Honda e - any good?

[drgoatboy]

The lease on my mg4 comes to an end this summer and I'm wondering what's next. Would be nice to get my monthly outgoings down so thinking about something smaller and cheaper and older.

Just sat in a honda e at my local dealers and really liked it. Love the fact it's a bit quirky and different, also tiny on the outside but surprisingly roomy inside!

Range wouldn't be a problem as it's mostly an around town car.

Any owners on here? Any quirks or issues to look out for? Are they fun to drive?

Thanks all!

[andrewpandrew]

Yep, we’ve got one, absolutely love it. It’s only used for local trips, so range has never been a concern, but it’s our most used car. It’s just very easy to live with and great to drive, not just in urban environments, but on the narrow country lanes where we live too.

[chunkyjh]

Also considering one for the wife. Top of the list was an I3S but im really loving the Honda E. again range isn't an issue

[Luke.]

I'd go i3s over e, but that's just me.

[drgoatboy]

Suicide doors on the i3 make it a non starter for me.
I had a mini clubman with the suicide doors and it's horrible in car parks with kids. Just makes a little area between your car and the next nobody can escape from!

Wife tells me the e is too ugly now....

[lemonslap]

I was looking at an e as a local runabout car for the Mrs as doing small journeys in her BMW X5M wasn’t doing it or my wallet any good !

I loved the retro interior and if it was for me that’s what would be sitting on the drive, however wife didn’t. So we test drove a Mini Electric instead and this is what we now have. Worth a look as it is a typical mini cooper S drive with the benefits of electric. These have also been voted one of the most reliable EV’s out there,

We discounted the i3s as the tyres are unique and very expensive, plus again wife wasn’t sold on the looks.

[drgoatboy]

Thanks. Mini looks great but would need to be a 5 door. Aceman or countryman electric would probably tick a lot of boxes but too new for decent 2nd hand deals and I can't see any decent leases on those right now.

[RotorRambler]

What about the Fiat 500e ?

[drgoatboy]

andrewpandrew said:

Yep, we’ve got one, absolutely love it. It’s only used for local trips, so range has never been a concern, but it’s our most used car. It’s just very easy to live with and great to drive, not just in urban environments, but on the narrow country lanes where we live too.

Thank you. Sounds spot on really. I think they look great too. Apparently wife doesn't, maybe I can work on that...

[drgoatboy]

RotorRambler said:

What about the Fiat 500e ?

Needs to be 5 doors really and be able to get 4 adults in. Amazingly the honda e seems to achieve that!

[ScoobyChris]

Baaah - came here thinking this was a nostalgic StreetFighter II thread!

Chris

[RazerSauber]

If the Honda e is out of the window, have you considered the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona twins? Excellent range, loads of features, excellent value. Interior is a bit cheapy though.

[phil4]

Had one for a few years. On the whole really liked it. Was swapped out because range did become an issue as work changed.

Lovely interior, really comfortable suspension, great turning circle.

Only downsides were the app and the range.

[andrewpandrew]

drgoatboy said:

andrewpandrew said:

Yep, we’ve got one, absolutely love it. It’s only used for local trips, so range has never been a concern, but it’s our most used car. It’s just very easy to live with and great to drive, not just in urban environments, but on the narrow country lanes where we live too.

Thank you. Sounds spot on really. I think they look great too. Apparently wife doesn't, maybe I can work on that...

Has she actually seen one in the flesh? My wife was apprehensive also, but she really liked it when we actually went to look at one. I must admit, they attract attention like no car I’ve ever owned, I’d guess mostly from people wondering what on earth it is. However I’ve had people come up to me when I’ve been parked and talk to me about it. People genuinely seem to like it.

[drgoatboy]

andrewpandrew said:

Has she actually seen one in the flesh? My wife was apprehensive also, but she really liked it when we actually went to look at one. I must admit, they attract attention like no car I’ve ever owned, I’d guess mostly from people wondering what on earth it is. However I’ve had people come up to me when I’ve been parked and talk to me about it. People genuinely seem to like it.

To be fair she hasn't, and I was hoping I might yet convince her.
We aren't shy of drawing a little attention....

[drgoatboy]

RazerSauber said:

If the Honda e is out of the window, have you considered the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona twins? Excellent range, loads of features, excellent value. Interior is a bit cheapy though.

Both definitely on the list, they tick a lot of boxes.
They just look a bit dull, which they were more interesting.
Soul EV also on the potential list

[JQ]

Another potential option - VW e-Up. My wife has one and it's great - go-kart handling, tiny on the outside, roomy inside and has 5 doors. They have heated seats and a reversing camera, but the VW app is terrible.

[XJSJohn]

Renault 5 worth a mention?

Caveat - i have no clue about the costs, its just its the first EV that has actually interested me since the Honda E

[drgoatboy]

XJSJohn said:

Renault 5 worth a mention?

Caveat - i have no clue about the costs, its just its the first EV that has actually interested me since the Honda E

Look great Nd priced ok, reviews say room in back isn't great but they say that about the e too and I think it would be fine....

[ZesPak]

Overall, especially looking at the numbers, the Renault 5 is the newer and better car... but, even though it's charming, it's not a patch on the Honda e imho AND the Renault 5 is a genuinely good car that starts at 23k. The Honda had a much smaller battery and started at 26k. It was more of a novelty item and a fashion statement because of that. For that reason the Renault 5 will be ubiquitous. It won't be unique and will be a very common sight on the road (for all the good reasons).
I also remember some e owner saying the leg room in the back of the e is somehow better, but I can't find the post.
You make of that what you want. I think as a second car the Honda e just has a lot of appeal to me, mainly because of the relative rarity. Whilst I'd jump on a R5 if the need would be there, the e would be a heart over mind decision on that.