2009 Honda Stepwagon RG (JDM)

[magpie215]

I have been asked by another forum member to do a bit of a write up on this car.





I'm the first owner from import in to U.K and it had 97000 kms on the odo.

4 matched Bridgestone tyres and no rust anywhere.

We paid £5500 for ir 3 years ago.

It's an 8 seater MPV but I'd say comfortably it's 6 adults only 8 is a squeeze but technically legal as all have belts of which 2 are lapbelt only.

It has the 2.0l K20 as found in civics crvs etc of that era.

It's mated to a conventional auto box which whilst OK can be at times a bit indecisive of gear selection.

Ride is a bit harsh unladen but once you have passengers in it improves massively.

I'd say I'm getting mid to low 20mpg around town 30 ish on a run.

Spares availability on these are good on most items glass and body panels not so much.

Only things it has needed so far are consumables such as tyres brake pads and engine servicing fluids.

The only repair so far is a replacement power steering hose as the original developed a weep.

Interior wise mine is carpeted up front with the rear having a laminate wooden effect floor also up front a central console between the driver and passenger seats both factory options I believe.

Tailgate is a lift up which provides a great shelter when we get the sunshine of the liquid variety.

Twin sliding power doors on mine some only have one only.

It arrived with a factory Japanese head unit installed great unit with a built in hard drive which automatically ripped any played cd.

Unfortunately all functions are in Japanese and it would only receive radio 2 in the U.k. I have since replaced it with a U.k spec pioneer double din head unit.





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It's not a huge vehicle and drives more like a big estate car than a van.

I'm really pleased with the car the looks really do divide opinion but for what I need a vehicle to do this does tick a lot of boxes.

Edited by magpie215 on Wednesday 22 May 14:55

Edited by magpie215 on Wednesday 22 May 14:59

[Cupid-stunt]

Let's see the laminate wood flooring!!
That's a new one on me!

[magpie215]

Cupid-stunt said:

Let's see the laminate wood flooring!!
That's a new one on me!

Best I can do for now....lashing down

This is with the rear seats stowed they fold up to the side.

[horsemeatscandal]

Love these JDM vans. Often eye them up myself but absolutely no need for one. So much better value and so much less cringey than a VW.

I actually see quite a lot of them about; these, Elgrands, Vellfires, etc. seem to be relatively popular so a good UK owners network.

Edited by horsemeatscandal on Wednesday 22 May 13:40

[MattyD803]

horsemeatscandal said:

Love these JDM vans. Often eye them up myself but absolutely no need for one. So much better value and so much less cringey than a VW.

I actually see quite a lot of them about; these, Elgrands, Vellfires, etc. seem to be relatively popular so a good UK owners network.

Here, here. *I may or may not own an Elgrand...

Seriously though, my best mate has a 2017 T6 Caravelle and despite my 2005 Elgrand being 12 years older and costing less than a 1/4 of what he paid for his second hand, we both agree that the Elgrand rides better, is quieter and smoother. It's also quicker, thanks to the VQ35 lump. OK, mine uses twice the fuel, it's not got the aesthetics (his does look fantastic with the LED pack) or quite as much space , but the JDM minivan was a no brainer for us.

Excellent owners club to boot, i've not struggled to get hold of a single part as yet....OP - sorry to hijack, lovely car/van. I expect that must share a lot of parts with CRV etc from the same era?

Edited by MattyD803 on Wednesday 22 May 14:02

[magpie215]

MattyD803 said:

OP - sorry to hijack, lovely car/van. I expect that must share a lot of parts with CRV etc from the same era?

NP love the Elgrand my BIL briefly owned a late model highway star but it let him down...was only a crank sensor I told him not to worry but he went back to leasing.

Shares no parts at all surprisingly.

[magpie215]

Original head unit complete with Japanese maps.....useless over here of course.

[Richard-390a0]

Laminate floor is actually a really sensible idea when you consider the clean ups required when you have kids with spillages & travel sickness etc. I don't need one being a single chap but I can see the reasons for choosing it.

[figtree]

Much work to remove all the rear seats? There’s only me and her indoors, would make a tidy day van I reckon.

[magpie215]

figtree said:

Much work to remove all the rear seats? There’s only me and her indoors, would make a tidy day van I reckon.

Just bolted in so yes removable.

[theicemario]

What in the 8-seater K20 MPV

[magpie215]

theicemario said:

What in the 8-seater K20 MPV

[figtree]

magpie215 said:

theicemario said:

What in the 8-seater K20 MPV

That’s a fair question but as I said it’s just the two of us and I’d probably prefer something like this that’s more car like to drive than van like.

Options abound though with the likes of Elagrands and Alphards. After a bit of research the Stepwagon does seem to be in the lead slightly regarding fuel costs.

[sjg]

I've had one for 5 years or so, they're really good cars. The rearmost seats have two bolts each to take out (mine is mostly left as a 5 seater), the middle row is a bit more involved but can be done. Can easily get mountain bikes in with a middle row seat tumbled forwards.

Some parts are shared with other Hondas, you're good for most engine stuff, things like cabin filter is same as Accord, but lots like brakes, suspension, etc is specific to the model. Automatrix stock most parts you're likely to need, all I've done outside of servicing is some droplinks which they got to me next day. Glass and body panels are possible from Honda in Japan (via a friendly UK dealer), it just can take a while.

MPG aside, I love it. It's only as wide as a Jazz and under 4.7m long so easy to fit anywhere. Cruises on the autoroute at 80+mph loaded up with bikes and a roof box and full of camping gear. Rear passengers are better catered for than most vans with proper opening windows, rear AC and reclining seats. Just a really versatile, boringly reliable, ULEZ compliant things that is too useful to even think about getting rid of.

[Lionorichi]

Hey there I stumbled across this post as I've been contemplating the Stepwagon for a while now. I'm looking for something for work and family life, being a plasterer I'm not sure if it is robust enough to carry tools and a few materials with the seats up. Has anyone used these to carry heavyish loads? Here's a random question too: do you know if a 6ft by 3ft plasterboard would fit in the back? Or no chance?
Appreciate any advice!

[magpie215]

Lionorichi said:

random question too: do you know if a 6ft by 3ft plasterboard would fit in the back? Or no chance?
Appreciate any advice!

I'd have to measure it. I think it's possible but couldn't say for sure.

[sjg]

I mean it’s rated for 8 people so some tools and materials would be fine. It’s all carpet and hardwearing plastic in the back so some protection would be a good idea.

6ft is easily possible on the diagonal with one of the middle row folded, and much more than 3ft height even at the corner.

[Lionorichi]

Oh that's excellent. Such a great help, thanks for doing that!

Edited by Lionorichi on Wednesday 18th December 21:10

[chrisnic0]

Really piqued my interest with this post, currently running an 04 Alphard JDM import, but it's getting a bit long in the tooth. Thanks for posting

[seefarr]

Nice, but aren't they all labelled "Stepwgn"? We ended up renting one out of Morioka in Northern Honshu for a week driving round tiny ski resorts. Pros: 4x4, roomy, comfy. Cons: CVT made the engine sound like a sad cow.