How Long Do Honda CR-Zs Last? (Miles & Years)

The Honda CR-Z is a car that fits into quite many classifications. It’s a sports car that is a compact hybrid coupe. This makes it suitable for daily commuting as well as for rigorous racing.

However, we know nothing lasts forever. 

We’ve looked at the most common problems with the CR-Z models and now we’ll check how long they last.

This article discusses how long the Honda CR-Z lasts.

Here’s the short answer to how long Honda CR-Zs last:

You can expect the Honda CR-Z to last well past 250,000 miles. Its battery alone can exceed 200,000 miles if you maintain it properly. Coupled with the engine, it should last up to 16 years on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles with conscientious use.

How Many Miles Can You Expect From a Honda CR-Z?

Any Honda CR-Z can be expected to deliver a minimum of 250,000 miles. One major determining factor in its lifespan, however, is maintenance. In order to get the most out of your CR-Z, you’ll have to follow strict maintenance routines.

In fact, longevity is more dependent on how well the owner maintains the car rather than the model’s reputation. Still, the model plays a huge part in determining the car’s lifespan.

The conventional cars we’re used to rely on the lifespan of their engines. Electric vehicles rely on the lifespan of their batteries.

The Honda CR-Z has the advantage of being a hybrid vehicle. This is simply a fancy term for a car with a battery-powered motor and an internal combustion engine.

Its battery can last up to 200,000 miles and even beyond sometimes. If the battery degrades beyond optimum usage, you can rely solely on the internal combustion engine. With this analogy, you will get over 300,000 miles from your CR-Z.

However, measuring the lifespan based on how long all major components would last, the CR-Z lasts for 200,000 miles. The major components in question being the engine, motor, battery and transmission.

Also, remember its lifespan also depends on the car’s purpose for you. If you frequently use it as a sports car instead of for commuting, it’ll last a lot less long.

However, make sure you get your hands on one of the good years for Honda CR-Z.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on Your Honda CR-Z?

Honda CR-Zs aren’t notoriously known to rust, and most drivers own them for long periods without rust.

In fact, it’s very possible to own a CR-Z for 10 years and it’ll still be rust free. There are hardly any complaints regarding rust for the Honda CR-Z.

However, when a CR-Z rusts, the rear fender lip is more susceptible to rust than other parts. The side skirts are also more likely to rust. This may also happen before the 10 year timeframe.

Also, people living in states such as Illinois, Michigan, Ohio or even New York may need to take extra caution.

This is because cars in the rust belt are more prone to corrosion, irrespective of their build. Still, as long as you wash and spray your car when it’s required, you shouldn’t have much of a problem.

Additional care includes keeping your car dry, parking in garages and inspecting the underbody of your car regularly. Aftermarket rust protection may not be necessary.

A similar problem to rust, which is more common with the CR-Z, is peeling paint. While this is not usually severe, it occurs. Also, it can start happening at just 20,000 miles.

However, it’s nothing a little paint job wouldn’t fix. Besides, production for the CR-Z halted in 2016. That means any car in good paint condition today has stood the test of time.

How Long Do Honda CR-Zs Last Compared to Similar Car Models?

Now, we all know the Cr-Z lasts long. However, let’s see if we can still say so when we compare it to similar cars.

Honda CR-Z vs. Chevrolet Volt

The Chevrolet Volt can last as long as 200,000 miles on average. Again, this puts the CR-Z at an advantage with its extra 50,000 miles.

The Chevy Volt further has an average annual repair cost of $550. This is higher than the $430 it costs to maintain a CR-Z for the same period.

Honda CR-Z vs. Hyundai Ioniq

The Honda CR-Z outlasts the Hyundai Ioniq. The Hyundai Ioniq can last about 150,000 miles. However, drivers can step this up to 200,000 miles with rigorous maintenance and care.

Honda CR-Z vs. Toyota Prius

The list would not be complete without a Toyota in it. We all know Hondas and Toyotas to be long-lasting vehicles.

Which is why it comes as no surprise that the Cr-Z and the Prius can both last a whopping 250,000 miles.

The Prius also has an average annual maintenance cost of $408. This makes it cheaper to maintain than the Honda Cr-Z.

From the above comparisons, it’s justified to say that the CR-Z does well against other cars.

How Reliable Is the Honda CR-Z?

From the ratings, the CR-Z is a pretty reliable car. It has a 4.0 out of 5 reliability rating from RepairPal. The 2011 model, which is the earliest model, has an 82 out of 100 rating in quality and reliability.

Its low cost of repairs also contributes to its reliability. This means the mechanic will hardly give you heart-troubling quotes even when problems occur.

On U.S. News, all model years range from 7.7/10 to 8.2/10 in overall ratings. The ratings are based on performance, safety, interior, ownership costs and reliability.

Related: How Long Do Chevrolet Volts Last? (9 Important Facts)

The Best and Worst Model Years for Honda CR-Z

The 2015 Honda CR-Z has the title for the worst model year according to carcomplaints.com. It has problems with its seats, engine, fuel system, and drivetrain.

In the same vein, the 2011 model has the highest number of complaints on carcomplaints.com. Its problems affect its interior accessories and body. It also has electrical and transmission problems.

However, the CR-Z is such an impressive vehicle that even its worst years are pretty excellent models.

The 2016 model appears to be the best model year of all. It has no criticisms on carcomplaints.com. This makes sense since it was the last model year. We expect the last to be the best.

What About Recalls for These Models?

From the number of recalls for the CR-Z, it’s a dependable car. No model year has over 3 recalls, and this is quite remarkable.

The Honda CR-Z has only 10 recalls to its name. Other car models usually record such numbers for a single model year.

These are the number of recalls for each model year below:

• 2016 model: 0 recalls
• 2015 model: 2 recalls
• 2014 model: 1 recall
• 2013 model: 2 recalls
• 2012 model: 2 recalls
• 2011 model: 3 recalls

The 2016 model further does well, as it has no recalls. On the other hand, the 2011 model has 3 recalls in line with having the most complaints recorded.

Honda CR-Z Model Year List

Here’s the complete list of all Honda CR-Z model years.

• 2011 Honda CR-Z
• 2012 Honda CR-Z
• 2013 Honda CR-Z
• 2014 Honda CR-Z
• 2015 Honda CR-Z
• 2016 Honda CR-Z

Honda halted production of the CR-Z in 2016 to focus on other models.

Related: How Long Do Toyota Prius Last? (Solved & Explained!)

Are Honda CR-Zs Expensive to Maintain?

Recall that the CR-Z costs only $430 to maintain per year. This is a lot cheaper than the average car which swallows about $652 yearly.

How Long Do Honda CR-Z Brake Pads Last?

Your Honda CR-Z brake pads should last a minimum of 30,000 miles. This number can go beyond 50,000 miles depending on your braking habit.

If you regularly use your CR-Z for road trips and long journeys, your brake pads will probably not degrade quickly. However, high-traffic areas cause brake pads to degrade too fast.

Using your CR-Z for sports causes the ultimate strain on your brake pads. You may need to replace them after just 20,000 miles.

When the brake pads eventually wear out, their replacement costs range from $205 to $228.

How Long Do Honda CR-Z Tires Last?

Honda CR-Z tires can last for as long as 50,000 miles and as little a period as 20,000 miles.

However, like the brakes, the tires also depend on driving habits. After all, who doesn’t love to drift with a sports car, right?

However, drifting heavily reduces the life expectancy of your tires, and you’d likely spend over $250 to replace them.

How Long Do Honda CR-Z Transmissions Last?

The tranny’s lifespan contributes to the car’s lifespan. We consider it to be among the most important components in the car.

The CR-Z’s transmission should last up to 150,000 miles, like the average car. It can also fail as early as 80,000 miles, but shouldn’t do so under normal conditions.

Signs of a failing tranny include noise while driving, jerking movement, hard shifting or even leaking tranny fluids.

You’d need a mechanic to diagnose the problem before you know if you need a tyranny fluid flush, repair or replacement.

Replacing your transmission would cost more than $2,300. Repairing it would cost a lot less, but might still amount to over $1,200.

How Long Do Honda CR-Z Spark Plugs Last?

Honda CR-Z spark plugs can last way beyond 50,000 miles. However, it’s okay to replace them when they get to the 50,000 mile mark.

Honda CR-Z spark plug replacement costs range from $184 to about $367.

What About Insurance Cost?

The Honda CR-Z has below-average insurance costs. TheZebra says its insurance cost is $24 less expensive than the average car.

That’s a pretty affordable rate for a regular car, talk more of a sports car. It’s even more surprising since we know sports cars are more likely to be involved in accidents than regular cars.

The 2016, 2015 and 2014 models cost $1,173, $1,161 and $1,162 individually to insure. The 2013 and 2012 models cost $1,110 and $1,056 to insure.

As expected, the 2016 model has the highest insurance cost. They calculated these individual costs as averages from different top insurance companies in the United States.

Thus, we can deduce that the Honda CR-Z has an average insurance cost of $1,132.

Related: How Long Do Nissan Leafs Last? (9 Important Facts)

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Honda CR-Z

The CR-Z is a hybrid vehicle which means it has double baggage. This means drivers have to monitor both the engines and batteries.

The following are helpful habits that’ll extend your CR-Z’s expected lifespan.

• Ensure you top your oil and coolant levels up regularly.
• Allow the engine to run for some time before you drive off. This is really helpful for your battery.
• Pay attention to any failing part or any slight indicator of a failing component.
• Don’t make a habit of not driving your car for months at a time.
• Change your engine oil as your car manual specifies.
• Go for a vehicle maintenance inspection every 4,000 miles.

Sources

Honda CR-Z | RepairPal

Honda CR-Z | carcomplaints.com

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