Should You Buy a Used Honda City GM6? – Get Idea Here!

【PCauto】Whenever someone asks about reliable used commuting cars within a budget of RM 50,000, the Honda City GM6 (2014-2020) always ranks high on my recommendation list.  

When Honda City GM6 debuted in 2014, it truly made a significant impact on the B-segment market, even being called as a "Game Changer." With a 2,600 mm wheelbase, City GM6 provided rear legroom comparable to that of C-segment vehicles, and its 536-liter trunk remains a benchmark in its class to this day. More importantly, even the base S variant and the high-spec V variant were equipped with advanced configurations beyond those of competitors. Especially after the 2017 facelift, which added LED headlights, City GM6 confidently competed with its rival Toyota Vios.

Know The Model Year: First Step to Buying Used Honda City

The lifecycle of the Honda City GM6 is well-known—it debuted in 2014, received a mid-cycle facelift in 2017, and was officially discontinued in 2020. When searching for a used model, it’s recommended to prioritize the post-2017 facelift version, which not only featured sharper front and rear bumpers along with LED headlights, but more importantly, it came standard with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)—a crucial safety feature for driving on wet or slippery roads.

Engine and Transmission: Especially Need Attention

When you open the hood, there's a 90% chance you'll find the L15Z1 1.5L i-VTEC engine under there. Although its 120 PS and 145 Nm outputs may not seem impressive, paired with the CVT transmission, it delivered smooth driving experience, with urban fuel consumption consistently ranging between 14-15 km/L (approximately 7.1L/100km).  

The Hybrid variant introduced after 2017 is also worthy of serious consideration. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD system combined an Atkinson-cycle engine, paired with an electric motor, its  combined output achieved 137 PS and 170 Nm. Its official fuel economy figure of 25.6 km/L (around 3.9L/100km) was truly impressive, which explains why the prices of used Hybrid models are typically RM 5,000 higher than other Honda City hybrid variant.

Common Issues of the City GM6

The Honda City GM6's relatively small steering wheel size is widely acknowledged, but more importantly, watch out for unusual noises from the steering rack – repairs here can cost around RM 2,000, so pay close attention to whether the rubber bushings on the chassis are worn. Another common issue is wind noise at high speeds due to aging door seals. A simple test: wipe the seals with a damp cloth while closing the door; if the noise reduces, it's time for replacement. Additionally, for early batches with passenger airbag recalls (Takata airbag issue), you can check whether a specific vehicle is affected by entering its VIN on Honda Malaysia's official website.  

Additionally, for City models with over 100,000 km mileage, and hasn’t had its CVT oil changed, future repairs can be costly (the manufacturer recommends changing it every 40,000 km). Don’ t be fooled by a car with completely original paint—lift the door frame seals to inspect the weld points, as accident damage often shows in these areas. Lastly, plug an OBD diagnostic tool into the port beneath the steering wheel to read engine fault codes, which is much more reliable than listening to the seller’s stories.

If the car passes all these checks, congratulations— you’ve likely found a reliable vehicle. The GM6’s durability has long been proven by the market, offering practical space, impressive fuel efficiency, and readily available spare parts. As a daily commuter, it’s nearly flawless.

Prices of Used City GM6

The prices of used City GM6 in current used car market are quite transparent. Early 2014 models start around RM 38,000. However, it’s more recommended to choose well-maintained 2015-2016 models in the RM 40,000-45,000 range. The 2017 facelifted V variant is priced at about RM 55,000, while some well-maintained 2019 models approach RM 65,000 (add RM 5,000 for Hybrid versions).

Among several cars on some used car websites, 2016 E variant (95,191km) is priced at RM 54,800 and 2019 S variant (73,898km) is priced at RM 64,900. My personal recommendation would be choose City models with mileage under 70,000km, which are typically well-maintained, and there is also ample room for price negotiation