Honda CR-V Problems

No, the Honda CR-V is available as a front-wheel drive or, in VTi-LX trim, an all wheel drive. The lack of locking hubs or a low-range option mean the CR-V is not considered a true four-wheel drive (4x4). Because of the transversely mounted engine and transmission unit there is no option for a rear drive model.

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V is built all over the world. Honda has plants in Melaka (Malaysia), Swindon (England), Ontario (Canada), Ohio and Indiana (USA, El Salto, Jalisco (Mexico), Greater Noida (India), Saitama (Japan), Wuhan (China), Karawang (Indonesia), Ping-Tung (Taiwan), and Ayutthaya (Thailand).

The two cars you’ve selected are equally sound and reliable, and there are no issues to be concerned about when buying a used example. Either one would do what you want. The best course is to test drive each and decide which one you like best.

As you say, the choice is bewildering. All the models you have been looking would be suitable; you could also look at the Nissan X-Trail. I would go for either the Mazda CX-5 or the Kia Sportage, but that's not to say the others aren't worth considering. Why don't you go shopping and check each of them out to see how they fit your needs.

The Baleno should be fine for your needs, and I wouldn’t be concerned about the fact that it’s made in India. Suzuki has been making cars in India for a number of years and there has been nothing to suggest that they are of a lower quality or less reliable as a result.

With your slim budget you're looking at a 2010/2011 model, which will have on average around 150,000 km. It will be hard to find anything under that sort of mileage. At that I would be loathe to suggest a European brand, given that repairs can be expensive. Having ruled out the Tiguan I would suggest a Honda CR-V or a Mazda CX-5.