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'06 RAV4 vs '06 CR-V SE

TripleAAA

Golden Member
So the other day, I thought I had my mind set on 2006 Toyota RAV 4 but then I happened to stroll by a Honda dealership to check out the CR-V SE (Special Edition).

Seems to me like the Honda has a slight edge in "bang for your buck". First of all the SE comes with Leather, Sunroof, Heated Seats, etc etc. I also like that the back window pops open whereas in the RAV 4 it does not.

I like the look of the RAV 4 better, however all other things being equal, if I get all the options on a RAV 4 that the CR-V SE has I will be paying somewhere between $1,000-2,000 more.

Is the RAV 4 worth the extra money? Comments, opinions, comparing the two vehicles would be appreciated.

 
new model CR-V is coming out. i wouldn't buy any CR-V unless it has a huge discount.

and at that price... you're comparing a V6 RAV4 with a 4-banger CRV. you'd have to be nuts to buy something inferior on its last model year just because it's $2k less.
 
Originally posted by: sniperruff
new model CR-V is coming out. i wouldn't buy any CR-V unless it has a huge discount.

and at that price... you're comparing a V6 RAV4 with a 4-banger CRV. you'd have to be nuts to buy something inferior on its last model year just because it's $2k less.


Actually I sorta want the 4 banger because it will be better on gas. I don't really need the extra power and don't plan on towing anything.

Also the RAV 4 is a brand new model and like almost any new model, it will come with its problems. The CR-V as has been mentioned is in it's last year before the new ones come out.

I don't know, its a tough choice and $25k is pushing my spending limit as it is. That extra $2k is hard for me to justify right now. Hmm..
 
I have (or rather my fiancee has)the 06 Rav4 Limited V6... that car is fantastic... Her father had an 04 CRV before he passed away.... To me it was a big no brainer...

Rav4 - more power, more space, newer design.

I got our Rav4 for 26.6K

-Max
 
Originally posted by: sniperruff
i dunno. maybe a 4-cyl rav4 would help? based on your reply, you have your mind set already.


I don't have my mind made up yet. I'm just a bit hesitant going with a brand new body/model style with the RAV 4 even if they do look pretty slick.
 
the 4 cyl crv is pretty nice for a 4. smooth and with decent power.

Only problem with the CRV is visability. Has a terrible blindspot so it's near impossible to see if someone is next to you on the highway.
 
My coworker got a good deal on a 4 cyl Rav 4. The V6's are where the demand is at, so you have better negotiating ability on the 4.
 
Originally posted by: DEMO24
the 4 cyl crv is pretty nice for a 4. smooth and with decent power.

Only problem with the CRV is visability. Has a terrible blindspot so it's near impossible to see if someone is next to you on the highway.


Good to know. When I test drive one, I'll keep that in mind.
 
Originally posted by: Zach
My coworker got a good deal on a 4 cyl Rav 4. The V6's are where the demand is at, so you have better negotiating ability on the 4.


I actually heard somewhat the opposite. People want the 4 cyl because of gas prices.
 
AAAAAAAAA,

I heard the same thing, that I4's pretty much across the board are an easier sell for the dealer due to gas prices. I'd go with the Rav4 simply beacuse it looks slicker to me.

 
I had to drive an older Rav 4, 2001 or 2002, for a month or so when my car was in the shop. Overall it was a great car and got me through the worst of a central NY winter.
It sat a little higher and had a shorter wheel base than I was used to, but I still liked it.
 
What's up with all of you guys saying the Rav 4 is bigger - pull up the honda configurator, and the cars are virtually the same in every aspect when it comes to vehicle size, and the Honda is even LONGER and has more ground clearance. Plus - the Honda comes wiht a 5-speed automatic transmission, not a 4-speed like the Rav4.

The engine in the Rav4 has like 5 more HP, and Ft-LB TQ. Same mileage, hell - the rav4 even weighs 8lbs more than the CR-V.

When it comes down to it, you can either get a decontented 4cyl Rav 4, or a fully optioned out CR-V. The CR-V is in it's last year of production, so you'll get the piece of mind knowing that every known problem has been worked out (not so with the Toyota, being a first year model). Not to say that the Toyota will have problems, but little things get changed to better the vehicle as production goes on. My Scion xB was bought in it's first model year, and there are some small changes to the fit, finish, and other small things in the cabin which are in the newer models.

On top of that, expect dealers to more willingly negotiate on the CR-V, which can save you even more money - not so on the RAV4.
 
crv is also super reliable. When my dad bought his he asked the guys what the most common issue was and they couldn't tell him cause they'd never had one in for warrenty repair. Granted that was a couple years ago, but since then my dad has put it through some tough stuff and it's never given any trouble.

another annoyance. If you get the manual the gearing is rather annoying. first is super short, and you can start off in 2nd many times. 5th is also not long enough so crusing down the highway will have you cranking the revs a lot higher than most cars I've driven. This means not so great highway, with 4wd my dad gets around 26. The auto. might be better but I've never driven it.
 
Originally posted by: Ryan
What's up with all of you guys saying the Rav 4 is bigger - pull up the honda configurator, and the cars are virtually the same in every aspect when it comes to vehicle size, and the Honda is even LONGER and has more ground clearance. Plus - the Honda comes wiht a 5-speed automatic transmission, not a 4-speed like the Rav4.

The engine in the Rav4 has like 5 more HP, and Ft-LB TQ. Same mileage, hell - the rav4 even weighs 8lbs more than the CR-V.

When it comes down to it, you can either get a decontented 4cyl Rav 4, or a fully optioned out CR-V. The CR-V is in it's last year of production, so you'll get the piece of mind knowing that every known problem has been worked out (not so with the Toyota, being a first year model). Not to say that the Toyota will have problems, but little things get changed to better the vehicle as production goes on. My Scion xB was bought in it's first model year, and there are some small changes to the fit, finish, and other small things in the cabin which are in the newer models.

On top of that, expect dealers to more willingly negotiate on the CR-V, which can save you even more money - not so on the RAV4.


That's basically the same reasoning I am using. Just seems like you get a bit more for your money. You have to pay extra for all the options on a RAV 4 (side airbags, sunroof, heated seats, etc) that come standard on a CR-V SE
 
Here's my take.

The CRV, in its current form, is outdated and done for. The all-new CRV is months away.

That being said, I'd only take the RAV4 in V6 form. With a 269HP V6 and 4x4, it gets 21/28 vs 22/27 for the CRV. I mean, WTF Honda? 😀

I just have trouble (in my mind) buying a model that is going out the door when a brand new one that will be better in every possible way is just around the corner.
 
Originally posted by: NFS4
Here's my take.

The CRV, in its current form, is outdated and done for. The all-new CRV is months away.

That being said, I'd only take the RAV4 in V6 form. With a 269HP V6 and 4x4, it gets 21/28 vs 22/27 for the CRV. I mean, WTF Honda? 😀

I just have trouble (in my mind) buying a model that is going out the door when a brand new one that will be better in every possible way is just around the corner.

I guess I just have something against buying a new model vehicle no matter how good it appears to be. I've read about some of the issues with the RAV 4 and it mostly appears to be functionality issues such as poor thigh support, the back door swings open instead of pops up, and the back window doesn't open either. Either way, I'm sure I'll end up with a good vehicle..decisions decisions...

 
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