Reasons for Buying a Used Honda Activa

Posted on: May 27, 2022 | 3 Min | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Reasons for Buying a Used Honda Activa

Honda Activa has almost become synonymous with the phrase “automatic scooters” in the country, making it experience astounding popularity. This two-wheeler is well noted for being hassle-free with extra refinement, making it ideal as a fuel-efficient, comfy, two-wheeler under urban circumstances. Moreover, it enjoys an impressive resale value too, along with the benefit of reasonable Honda insurance coverage.

Some of the basic key features of Activa’s unprecedented success lie in the fact that:

● Packed with a strong and highly powerful engine, it assures you on-road performance beyond expectation

● This unisex scooter is extremely convenient and easily manageable

● Its reliability is one of the principal reasons for success

● Affordability plays another significant determinant towards its success journey

● High-quality build, fuel-efficient, reasonable maintenance cost, and affordable price always keep it in high demand in the resale market

Second thoughts about buying a second-hand Activa?

You might be thinking and over thinking about the pros and cons of buying a used vehicle, as the domain remains mostly confined and unknown. You little know about the driving habits of the previous owner and what effects it might have on the health of the concerned vehicle. But, with Honda Activa, you need not have to worry so much. Since its inception, Activa has succeeded in maintaining a classic appeal of being flawless in almost each and every aspect. Moreover, the ex-showroom price of the newly launched Honda Activa 6G, being approximately around INR 70,000, buying a second-hand Activa seems to be a satisfactory option for many users.

Which Activa model to buy?

Honda Activa has hit the market for well over two decades now; it first hit the market back in 2001. While buying a used Honda Activa, your initial choice options should ideally revolve around Activa 2G, launched around 2009 or the later variants like Activa HET, Activa 3G or 4G. The very first generation variant would be too old for you to serve the purpose. Moreover, ageing will require an enhanced amount of attention, and restoration, eventually loading your rockets to a significant extent, especially in the long run. Furthermore, the new law implementation regarding green tax and the revised rule of acquiring new fitness certificates might prove to be detrimental as a choice option for many. The cost of acquiring a new fitness certificate for vehicles over 15 years has significantly arisen as per the revised rules implemented by the respective authorities.

What are the factors that you need to consider while buying a used Honda Activa?

The entire metalwork of Activa’s body is comparatively much stronger and sturdier than its fibre counterparts. However, while buying a used Activa, you must always consider the corrosion factor, especially under its belly and trunk along with the fender in the front of the vehicle. These areas are more prone to rust and corrosion. The apron might bear plastic cracks, along with the under-seat storage boot, or the handlebar enclosure. These cracks might result in audible rattling sounds. You can find it out during a proper test drive. If possible, you must also consider the tautness of the headlamp assembly and the total feeling over the bumpers from the front end.

One of the cons of Honda Activa is the trailing link in the front suspension. With time, it gets further affected by wear and tear, eventually resulting in considerable jarring. Except for the newly launched latest 6G version, every other Activa variant suffers from this drawback.

Another essential factor is to observe the engine oil nut for draining, which is positioned rather quite inconveniently. It faces sideways on the left side, looking near the wheel centre. It often results in over tightening, leading to inconvenient slipping and causing slight oil leakage. The only plausible solution to this drawback is to completely un-mount the engine, re-boring the drain hole. A simpler and temporary solution might lead to an expert application of a simple silicone tape on the concerned drain nut, handling the issue for the time being. But, you have to ensure that you take the necessary steps at the earliest to seek a more permanent solution.

Here are some tips that you need to consider while opting for a used Honda Activa:

A. A thought for the spares

One of the biggest advantages of the Honda Activa is that its spare parts are readily available because of its popularity. Moreover, these spare parts are very reasonably priced. This implies that even an intensive overhauling will not put too much pressure on your pocket, and you can easily provide for it. The simplicity of its design layout and easy availability of most of the fixes, including extensive servicing, remains quite within the hold of DIY partisans.

B. Check for any accidental damage

Never fall prey to buying any second-hand car that has undergone any accident. Ensure that the handlebar never shakes and remains straight. Consider if the chassis has undergone any repair works or not. Also, check for the tyre rims to ensure they are in tune with proper alignment.

C. Ensure the working conditions of the taillights and headlights

Before buying a used Activa, consider if the taillights and headlights are active and work properly. Ideally, both the switches and the blinkers remain active with perfect insulation. If you need to redo all these services, it might cost you a fortune.

D. Engine checking

The lifeline of any vehicle is its engine. Therefore, ensuring the proper condition of the concerned Activa engine is one of the prime factors to consider before purchasing.

E. Check for rust and scratch marks

Although you are buying a pre-owned vehicle, it is new for you, and you would like to get the best possible features out of it. Therefore, before purchasing, ensure that the vehicle is free from any scratch marks or rust. A meagre scratch or slight rust can be accepted. However, you must give a second thought if the issues run deeper than that. It implies that you need to rework the body soon.

Pros and cons of Honda Activa:

Pros

1. A family-oriented two-wheeler, offering enough practicality, with a frugal running capacity

2. Provides enough comfort and space for both the rider and the pillion

3. Budget-friendly price for buying as well as maintaining

4. Quite reliable

5. Plausible options for buying include Honda Activa 125, Activa 110, Activa-i

Cons

1. Limited features

2. Previous models exclude disc brake or CBS

3. Older models also do not include alloy wheels or telescopic suspension

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is quite evident why it is feasible to buy a used Honda Activa. Moreover, the two-wheeler insurance for Honda is also quite affordable, thereby contributing to its popularity. But, you must keep these above-mentioned factors in mind before sealing the deal.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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