The Honda Elevate (search AutoTrader here for one) is Honda's new little money-making SUV. Initially, we thought the WR-V crossover was going to be a winner, yet it didn't sell (we think its 1.2-litre engine is to blame) . The keenly priced Elevate, a compact SUV that's big on features but not expensive to buy, is already proving to be a hit. We love it for its solid build quality, spacious interior, excellent roadholding and general ease of use, along with a generous list of standard specifications.
Related: Honda Elevate (2024) First Drive Review
Do Hondas make good used cars?
Hondas are considered to be good cars to buy used. Here's why.
- They are seen as reliable: Hondas have a reputation for being well-built and lasting a long time. They consistently rank highly in reliability surveys, both here and overseas.
- They hold their value: Hondas tend to retain their value well compared to many other car brands. This means you'll get more money back when you eventually sell it.
- They are relatively affordable: Honda's used cars are generally affordable to buy and maintain. They tend to have lower repair costs than some other brands. Some great used cars include the Honda Ballade and CR-V. We also love the Honda Civic sedan.
How much are car repayments on a new Honda Elevate?
Does the Honda Elevate make a good used car?
The Elevate is brand new but it shares an engine with the Honda Ballade. Both cars are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (non-turbo) Honda engine, which has been around for a while and is regarded as reliable. Over time, turbocharged engines are typically less dependable, as there is more that can go wrong with them.
Should you buy one, then?
We'd have no qualms about buying one, but the Elevate is so new that only very low-mileage and demo models were available at the time this article was written. You can save a lot by buying one of these lightly pre-owned models.
Considering that a new Honda Elevate in Comfort trim costs R369 900 and a nearly-new 2024 model with 5000 km on the clock costs R344 900, you save a fair amount of money.
Remember that when buying an older used car, it is always a good idea to ensure that the vehicle has a full service history and have it inspected by a mechanic before you buy it.
Related: How reliable is the Honda Elevate?
