Why I’ve Stuck with My 2009 Honda CR-V for 6 Years

‍Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.

This week, we feature Ian, a Nairobi-based professional who owns a 2009 Honda CR-V.

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Back in 2019, when I was hunting for a family vehicle and when I test drove the 2009 Honda CR-V, I knew it was the one. I spent Ksh1.5 million, and six years later, it remains the most practical decision I’ve ever made for my family of four.

Why I Chose the 2009 CR-V

The reason I chose the CR-V was simple: Unlike many of its rivals from that era, the CR-V features a massive, versatile cabin with a flat floor that offers genuine legroom.

It doesn't feel like a truck; it feels like a sedan that grew up and got stronger. Its car-like platform gives it a level of highway stability and sharp handling that makes long drives feel engaging rather than exhausting.

Driving it feels premium and quiet, and the legendary i-VTEC engine under the hood is truly bulletproof. It’s the kind of machine that barely breaks a sweat even as it approaches 300,000 kilometres on the clock.

Also Read: I Bought My Volvo XC60 for Ksh5.5M – Here’s My Experience After 5 Months

The Costs

Owning a Honda in Kenya comes with a specific caveat: it is not a Toyota. While I spend a modest Ksh 40,000 annually on routine service, the reality is that Honda spare parts typically cost 20% to 40% more than those for a RAV4.

Getting parts is easy enough, but you have to be careful. The market is flooded with cheap counterfeits, and because I prioritise the car's longevity, I’ve learned that you cannot cut corners with a Honda. 

My biggest headache has been the A/C compressor, which is a known weak point; it’s prone to failure and can contaminate the entire system with debris.

The CR-V’s suspension is tuned for stability, which translates to a fairly stiff ride on our rougher Kenyan roads. 

Also Read: My Wallet Hates Me for Buying This Toyota Mark X

Furthermore, when I load up for a family trip, the rear suspension has a tendency to sag, which reduces my ground clearance and makes me nervous about scraping the undercarriage on oversized speed bumps.

With a 2.0L engine that delivers a respectable 10 km/l in the city and up to 14 km/l on the highway, it strikes a balance that works for my daily needs. I stay in Kikuyu and work in Westlands, and its fuel usage is quite okay with me.

Do I wish it were different? Not really. Even with the slightly higher cost of parts and the occasional suspension sag, the trade-off is a level of safety, reliability, and comfort that I haven't found in other budget SUVs.  For six years, it has been reliable.

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