Cost of ownership: HONDA CR-V II (RD_) 2006 2.2 CTDi (RD9)

We calculated in detail the cost of ownership of the HONDA CR-V II (RD_) 2006 with the 2.2 CTDi (RD9) engine and 200000 km mileage in Austria, and also analyzed owner reviews, issues, repair costs, and the benefits of a used car.

Depreciation

Over the past twelve months the Honda CR-V II (RD_) has experienced a moderate value decline in the Austrian market. In euros, the average transaction price for a well-maintained 2002–2006 model fell by approximately €750, representing a year-on-year depreciation of roughly 8 %. This drop can be traced to a combination of higher fuel prices, an influx of newer used-SUV alternatives, and a general cooling of demand for two-decade-old compact crossovers. Despite the softening prices, low-mileage examples in top specification have resisted the trend better, losing only 5–6 % of their value, whereas high-mileage or cosmetically tired units have shed closer to 12 %.

Looking ahead, forecasters expect the CR-V II’s depreciation curve to flatten slightly before resuming a steadier downward path. In the next twelve months the average vehicle is projected to lose a further €600–€650 (around 7 %) of its current market value. Extending the horizon, three-year-old projections anticipate a cumulative decline of €1 600–€1 700 (approximately 19 %), while a five-year outlook puts the total depreciation at €2 400–€2 500, or about 28 % from today’s levels. Residual values will continue to be supported by the model’s well-established reliability and comparatively low parts costs, yet mounting environmental regulations and the broader shift toward electrified powertrains will increasingly weigh on prices for this ageing petrol SUV.

Problems of HONDA CR-V II (RD_) 2.2 CTDi (RD9) and the cost of fixing them

Breakdown Frequency and Repair Costs

Owners of the Honda CR-V II (RD_) in Austria report an average of 1.2 unscheduled workshop visits per year once the car has passed the 180,000 km mark, a figure that is roughly 15 % lower than the segment average for compact SUVs of the same era. At current Austrian labour rates and parts pricing, each visit costs around €480, producing a yearly repair bill of approximately €580 for a 200,000 km example. Projecting forward twelve months at the same mileage accumulation, drivers should budget €620–€650 for unplanned maintenance, assuming no major component failures outside the typical wear-and-tear envelope. Compared with direct rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 II or the Subaru Forester SG, the Honda experiences 10–12 % fewer breakdowns per 10,000 km, largely because of its robust drivetrain, although the margin narrows once rust-related body repairs are factored in.

Reliability of the 2.2 CTDi (RD9) Diesel Engine

The 2.2-litre CTDi common-rail diesel fitted to the 2006 CR-V II is generally strong, yet several age-related issues surface at higher mileages. The variable-nozzle turbo can stick or fail around the 220,000 km mark, requiring a replacement unit that currently costs €1,050 fitted in Austria. The swirl-flap mechanism inside the inlet manifold tends to break, sending debris into the engine; rectification involves either blanking plates or a revised manifold and totals roughly €720. Fuel-injector wear becomes evident past 250,000 km, with individual piezoelectric units priced at €380 each plus coding. Dual-mass flywheel chatter or slippage is another frequent complaint, with parts and labour averaging €1,100. Although the aluminium block itself rarely suffers internal damage, owners are advised to budget €2,500–€3,000 over a five-year ownership period for these diesel-specific repairs.

Weak Points of the Transmission

Both the six-speed manual and the optional five-speed automatic offered with the 2.2 CTDi carry their own vulnerabilities. In the manual, the clutch release bearing and concentric slave cylinder often fail between 140,000 km and 160,000 km; a complete clutch-kit replacement, including flywheel machining, runs close to €1,250 in Austria. The gear linkage cables stretch, producing vague shifts that are cured for about €190. Automatics suffer from torque-converter clutch judder once the fluid degrades; a full fluid flush and filter service costs €320, yet if the lock-up clutch has already worn, a rebuilt transmission or remanufactured unit can exceed €3,400. Driveshaft CV joints also deteriorate, evidenced by clicking on full lock, with both sides renewed for approximately €480. Regular fluid changes and careful clutch use remain the most effective ways to keep repair costs in check.

Suspension, Steering and Brakes

The MacPherson-strut and double-wishbone suspension layout is durable, but several components reach the end of their service life at typical Austrian mileages. Lower control-arm bushings split around 110,000 km, producing vague handling; replacing both sides with OEM arms and alignment totals €460. Rear shock absorbers leak past 130,000 km, costing €390 per pair including labour. Steering-rack gaiters perish, allowing dirt into the pinion and eventually requiring a new or reconditioned rack at €780. Braking-system weak points centre on seized rear caliper slides and worn hand-brake cables; a complete caliper overhaul with new discs and pads runs about €520 per axle. Finally, the original anti-roll-bar drop links clatter over bumps and are replaced for €160, a modest outlay that restores composure.

Body Condition and Corrosion Issues

Despite Honda’s improved galvanising over the first-generation CR-V, the 2006 model is not immune to corrosion in Austria’s salted-road environment. The tailgate lower edge and rear wheel arches are the first areas to blister, with professional rust removal and repaint costing €650–€800. Underbody seams around the fuel tank and rear subframe accumulate dirt and begin to perforate after ten to twelve winters unless annually rinsed. Chrome window trim strips pit and delaminate, a mainly cosmetic issue rectified for €180 per set, while the plastic-coated roof rails fade and crack, replacements costing €240. Door seals shrink with age, allowing water ingress that can damage the control modules mounted in the footwells; new seals and module drying run about €310. Laminated windscreens are generally robust, yet stone-chip repairs followed by a full replacement average €450 when the cracks exceed the legal limit. Regular cavity waxing and underbody inspections remain the most cost-effective measures to keep the body intact.

Planned expenses for HONDA CR-V II (RD_) 2006 in Austria

Routine maintenance for the 2006 Honda CR-V II 2.2 CTDi (RD9) in Austria follows Honda’s strict service schedule, which is vital for the longevity of its turbo-diesel powertrain. The engine oil and filter are replaced every 15 000 km or once a year (whichever comes first), using 6.5 L of fully synthetic 5W-30 ACEA C2/C3 low-ash oil; the transmission fluid in the six-speed manual is changed every 60 000 km with 2.2 L of Honda Manual Transmission Fluid. In a typical Viennese independent workshop these services cost around €120 for the oil change and €165 for the gearbox fluid renewal. Cabin-filter replacement is recommended every 15 000 km (€40 part plus €30 labour), engine coolant is refreshed every four years or 80 000 km (€110 total), brake fluid every three years (€70), and the iridium-tipped glow-plug/spark-plug equivalents every 60 000 km (€95). The timing belt, tensioner and water-pump kit must be renewed at 120 000 km or ten years, an operation costing about €650 because of the cramped engine bay and the need to lock both camshaft and crankshaft.

Consumables & Service Intervals

Austria levies an annual vehicle-ownership tax (Kraftfahrzeugsteuer) based on engine power and emissions class; for the 103 kW 2.2-litre diesel CR-V the tax is approximately €480 per year. Liability insurance averages €310 annually for a 2006 vehicle, while a comprehensive CASCO policy, including theft and glass cover, costs about €580 for drivers over 30 with no claims. Fuel economy is officially rated at 7.3 L/100 km combined, yet real-world mixed driving (including winter DPF regenerations) yields 8.1 L/100 km. With the Austrian retail diesel price of €1.52 per litre in May 2024, the 15 000 km yearly mileage produces a fuel bill of roughly €1 845. Summer tyres in the recommended 215/60 R17 size start at €105 each (load index 96, speed index H) and are suitable for all trims, whereas winter tyres of the same size cost €125 apiece with a 3PMSF rating for alpine use.

Tyre Sizes & Pricing

Annual Cost of Ownership Summary

Owner review of HONDA CR-V II (RD_) 2006 with 2.2 CTDi (RD9) engine in Austria from specialist forums

After 205 000 km on the odometer, our Austrian owner is still impressed by how dependable his 2006 Honda CR-V II 2.2 CTDi (RD9) has proven to be on Alpine passes and daily commutes alike. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel pulls strongly from low revs, making light work of Austria’s winding B-roads, while the six-speed manual gearbox shifts with satisfying precision. Fuel economy hovers around 6.8 L/100 km on the motorway and creeps up to 7.5 L when the car is loaded for ski trips, figures the owner considers excellent for an SUV of this era. Regular services at a Honda specialist in Salzburg have kept major repair costs surprisingly low; the only unscheduled expense was a new turbo actuator at 178 000 km, costing €620 including labour. Rust protection on the rear wheel arches remains intact thanks to under-body coatings renewed every three winters, and the cabin has aged gracefully—no squeaks, and the climate control still blows ice-cold. On family holidays to Croatia the 420-litre boot easily swallows suitcases and roof-box overflow, while the elevated driving position and supple suspension filter out patchy asphalt without feeling floaty.

Handling is where the CR-V continues to surprise. Even at its age, the car turns into corners with neutrality and good body control, helped by well-preserved bushings and original-spec Michelin CrossClimate tyres that the owner fits year-round to avoid seasonal changeovers. The diesel clatter is noticeable only on cold starts; once warm, it settles into a refined hum that is never intrusive on the 130 km/h derestricted Autobahn sections. Inside, hard-wearing cloth seats show only modest bolstering wear, and the simple dashboard ergonomics still beat many modern touch-screen interfaces. Insurance for this 103 kW diesel rings in at €410 per year fully comprehensive, and the annual emissions-based tax is a modest €280. Looking ahead, the owner plans to refresh the timing chain and dual-mass flywheel around the 240 000 km mark—an outlay he views as reasonable given the car’s trouble-free record and strong residuals on Austria’s used-car market.

Expert conclusion

Pros and Cons

The second-generation Honda CR-V 2.2 CTDi (RD9) remains a favourite among Austrian buyers who want SUV practicality without the thirst of a petrol engine. Its 2.2-litre common-rail turbodiesel returns a real-world 6.5–7.0 l/100 km on the motorway, translating into modest fuel bills even at today’s €1.50-plus per litre diesel price. The rugged all-wheel-drive system and 1 600 kg braked towing capacity make it a practical choice for ski weekends or light-trailer use, while Honda’s reputation for longevity reassures owners that 300 000 km-plus is realistic with diligent servicing. On the downside, the five-speed automatic gearbox (if fitted) is slower to react than modern dual-clutch units, and the car’s relatively high unladen weight combined with 200 000 km of typical Austrian winter road-salt exposure can accelerate under-body corrosion, especially around the rear sub-frame and fuel-tank straps. Parts prices for genuine Honda components are noticeably higher than mass-market alternatives, and insurance groups place the CR-V in a middle bracket that can cost €600–800 annually for comprehensive cover in Vienna or Salzburg.

At 200 000 km the timing chain and balance-shaft chain should already have been renewed, yet many examples still wear the original components; if neglected, a failure can cost upwards of €1 800 in parts and labour. The dual-mass flywheel is another wear item that often needs attention around this mileage, producing a characteristic rattle on start-up. Electrics are generally trouble-free, but the heater-matrix valve can stick, leading to lukewarm cabin heat during Alpine winters. Finally, the rear differential fluid is frequently overlooked; if it has not been changed every 60 000 km, bearings can whine and repairs exceed €1 000.

What to Look for When Buying

Begin with a thorough under-body inspection on a lift: look for bubbling paint or perforated metal along the chassis rails, rear trailing-arm mounts and the lower edge of the tailgate. Check service history for proof of timing-chain replacement and dual-mass-flywheel work; receipts from an authorised Honda dealer carry the most weight. Compression and leak-down tests should be performed to verify the health of the 2.2 CTDi engine, while an endoscope inspection of the intake manifold will reveal excessive swirl-flap carbon build-up, a common issue that can destroy the variable-geometry turbo if left untreated. Road-test for excessive driveline shunt under load, indicating tired engine or gearbox mounts, and listen for the characteristic rattle of a worn dual-mass flywheel. Verify that the electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system engages without clunks or binding when turning in car-park manoeuvres. Finally, obtain a current Austrian §57a road-worthiness certificate (Pickerl) and cross-check the mileage against service-stamp intervals to rule out tampering.

Is It Worth Buying?

For Austrian motorists who cover high annual kilometres, need genuine winter capability and are prepared to budget €800–1 200 per year for maintenance, a well-documented 2.2 CTDi CR-V with 200 000 km can still represent good value at €5 000–7 000. It suits families who regularly venture onto unsealed alpine roads, tow small caravans or simply want a durable, rust-proofed alternative to overstressed DSG-equipped competitors. Conversely, buyers seeking low running costs, modern safety kit or hassle-free servicing should look elsewhere; the ageing five-speed transmission, higher insurance premiums and the cost of genuine Honda parts make it less attractive for urban, low-mileage use. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent Honda specialist is strongly recommended before any purchase decision.