Girlfiend wants a CR-V

[evident]

cr-v is awesome. she won't have any regrets buying one. my gf's crv is 10 years old and was still going strong before she sold it.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Ford Escape can be had with a manual trans. Ford's SYNC stereo is also pretty trick. Not sure how loaded up you can get a Escape with a stick though.

 

[krunchykrome]

CRV - i have a 2008 EX AWD

Just took it out in the snow we got over the weekend (about 2 feet!)

It handled perfectly and got me where I wanted to go effortlessly while others were getting stuck

 

[stag3]

i <3 my mazda cx7

 

[KDKPSJ]

My last baby was 07 CR-V EX AWD (the first year with new design), and it was fairly fun to drive it even with it being soccermom's SUV.

It handles fairly well, AWD worked fine enough to overcome northeast (Western Mass) snow, and interior space was large while exterior was small. The major downside was obviously engine. Even with "Hey, VTEC just kicked in, YO!" attitude, it's mediocre at best.

Despite I loved my CR-V, if I were to shop such SUV's, I'd take a look at CX7 or Rogue, just like I took a look at RAV4 when I shopped last time.

 

[phreaqe]

why the CR-V. the current model it is only up there with the ugliest cars ever made.... the front end on that thing is vomit inducing.

 

[exar333]

why the CR-V. the current model it is only up there with the ugliest cars ever made.... the front end on that thing is vomit inducing.

The CR-V is pretty affordable, and is regularly one of the top 3 (if not the top) in it's class every year. It is reliable, has lots of room for it's size, and is decently powered with good fuel economy. If my girlfriend was "decided" on a CR-V for SURE, I probably wouldn't have made this thread asking for other options to consider.

She wants to get a CR-V for a winter/travel car, and grab a fun convertible down the road for a "fun" car. The CR-V would be a utilitatian choice, and she isn't looking for something that is flashy or super fast.

 

[StageLeft]

What doesn't compute? It makes sense to get some of the vehicles listed here used (Kia/Escape) but it would be more foolish, IMHO, to get a 2-year old CR-V for 3k less than a new one. If you read the thread, I never said it has to be brand-new, but if it is used, having some of the factory warranty left would be preferable.

I didn't read the thread

Buying used Hondas is a fool's errand, but so is buying new cars. Thus we have to conclude that buying a Honda, period, is a fool's errand.

I am being partly facetious. Only partly.

 

[KDKPSJ]

why the CR-V. the current model it is only up there with the ugliest cars ever made.... the front end on that thing is vomit inducing.

Interesting. I thought the current model is one of the best looking SUVs ever made, which ALL (yes, all) my friends (All Asian, if matters) agree. Design is subjective, no wonder.

 

[boardsportsrule]

why the CR-V. the current model it is only up there with the ugliest cars ever made.... the front end on that thing is vomit inducing.

finally some one makes sense in this thread.

 

[KDKPSJ]

finally some one makes sense in this thread.

Or you are another one who doesn't make sense to the rest of us.

 

[krunchykrome]

why the CR-V. the current model it is only up there with the ugliest cars ever made.... the front end on that thing is vomit inducing.

Would you rather have an ugly top of the class vehicle with superior reliability

or would you rather have a pretty POS thats going to give you repair problems after a few years

 

[yuppiejr]

Current 2007 CR-V EX AWD owner and shopping for a slightly larger vehicle to accomodate my growing family (2010 Pilot EX AWD looking like the winner)... I've been spending a LOT of time on Edmunds, KBB and various review sites trying to get a handle on which is the right car for me and came right back to Honda after objectively comparing features, reliability, cost to own and operate and available financing options.

Some things to consider in your girlfriend's purchase:

Honda has killer financing right now, 60 months @ 2.9% on a new model may outweight the savings on a year or two old model. This may not be useful if she's buying after 1/4/2010 but worth considering.

Honda has a 2% holdback against invoice which means you should be able to buy the CR-V for 1% over invoice assuming the dealer is in the standard 3% profit or f-off mode, particularly likely at the end of the year.

Leasing a Honda or Toyota may be cheaper than buying based on their low depreciation rate - particularly compared to the other brands mentioned.

I've not had a single dealer visit for anything but scheudled maintenance on my CR-V which was an early unit in the first year of release after the model overhaul in 07.

If you consider the "Total Cost of Ownership" including purchase price, depreciation, average maintenance costs, gas, etc.. the CR-V is one of the most affordable compact SUV's out there.

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2010/honda/crv/101210000/cto.html?step=2&setzip=90404

.. the depreciation factor may or may not weigh into the decision depending on your GF's car ownership philosophy, buy for life or trade-in every few years. I was right-side up in my CR-V after less than 2 years on a 60 month note with a slightly above average interest rate. Life happens, it might not be a bad idea to avoid getting into a vehicle from which there is not an easy escape in a year or two if circuimstances require it.

When considering the longer "base" warranties that other manufacturers offer (Hyundai, Kia in particular) keep in mind that having a warranty that you have to use frequently isn't better than simply buying a more reliable car. You can also buy extended Hondacare warranties on the aftermarket for as little as $1000 into the 100,000 mile range...

When I purchased the Honda I'd looked at the Toyota RAV, Hyundai SantaFe, CX7, Rogue, etc.... In the end the Honda represented the best value and was easier to negotiate based on their totally standard option packages per trim level.Trying to compare costs between dealerships on Toyotas and Hyundais was a huge PITA since everyone tweaks their configuration a bit differently so apples-to-apples comparisons were convoluted at best.

You might want to research if there are any major body style or model overhauls planned in any of your choices in the next 2-3 years. I like to buy cars right after a style change to improve short-mid term resale value but this can also pose a risk if a new style brings new problems...

... I've had the CR-V for just over 2.5 years and it's been a great vehicle, using a site like Edmunds to do side by side feature/cost comparisons along with looking at your TCO should really help make a good buying decision and arm you for that dreaded trip to the dealership.

Seriously though, spend a lot of time on Edmunds... their "True Market Value" info is really spot-on to determine what your new ride should cost... their payment calculator is key to understanding how different elements of the deal will impact your payment... and help you compare features objectively so you know what you want before you walk in the door. If you trade-in make sure you print off TRADE-IN VALUE appraisals for your ride from KBB, Edmunds and NADA so you don't get thrown over a barrel.

 

[phreaqe]

Would you rather have an ugly top of the class vehicle with superior reliability

or would you rather have a pretty POS thats going to give you repair problems after a few years

it does not quite work that way. i can get a good looking SUV and still have excellent reliability. Just because the CRV is on top does not mean that the next best or even 3rd, 4th or 5th best are going to automatically have problems after 2 or 3 years.

 

[jpeyton]

Honda has a 2% holdback against invoice which means you should be able to buy the CR-V for 1% over invoice assuming the dealer is in the standard 3% profit or f-off mode, particularly likely at the end of the year.

He can do better than that, especially with how bad the new car market has been for dealerships.

I did 8% under invoice on my new 2009 Accord (15.5% under MSRP).

 

[yuppiejr]

He can do better than that, especially with how bad the new car market has been for dealerships.

I did 8% under invoice on my new 2009 Accord (15.5% under MSRP).

Interesting, 8% under invoice means the dealership either lost money (Invoice does not account for advertising or destination costs either) or there was some other element in the deal that caused them to tweak your sale price (they undepaid for a trade-in perhaps?)

My best friend has sold cars for Toyota, Chevy, etc.. so I'm fairly comfortable with the published and "behind the curtain" moving parts in a car deal. I'd consider 8% under actual invoice a once in a lifetime buy, not something to be expected even in this economy.

Any interest in sharing the specs on the car (model year, trim level, add-ons), financing model and invoice price you calculated against just out of curiosity?

 

[yuppiejr]

it does not quite work that way. i can get a good looking SUV and still have excellent reliability. Just because the CRV is on top does not mean that the next best or even 3rd, 4th or 5th best are going to automatically have problems after 2 or 3 years.

Actually there are statistics that indicate brand reliability trends (in this thread actually) that gives some merit to this concept. True that ANY make/model can experience issues regardless of statistics... but that cuts both ways.

 

[phreaqe]

Actually there are statistics that indicate brand reliability trends (in this thread actually) that gives some merit to this concept. True that ANY make/model can experience issues regardless of statistics... but that cuts both ways.

i realize there is a trend, but that does not change anything. look at consumer reports(i know this does not mean much around here) the top vehicles are normally only separated by a few problems. that does not mean that number 2 is a piece of crap.

EDIT: i am not trying to say that the CRV is a piece of crap. i just think its ugly. all i am trying to say is that there are other vehicles which will basically be just as reliable that look better IMO.

 

[yuppiejr]

i realize there is a trend, but that does not change anything. look at consumer reports(i know this does not mean much around here) the top vehicles are normally only separated by a few problems. that does not mean that number 2 is a piece of crap.

EDIT: i am not trying to say that the CRV is a piece of crap. i just think its ugly. all i am trying to say is that there are other vehicles which will basically be just as reliable that look better IMO.

The look of a car is subjective, I dislike the exterior styling of the Korean imports but that doesn't mean the person next to me doesn't think it's the best thing out there or that they are less reliable. Your perspective about the look of the CR-V has nothing to do with this conversaion since his girlfriend specifically said she likes the CR-V.

The point I made is not that "second tier" or domestic makers sell bad cars, I have a coworker who's gone 10 years in a Chevy Impalla with only minor service work and good maintenance... and a neigbor with a Toyota RAV4 that's always in the shop less than a year after buying. Luck of the draw applies regardless, however sampling of historic data across a large number of purchasers and warranty claims do reveal statistical patterns showing some brands simply have less likelhood of issues. Lets not forget the actual dealer service experience, again - established brands often have better and faster customer service when things go wrong but this is again somewhat luck of the draw (though at least you can pick a different dealership for service after the purchase - you're stuck with the car).

The Honda brand vehicles in general have better than average service requirements (supported by JD Power and Associates data) and better than average resale value. While these two factors are not the only things to consider when buying a car you should also not forget about them since purchase price is not the only cost consideration through the life of your vehicle.

I belive the expression is something to the effect "buy quality once, it only hurts once...".

 

[StageLeft]

I just looked at pics. Maybe it looks better in person but in pics it looks like something a cheap Korean knock-off brand would do as a first car when trying to enter a new market. I.e. i would expect that while looking through pics of first model year Kia Sportage or something I'd see something this lame looking.

Maybe it looks better in person, though. I know some people think the Toyota Versa is hideous but I think it looks very good.

 

[boardsportsrule]

cr-v is most likely the most ugly car ever developed. I know people will say "function over form" but seriously, why drive a steaming pile of shit? as has been stated; you can get similiar cars for similar prices with similiar long term costs/etc. i mean if you like steaming piles of shit, by all means get a CR-V, but really? really?! i mean think about it.

 

[exar333]

cr-v is most likely the most ugly car ever developed. I know people will say "function over form" but seriously, why drive a steaming pile of shit? as has been stated; you can get similiar cars for similar prices with similiar long term costs/etc. i mean if you like steaming piles of shit, by all means get a CR-V, but really? really?! i mean think about it.

I think the new CR-V looks OK; it's not awesome, but looks decent enough. The older body styles, in my opinion, look better, but that is just my personal opinion.

Edit: If I am buying a "fun" car, I want to REALLY like the styling. When getting a more utility vehicle, bland styling can be OK. If I am getting my ONLY vehicle, I had better at least like the styling enough to drive it daily.

 

[Demo24]

Sorry, a Forester is not any more fun than a CR-V. She is looking for a small SUV vehicle that will be dependable. This engine for the Forester isn't even available in the US, from what I can find.

Actually, I would be it would be more exciting to drive than a CR-v. Besides if you are buying this as a winter vehicle then a Subaru just makes sense. They have the best AWD system of any affordable priced car at the moment. Granted you can't get a diesel here but the 2.5l engine in it is rock solid. Definitely get a manual though, the auto is a real let down here.

 

[yuppiejr]

Actually, I would be it would be more exciting to drive than a CR-v. Besides if you are buying this as a winter vehicle then a Subaru just makes sense. They have the best AWD system of any affordable priced car at the moment. Granted you can't get a diesel here but the 2.5l engine in it is rock solid. Definitely get a manual though, the auto is a real let down here.

Edmonds rates the total cost to own in order best to worst Nissan Rogue > Honda CR-V > Toyota RAV4 > Subaru Forester.

I get the appeal of a manual transmission but on a 22k+ small SUV targeted at young women I think you may find it a long term drag on the car's resale value and maintenance costs.

 

[boardsportsrule]

http://autos.yahoo.com/car-compare/...009&trimId1=25708&trimId2=26356&trimId3=27012

Couldnt find that edmunds article...but heres another that disagrees. either way its only a few thousand either direction, and shouldnt be a huge motivating factor.[in my opinion]

EDIT: re-read an earlier post. saw your link. yours compared 2010 to 2010 which is more relavant than mine which compares 2009's to 2010. I still belive my above post stating its a fairly small margin, and if that bit is a deal breaker you should really think about a different price point.