I am sick and tired of pumping money into the current car and we don’t even know if fixing the sensors will fix the problem, so I went and test drove a 2013 Honda CR-V EX-L with 20k miles and I liked it very much, it will not be a significantly higher loan than my already existing loan which we will roll into the new loan, and it felt really good.
Your thoughts?
germy
Go for it. Why not?
Sebastian
Yeah, that’s a pretty reliable platform. YMMV
You might want to search a bit on true delta
https://www.truedelta.com/car-reliability
Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA
I’ve heard good things about the CR-V.
Alex
My wife drives a 2014 CRV which now has about 60k miles and it has been flawless.
Sebastian
Looks like the 2013 is the worst year in the 2012-2014 model
guachi
Don’t get one that only has 20k. It’ll likely barely be cheaper than a new one.
Also, the CRV, or most crossovers, are cars for people who have given up on life and hate driving.
If you must get a crossover, get a Mazda CX-5. Vastly more enjoyable to drive
Dand
Friend calls Hondas soul sucking but reliable.
Ruckus
Have a friend with one and he and his wife love it. Of the five Honda cars I’ve owned one had a problem that no dealer could find, took me 5 min. Flawless other than that one problem.
I wrote in your original thread that you must have gotten the Subaru intended for me.
trnc
We like our 2014 CRV, although we were not happy with the sales experience.
smintheus
My advice: Don’t buy a newish used car. Buy an older car in unusually good condition, of a brand/model that has high reliability for extended miles. For example, a Toyota Avalon…you can count on way more than 200,000 trouble-free miles from most Avalons, and get a good older one for a few thousand dollars.
Irony Abounds
I have an Acura and one problem it has had, as my daughter’s Civic had, was front end issues. We’ve had a Mazda CX-5 for two years now and I’m pretty impressed.
feebog
We test drove a CR-V and liked it very much (ended up with a new Prius). Regarding guachi’s comment in 6, you can compare the 2013 with a 2017 and decide. 20K is practically brand new.
BGinCHI
It will be better than that Subaru for sure.
You aren’t going to get boy band-level ass in it, but you knew that already.
?BillinGlendaleCA
@guachi:
This is why I bought a Prius.
guachi
To expand on my comment, I own a VW golf sportwagen and it beats the CR-V like it’s a rented mule.
Great interior, great chassis, almost as much space as a CR-V, drives better. It was no contest when I tested both.
Wjs
I’m on my second CRV. I like dealing with Honda. Never had a break down with a Honda.
ET
I didn’t have a CRV but I got a Honda hatchback that last me over 14 year and had no technical issues with it at all. For whatever that’s worth.
Mary G
Think it over for 24 hours. If you are anxious to see ABC, rent a car. You seem a bit emotional and that’s not a good time to make economic decisions. That’s my gut reaction, because you asked. On the other hand, if it’s not that much more money, why not?
Zelma
I have a 2012 CRV and I love it. Granted I’m a little old lady and only drive it to church on Sundays, but I have had zero issues with it. I fully expect that this will be the last car I ever own. Go for it. (Also has 4 wheel drive which could come in handy in WVA. Not much use in Cape May County NJ.)
JohnO
Was shopping for vehicles for 2 years just prior to purchasing the new Civic, even though I wanted the new CR-V because money and there’s a good argument to be made not to buy more vehicle than you need.
I don’t know about the one you drove, but in general my experience with CR-V owners has been filled with positive reviews. Good luck.
Brachiator
Does Consumer Reports still do its auto guides? Might be a place to look. They may have an online version, also.
Stan
We have a CRV with 130,000 or so on it. Spectacularly practical. Very good in snow and rain. Very good cargo hauler. Cheap to maintain. Spectacularly boring too, but hey. Crappy mileage IMO. That’s why we also have a Toyota GT86.
We drive in Pittsburgh a lot too, and the CRV has been up and down Rialto plenty of times, no sweat. It’s small enough to maneuver anywhere yet holds a decent amount of cargo.
schrodingers_cat
Just a get a minivan, already. CRVs are mom-mobiles, not that there is anything wrong with that.
reality-based (the original, not the troll)
my best friend swears by the CRV – their first had 185k trouble-free miles on it when it hit an elk, they now have over 130k on the replacement CR-V, with no trouble at all – and he says the interior space is VERY cleverly designed for hauling around dogs, chairs, skis, etc.
debbie
@Ruckus:
I’ve leased three Civics and had zero problems with them.
Cacti
I’ve had a CRV for 5-years with zero major mechanical problems.
Steeplejack
OT but important!
I haven’t seen this mentioned today, so I apologize if I missed it, but I was cleaning up my Balloon Juice tabs and found this on a thread from yesterday:
seaboogie
Get a CR-V, John….my new in ’99 CR-V lasted until 2015, and still ran fine, but had some body issues. It’s built on a Civic platform (what I have now). It’s the energizer bunny of cars, and needs little maintenance.
CZanne
It sounds like a good plan to me, but sleeping on it is never a bad idea. (But I think you’ve been coming to this decision for a while, so a night of contemplation may just be prolonging the dithering.) Definitely test drive a 2017 to compare — a lot of (usually suspension, engine, transmission) damage can be done in 20K that will show up for you at 38K. If your dealer offers rentals — ask, they may — you might try a CRV as a longish test drive. A car that feels good for short hops may be excruciating for more than an hour.
cgordon
CR-V doesn’t do anything brilliantly, but does pretty much everything very competently. I agree with those who argue for an older and cheaper model, should be still reliable. (2002 CR-V owner)
David ?Canadian Anchor Baby? Koch
Those are pretty
Quite similar to a Subaru
efgoldman
Daughter and SIL love their CRV, I’ve driven it, too, and it is a pleasure. They don’t care about fun to drive; they care about price, cost to have, reliability. and that they can haul the child and the stuff they need to haul. Their other car is a Civic, which I find too low and too small for my old, achy legs.
schrodingers_cat
@Steeplejack: Thanks much, I had missed that update.
germy
His colleagues must be nervous hearing that.
debbie
@germy:
I heard the audio. He said, “I can only speak for myself and the Russians.” That last bit is important.
Cermet
Honda’s are good cars. Hopefully, this was a trade in not a get rid of … but John, your luck isn’t the greatest.
?BillinGlendaleCA
@Steeplejack: Thanks, I usually miss the morning threads.
Spanky
@Steeplejack: Ah!
Bon Voyage indeed, GnG.
Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho
@Steeplejack: Thanks for that. I am so far behind on tabs (like my emails) that I’ve called tab amnesty, and I wouldn’t have seen it.
Cole, what Mary G said. Wait 24 hours; it sounds like a good deal, but you are wound up right now (understandably).
narya
A friend got a Mazda CX5 four years ago (after finally retiring a Toyota truck that he had for 20 years, nearly 300,000 miles) and likes it a lot. It has enough room for all of the hunting gear, for camping gear when we do that, for four people comfortably, etc.
efgoldman
@Brachiator:
Yes and yes. To get detailed info you need to subscribe.
Ruviana
@Steeplejack: Thank you, I missed it too
Safe travels to greennotGreen on this journey
germy
@debbie:
They must be close.
Mnemosyne
@Steeplejack:
Oh no! I missed seeing that. One of the front pagers should do a separate post for it — I think Anne Laurie was given the family’s contact info.
ETA: Meaning that, AL may already have a post in the pipeline since she was in contact with the family. Sorry, flu brain.
Jager
Somewhere between need and desire is the right car for you. We have three, a new Ram 1500, a 6 year old Grand Cherokee Overland (80k on it) and a ten year old Z51 Corvette with 25k. All three are bullet proof, reliable and it’s the first time in over 40 years I haven’t owned a foreign brand car. I expect my 16 year old grandson to sell the Corvette at Barret Jackson when he’s in his 60’s and take home a bag of cash.
Get what you like and can pay for every month without getting pissed off while you write the check.
MaryL
I always assumed that once I graduated from my Fit I would buy a CRV, but when the time came to start looking I felt like my soul was dying every time I looked at the CRV. I flirted with the BMW X3 for awhile, but it’s too small and just thinking about driving it made me feel like an asshole, so now I’m looking at the CX-5, which so far feels like a winner. I like a lot of the improvements on 2016 model, though, so I’m going to have to wait a few years until I can find one used and at a reasonable price.
West of the Cascades
I have a 2003 Honda Accord with now 140,000 miles on it (bought 12 years ago at 39,000 miles) that is the best car I’ve ever owned – I am a big fan of Honda’s reliability and reputation for being able to go 200,000 miles if you take care of them. I hope to drive my Accord, barring major problems or accidents, for another 10 years, then trade it for a new Google self-driving car. Or a Jetsonsmobile.
germy
debbie
@Steeplejack:
So sorry to see this, but thanks.
Betty Cracker
I’ve owned two Hondas and was pleased with both. Not that same model, but Hondas seem reliable overall! Best o’ luck!
Vhh
@smintheus: I agree about getting good older cars. Honda products good choice, been more so if you can find Honda specialist mechanic srt up in own shop. We bought a 98 Acura TL on eBay for $8.5K in 2005 with 80K mi. 100K mi later still going strong. Same story on 2001 Accord, also eBay. Wife now driving a 2007 Accord EX bought in 2015 from dealer for 13K, like new condition. CRVs are on Accord platform, run 4ever. Smaller HRV also worth a look, 35mpg. Recent 4 cyl Honda engines use timing chains not belts, one less thing to go wrong in long term.
debbie
@MaryL:
I don’t know what you think about Car Talk, but they think the X3 is a death trap.
Steeplejack
@schrodingers_cat:
I think everyone missed it. She posted the comment four hours ago in a thread that died about 5:00 p.m. yesterday.
Definitely think one of the front-pagers should put up a dedicated post.
Mark K
Its what I drive. A 2007CRV with 200k miles. The stereo in the EX is worth it alone. Cant go wrong
Sebastian
@guachi:
I am a VW bigot and had ~15 VWs throughout my lifetime. I don’t think John wants to deal with the little gremlins and repairs a VW will give him. Your Sportwagen drives great, no doubt, but wait until you have to start replacing your AC compressor or bushings.
debbie
@germy:
But I loved how he was more protective of the Russians than his own staff. That alone speaks volumes. He is a snake and has to be cut off at the head (or whatever that expression is).
AndoChronic
It’s a Honda. Just remember to put gas in it or it won’t work.
Mary G
@Steeplejack: Good catch. I usually manage to read most of the threads (except the ones about Wilmer), but there is just too much going on to keep track of everything, and the end of a dead thread can get overlooked.
Glad to hear gnG is no longer suffering, but she will be missed. I still have my sign from the march the day after the election, with names of people who couldn’t be there, and she is one of them.
MaryL
@debbie: I thought that show was on permanent reruns.
Mnemosyne
@debbie:
My brother in IL has been leasing Civics for years. So far, the only problem was when some jackass in an SUV t-boned him, but because it was a Civic with all the latest safety equipment, he walked away with a few bruises.
Sebastian
@Brachiator:
CR is pretty useless unfortunately. True Delta is, while not perfect, quite good
mistermix
I have a 2004 Honda CR-V and I plan to drive it for a few more years.
The other Honda I owned ran forever.
I bought a Subaru and it is not as reliable as the Hondas that I have owned.
I will never buy another car unless it is a Honda.
rikyrah
@Steeplejack:
Thank you for this.
RIP, gnG,???
Villago Delenda Est
It’s not a Maybach, but it will probably get you from muddy field to muddy field.
eclare
@Steeplejack: Thanks so much for posting, I somehow missed that too.
Gelfling 545
Both my daughters currently are driving the Honda CR V. They are pleased with them.
debbie
@MaryL:
It is. I should have used the past tense. A mother was thinking about buying one for her kid, and they went nuts.
snarkyspice
I have had a 2002 CR-V for 4 years with zero problems. Granted it only had 70,000 miles when I got it, but I’m now up to 110,000. It makes the odd rattle but it sails through its MOT every year (I am in the UK). And I have definitely not given up on life – I just see cars as something to get me from A to B and no more.
Villago Delenda Est
@Steeplejack: May the wind be at her back.
debbie
@Mnemosyne:
Glad he was okay. If I had to complain, it would be about the electronics. The tire pressure detection alarm goes off occasionally. All I have to do is recalibrate, but the few moments it takes to walk around and confirm the tires really are okay freak me out.
Nicole
My beloved stepmom drives a CRV. It’s lasted her for… well, let’s just say it came equipped with a cassette deck. I think it’s a good car. I don’t love the side window visibility, but I am also short.
Jumbo76
Buy a CX-5.
The Other Bob
As a homeowner who does a lot of improvements and landscaping and whatnot, I do not understand how anyone survives without a pickup, or at least a trailer.
Have had them most of my life. Some of the most longest-lasting vehicles too.
Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism
CR-V Owners Club
Check out the model year you’re considering. Personally, I think you’ll love it.
Just One More Canuck
@Steeplejack: the thread was from yesterday, but it looks like gnG’s sister’s post was from earlier this afternoon
NeenerNeener
I have a 2009 CR-V and I’ve put 83,000 miles on it so far. The AWD version eats tires, but then so did the Subaru Forester I had before it. The CR-V has been pretty much trouble free other than going through tires every 2 or 3 years.
Davebo
20k miles is suspiciously low for a 2013 model. Get a Carfax!
Uncle Cosmo
Aaaah, jeez. What part of “buying used = buying someone else’s troubles” is not penetrating?
It’s gonna be a real challenge to keep a straight face if&when our bloghost posts the next installment of vehicular woe under “This Fucking CR-V.” Anyone want to set the over/under in days, weeks, months?
(NB I am not suggesting the CR-V is necessarily a bad car. Not even that this particular CR-V is a bad car. But keep in mind who it is that’s buying it & his run of luck with motor conveyances.)
JWR
@West of the Cascades:
This was the thing that made me decide, back in 1995, to buy a Corolla, and not a Civic. (I’m terrible at maintenance, and, back then at least, the Toyota seemed to me like more of a “beater” than the Honda.)
Suzanne
@guachi:
Well, I love my CR-Vs, both the one I bought new in 2015 and the 2000 model that I bought used in 2004 and drove until I replaced it with the newer model. And I do hate driving, because I live in Phoenix and therefore spend a lot of time doing it. But I haven’t given up on life.
I drive my CR-V because it isn’t a problem, and I have enough other problems.
Felonius Monk
And Joe Lieberman is your co-pilot.
Ruckus
One of those 5 Hondas that I’ve owned was a 2003 Element AWD. Same chassis and powertrain as the CRV, lots more room and of course they don’t make them any more, 2013 was the last year. It was a faultless car, handled OK for what it was, hwy mileage 27-28, town mileage 21-22. I liked it better than the CRV, which is why I leased it. Looked for another one, used of course, couldn’t find one with less than 110,000 miles, most had 125,000 and up. And people were asking too much for that many miles. So I’m back to the brand that has served me best by far over 5 decades of new cars, Ford, a Focus. Expect this to be my last car.
Ruckus
@Davebo:
My car is one yr old, has 4600 miles.
Omnes Omnibus
My parents bought a new CR-V in 1997 (the year it was introduced). In 2015, they traded it in on a new EX. They do what you ask of them. Not what I would buy, but I am not my parents nor am I Cole.
Roger Moore
@germy:
Shorter trump: there’s still plenty of room under the bus.
Frank Wilhoit
John,
Honda, by all means; but everything depends upon the dealership. (I’m assuming this is a Honda dealership? If not, go to one.) Nail them to the wall as far as what kind of support they will give you. (Then fire a few more nails just to hear the sound.)
EthylEster
I just renewed my AAA card and saw that they have some arrangement with Carfax so the report might be free!
Another Scott
Maybe browse the Carfax reports of similar models, especially the dealer service reports. That might give you an idea of things to look out for.
Good luck!
Cheers,
Scott.
Lymie
We have this exact car bought new with a 60 month 0.9% loan from Honda- essentially free money. Love it – comfy enough on long drives and moved #1 daughter to and from school. Decent gas mileage and features. #1 Son drives a 2004 version and loves the “go any where with lots of stuff ” features. Mountain bike, ski pod, etc. it has 160,000 miles and the only ding is lots of brake work, but that could be the driver!
willard
I would test drive a Ford Escape. Generally you don’t want to buy a slightly used Japanese car because they don’t have the depreciation of the Koreans or domestics. A slightly used Escape will be cheaper, last just as long, and be cheaper to maintain.
Suzanne
I also bought my 2015 CR-V new using the Costco Auto Buying Program and was very satisfied with the deal we got. Ended up being cheaper than a late-model used version of the same car by the time you figure in the financing.
Brachiator
@Sebastian:
I far prefer CR and even True Delta over asking random people their opinions about a car. As always, YMMV.
Too bad that the public radio car guys retired. I liked how they would try to get an idea of what a caller was looking for. This was more interesting than specific recommendations.
NoraLenderbee
It may be different in W.Va, but out here, late-model used Hondas and Toyotas are almost the same price as brand-new ones.
I don’t get the comments about boringness and soul-sucking. This is a guy who drives a used Subaru, fer heaven’s sake–a car that’s basically an appliance. It’s not like he gave up a Ferrari.
FWIW I just replaced a 97 Saturn with a Chevy Malibu hybrid, i.e. one middle-aged suburban lady car with another.
frosty
Mazda3. My $0.02. My son got one and it was a gas. I just got a 2014 hatch with a stick and if’s the most fun I’ve had since the Miata got totalled. 18k miles and $5k less than new. I don’t see any reason not to get a recent low miles used car, contrary to some of the other comments.
Haven’t had them long enough to gauge reliability but the reviews were all OK.
And nothing against Hondas – I didn’t want to pay the premium they get. All reviews gave them great reliability ratings though.
Currants
Don’t ask here. Ask Consumer Reports. Well, ask here TOO. But don’t forget to do your own research on CR.
Tom Levenson
We’ve actually had very good luck buying dealer-certified newish used cars. (These extend original warranties usually to six years, or in the case of our Prius, to eight.) Even newish used cars take their biggest drop in years one and two, so while a five or eight year old care might be a good deal up front, you still face the major wear repairs that much sooner.
But I’m someone who would rather pay a bit over the odds up front to know I’m not going to spend anything but routine maintenance for a good and defined length of time.
As for the CR-V? It’s an appliance. A good one. There are other, similar good ones (RAV-4 etc.) Not my taste, but if it works for what you want to do with it, why not?
celticdragonchick
So this was the day at work yesterday:
My spouse and I take substitute jobs at a middle school well outside our city in North Carolina in farm country. Neither of us have been there before. The first instruction we get is to not smile at the students, as they will take it as a sign of weakness.
I’m not kidding.
I get my spouse situated at her room, and then I go back to mine to look for lesson plans. I have 7th grade math for the day. I can’t find plans.
None of the staff I have seen have said hello. Nobody smiles. They look exhausted.
Somebody helps me make copies of some worksheet to get by. As that happens, kids are coming in. Some of the kids are not actually part of the class, and are still in there after the bell rings. I order one large boy to leave and go to his class where he belongs. He lurches towards me, arms held back and looking like he is ready to start swinging at me while yelling “Why you gotta be like that, Coz?”
I walk into his body space and force him backwards, telling him I am not his “coz” and that I am the teacher here.
He tries to keep the bravado and physical threat up, but I force him out and shut the door. Now class begins…sort of.
Kids are in the halls and are out of control, running up and around and beating on my door and looking in the window. This happens through the day. The kids in all the classes are waaaaaaay behind on math for 7th grade. Most of them don’t even make a pretense at really working. All of the calculators in the class have been vandalized and damaged. The desks are damaged.
Fidget spinner toys are everywhere. It is obvious some of the girls have developed…early… and they are wearing very tight tops to let us all know that they have DD cup demi-bras on. There are 12 year old girls who can pass for street walkers. Some of the boys are wearing their pants down around their knees. Did I mention everybody has one of those damned fidget spinners?
One of the kids running wild in the hall refuses to speak in any intelligible language. When you address him, he points at you and starts making loud guitar sounds, and then follows you bellowing guitar sounds while gesturing like he is in some demented Sondheim musical as interpreted by a lunatic binging on mescaline.
Another teacher demands to know why the student is over on that side of the school. The guitar sounds and gestures find a new victim.
During my planning period, a girl takes refuge in my room. I ask where she is supposed to be and she replies that this is her encore period.
I digest that bit of intelligence in silence for a moment and invite her to please stay as long as she likes.
At lunch, I observe to one of the teachers that the entire staff looks like they have survived the siege of Richmond.
Teachers eating in the cafeteria are discussing getting out. They say the turn-around principal is a failure.
This is in front of students who are at lunch.
The staff look and sound defeated. The worst of the kids have taken over the school and they are destroying it.
My spouse and I go to the car and exchange horrified and horrifying anecdotes. Her throat is so sore from yelling that she can hardly speak. Her classes had been insulting her all day. I’m sure there is more she hasn’t told me yet.
That is a school, right now, in North Carolina.
farthestnorth
Go for it. I lived in Barrow (now Utqiagvik) Alaska for many years. At least half the cabs there are CRVs because they hold up to the worst use in the worst weather anywhere. Toyotas and of course Subarus are popular too. My favorite cabbie (who is from Thailand of course) swears by Hondas and would never buy anything else.
Though I am probably the last person to give car advice. I bought a new Suzuki in 2013 right before Suzuki stopped selling cars in the US. Great car, though, no problems
Ed
Buy it. After my odyssey minvan hit 180k, I got a CPO CR-V, then another. Got a 2014 with 18k a few weeks ago. They are workhorses. Good mileage, no trouble.
Suzanne
@Steeplejack: Thank you for finding that. I had been wondering but haven’t had time to go through the old threads, and she’s been on my mind.
Godspeed, greennotGreen. Much love to you and thank you to your sister for keeping us connected. I wish for much love and comfort for you and the family.
MTmofo
I bought a 2016 HRV a year and a half ago. Love it. Top-rated vehicle according the people who catalog that stuff.
mohagan
I’m another strong vote for the CR-V. I’ve had a couple of Hondas and they have both been extremely reliable and long lived (average 14 years or so). Currently I’ve got a 2003 (bought new) with 140,000 and the only trouble has been with the AC, which died twice. First time Honda replaced it for free, and the 2nd time, I paid for parts and the labor was free (or maybe the other way around – I forget). Otherwise, I change the oil and lubricate when I’m supposed to, and it runs reliably. Oh, and I had to have the driver’s visor fixed last year … It’s 4-WD and holds a lot, very practical for my life. Where I live (Mendocino Co – small town N CA) there are A LOT of CR-Vs – very popular. It seems “fun” enough to drive to me, and cruises at 80 comfortably on the freeway. I will trade fun to drive for reliable any day. If a car doesn’t run it’s useless, IMO.
Bill
John, I’ve got a full set of sensors for the Outback. Let me know what you need and I’ll send them to you. If you’d like to be rid of the car, I’ll buy it.
Mike in NC
I traded in my 2004 CR-V a couple of years ago. It had about 250K miles on it and was in need of servicing (brakes and automatic door locks). Had fairly new tires. Dealer happily gave me the full Kelly Blue Book estimated value, and I left a couple of hours later in a 2014 CR-V which I love. Just made the monthly bank payment and am halfway to owning it outright. Sticker price between the 2004 and 2014 models was almost the same.
Doug R
20,000 miles? What’s wrong with it? Why would they want to sell it? Or is it one of those odometer rollbacks?
xjmueller
Check out Hyundai. My daughter has had two and was unable to demolish either, no matter how hard she tried, and believe me, she tried. I have one now. We have had few problems with them, They are less expensive, and have a great warranty. Late model used would be ok, but new gives you the warranty. Not 4WD or AWD, but solid performers as FWD.
Van Buren
I have a 2014 & like it a lot… but the armrests are strange, in that the passenger side is lacking one.
Miss Bianca
I *love* Hondas – extremely reliable. I currently have a 2007 CRV, which I”ll probably drive forever now that I’ve paid it off!
Aimai
We had a 2001 crv until this year when we traded it in for the Crt. I love them both.
Kay Eye
Many years ago the shop teacher at the school where I worked gave me this piece of advice about my car – “Run it till it squats.” I’ve followed that advice. Since your Subaru is squatting, here are the three cars that worked for me. Ford Crown Vic (I didn’t pick it out, but that’s another story), 10 years; Toyota Corolla, 10 years; 2003 Honda Accord, my all time favorite car, 10 years for me, sold to my son and still going strong; and our 2007 Prius, our second car and now only car, has only needed new tires once and a new battery this year. I love it and it shows no sign of squatting.
Plus I got old waiting for my cars to squat. Fortunately I am not car-proud.
Fair Economist
Your Subaru is a lemon. Chances are any recent credible brand (which includes Honda) will be an improvement.
Lee
Absolutely solid car. Go for it.
ant
If it has CVT (transmission), I’d look for something else.
Failing vtc actuator is known issue with this car. Look into it here:
http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/27-miscellaneous-general-cr-v-discussions/32417-dreaded-vtc-actuator.html
Undersized batteries usually fail early on these cars.
Pretty solid rig overall IMO. You could do a lot worse.
Ben Cisco (onboard the Defiant)
My mom, a longtime member in good standing of the Land Yacht Club (motto: “If You Can’t Land An F-111 On the Roof Then GTFO”) bought a CR-V after her Town Car died. She LOVES IT. Content with the size, plus my niece hooked her up with Pandora so she gets her gospel on, rides great. I say go for it.
cmorenc
Go ahead and buy the damn Honda so you can go see your sweetie this weekend. BTW: yes, Hondas ARE reliable cars until somewhere in significant six-digit mileage, so long as you regularly maintain ’em. Just took my wife’s in this morning to our local Honda dealer for its 50k service – in and out in 45 minutes, including replacing the original battery.
ant
just checked. 2014 is when CVT got changed. So you’re good there.
IMO you’d be better with this older model than any CRV that is newer.
Make the dealer service the trans and rear diff as a condition of buying the car.
Ask about the vct actuator, it may still be covered under warranty. Make sure it’s still covered after it gets cold this winter.
Dave
I’ve had 4 CRV’s, just do it!
DanR2
We have a 2008 CRV with 180K which followed a 1999 CRV we probably let go too early at 160K. I’d buy another one from that 3rd generation in a heartbeat if I could find one with low miles. 2013 model with 20K will go for a LONG time. I think that’s the last year they had the nice flat center console so your dogs can easily move back and forth between the front and back seats.
TenguPhule
@celticdragonchick:
In ten years, those kids are going to be voting. Probably.
MoxieM
I had a CRV for a year (bought used with, yup about 20K miles on it–mine was a 2013). I’m not sure I’ve ever loathed a car more. Every 3rd car around here is a CR-V (and every second one is a Prius or a Subaru, so..). But I bounced around in that thing like a ping-pong ball over an air vent; it was lousy in the snow (I had the AWD version), it was so cheaply built, and just generally sucked ass. Of course, I was coming off a Volvo V50 T-5, so the comparisons weren’t great. But still. I hated that Honda, and oddly enough, friends who were also Honda-haters came out of the woodwork. Go figure. I’ve driven everything from a ’66 Ford F-150 with an in-line 8 (great truck!) to an MG to numerous VWs to a Ford Cortina, even. Honda CR-V by far the worst of the bunch. Cheapo me was moved to replace it with a Toyota Highlander (4 yr old, 40K miles) despite the expense and it being a gas hog, because the Highlander is sweet to my super-bad back, and I can carry any number of Newfys back there (said wistfully). If I had the dough, I would get a hybrid Highlander.
leeleeFL
I would always like a Honda or a Toyota,so you should be okay JC. If some drunken dip-shit hadn’t totalled my Toyota, I would still be driving her. And my Baby Girl adores her Odyssey! Good luck, my Friend
nastybrutishntall
Looks like an orthopedic shoe. Fuck that.
nastybrutishntall
Looks like an orthopedic shoe. Fuck that .
HinTN
@Doug R: I bought my last Camry (2015 Hybrid) from a dealer with 11k miles. First time EVER, having bought all previous with 100k. Local owner trade who bought originally from that dealer.
Said to say, John, if you won’t buy a Camry, BUY THE DAMN CAR.
cmorenc
@MoxieM:
Counterpoint: My older daughter got a Honda CRV on her 16th birthday – and she’s still driving it at age 33, and it’s never had anything major go wrong with it. She is an M.D. out in practice now and could easily afford a much higher-end car any day she felt like it, but so far the Honda keeps on ticking and going and she’s happy with it.
PaulW
I personally cannot abide Hondas – too much emotional trauma – but if the car loves you, go for it.
BruceJ
@guachi: I second the Sportwagen; I’ve got a 2010 TDI, not a lick of trouble, beyond that whole “illegal defeat device” thing :-( I’m still horribly torn on it, I really REALLY like this car, but they still haven’t come out with a fix for it. I don’t want to have to sell it back to VW and then start grinding through the process of finding a car I like again.
TriassicSands
In a world of climate change is how enjoyable a car is to drive really the most important consideration? Especially if one does primarily utilitarian driving? Not everyone can afford a Tesla, nor will a Prius fit their automotive needs, but within classes of automobiles it seems like reliability and carbon footprint are more important that “fun.” That should put the CRV ahead of the CX-5.
WaterGirl
I love my Honda CRV. It’s a 2005 and it still looks great and drives great, totally reliable.
Ithink
Thats a pretty exceptional choice. As far as top-of-the line crossover SUVS go that are reliable in maintenance war & tear plus have fantastic gas mileage, its either that or a Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav 4 or my my personal fav & first & only car purchase of my life thus far, the Mazda CX-5! Subaru’s aren’t bad cars generally and it just sounds like you may have gotten a lemon, but you’ll have an extraordinary decrease of car dealership visits once you get 1 of those. Good luck car hunting!! Its arduous.
Kineslaw
We have a 2009 CRV. Haven’t had any issues with it, but it is noisy as anything in terms of road noise and the steering is stiff. If you are going to be doing a lot of highway miles to visit ABC, I would recommend something else. It’s amazing how much less exhausting driving a quiet car is on trips of 1+ hours.
TenguPhule
Horrifying thought of the Day: After Trump and company is out of office, what do we do about all the top secret government information he and they still know about (and almost certainly made copies of)? They’ve already given gods only know how much to the Russians, but how much would it take for the Chinese and others to buy it from them? We know that the Trumps oath and signed documents preventing disclosure aren’t worth spit.
Hey Adam, has this been considered yet?
Dupe
Go ask jalopnik.
Roger Moore
@TenguPhule:
I think the answer is “lock him up”.
zhena gogolia
Them! is a damn scary movie.
TenguPhule
@Roger Moore: But we’d have to clean sweep all of them. It would be the DC version of “The Thing” where if even one is missed, its mission failure.
some guy
get a Dodge Charger.My 2008 is rock solid,the hemi is bulletproof,and regular maintenance s pennies.
get a Charger
Blue Stater
@Wjs: I had two Hondas, one a 1982 Civic wagon (they made them then), the other a 1993 Civic sedan. Both were still running strong at 200K; the ’82 got totaled and the ’93, bought in SoCal, didn’t take kindly to the liberally salted roads in these parts and I traded it in on a 2013 Subaru, which has also been great. If you get the Honda and live in a wintry climate, get the rust-proofing treatment.
Mnemosyne
@zhena gogolia:
I know, right? You sit down to watch it thinking, I’ve seen a million of these big bug movies, how scary can it be? Turns out, it’s the best of the big bug movies and is still pretty darn scary.
zhena gogolia
@Mnemosyne:
And James Arness is hot!
some guy
@zhena gogolia:
the liitle girl with the vacant eyes yelling “Them!” is my favorite 50 scifi moment.
Ella in New Mexico
If it’s the AWD version, I’d go for it John. Love all our Hondas, and my 2008 CRV has been a terrific, reliable and very comfortable vehicle. It’s back seat is really roomy, too, if you’re taking along extra riders.
TenguPhule
And the hits keep on coming.
The parasites are burrowed in deep.
Mnemosyne
@zhena gogolia:
Who knew how good he looked beneath all of the Giant Space Carrot makeup he had to wear for The Thing?
I think it’s one of Edmund Gwynn’s last movies — he was pretty much crippled by severe arthritis and could barely walk, but they managed to work around that. I think that Richard Attenborough’s character in Jurassic Park was partially modeled on him, at least in costuming.
TenguPhule
@Mnemosyne:
After all, one of the main characters that you get attached to actually dies. Which was a rarity at the time.
Kirk
Way late to this thread, but I’ve got to echo Uncle Cosmo (comment 78).
Maybe it’s me, but with one exception every used car I’ve purchased has had maintenance costs that pushed the TCO over the first four years toward that of a new car. And the new I’ve purchased have outlasted the used as well. (In fairness, that’s because I run them all till they die, and the used are just closer to that point when i start.)
The one exception was my first, and I can take zero credit for getting it; that was my Dad helping me get my first car.. (You’re also not going to find a 65 Chevy Bel Air for the price you want, either).
ymmv, of course.
Scout211
Late to this thread, but I have a 2010 CR-V with 140,000 miles on it and the only problem I have ever had is the AC died at around 130,000 miles. That was a known problem with some of the older models.
I would definitely buy another one if this one ever dies.
TenguPhule
Petri on a roll
A little light in the darkness.
frosty
@Doug R:
Who knows? Mine was just out of lease and maybe there’s a mindset of people who only want to lease but don’t drive very much. Fine with me!
CZanne
@Doug R: I’d bet repo, to be honest.
Omnes Omnibus
@TriassicSands: If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.
frosty
@TriassicSands:
Agreed. Somehow Mazda did both with my 3 and without all the extra hybrid complexity. They advertised 40 mpg highway, and I’ve beaten that on my commute, which is mostly interstate.
I suppose now I have to admit that I throw it into neutral coast down the hills most of the time. What can I say, I just like seeing that “current mileage” read 99.9.
dww44
@Brachiator: As a matter of fact they do have an online guide, but access isn’t free. The most recent dead tree issue rated new small crossovers. Subaru Forester is at the top, followed by the Toyota Rav4, then the Honda Cr-V. LX, followed by the CRV Ex, then Kia, with the Nissan Rogue rounding out the 9 recommended vehicles. Outlander and Jeep weren’t recommended at all. Mazda CX-5 wasn’t listed at all. So, maybe it fits in a another category, as Mazdas generally are rated highly by CR.
danielx
Just watch out for that ECO button. It’s damn disconcerting to put your foot down to get on an entrance ramp and…nothing happens.
Ellen
I love my Cr-V. The original tires were crap, other than that it’s a great vehicle. Get it.
Americanadian
My parents bought a CRV in 2001 which I ended up with in the middle of college. It lasted 7 years during which I put it through hell and back. At risk of jeopardizing my future electoral prospects by endorsing a Japanese car online I heartily endorse you buying a CRV, as it does everything a Subaru does but slightly better.
Bill
Speaking of Subaru 3.0R wagons and repo, one wants to be a little damn careful with repo cars. The Subaru EZ30 engine, which is in John’s car, is intolerant of maintenance lapses. It is a fantastic, smooth, powerful, well designed engine, but it doesn’t like missing oil changes. John’s car is showing signs of missed oil changes, based on his accounting of the issue. I’m in no way pointing the finger at John; as a former Tanker, he knows very well the importance of scheduled maintenance. Likely the previous owner of his car missed an oil change or two, and the bill is coming due. When a car’s title history shows an obvious repossession, (not suggesting that John’s Subaru was repossessed, speaking generally here) such as a title transfer at a weird mileage (such as 20k), one needs to consider that if the car’s purchaser couldn’t keep up with payments, they damn sure weren’t changing the oil. I have several 3.0 Subarus in my circle, (two of which are my own) only one has any issues, and it shows an obvious repo (or two) in its history. I’ve been getting paid to work on cars since 1988, and I own two Subaru 3.0R Outbacks, if that tells you how dreadful they are.
Ruckus
@frosty:
If you don’t drive a huge distance every year (this is the killer of leasing, high miles. They don’t want a high mileage car back so the per mile charge is all out of wack if you go over the normal) and like/want/only trust/whatever a new car, leasing is the way to go. Far less to nothing down, lower payments, what’s not to like? HOWEVER…… this means that you will always have a payment….. and a new car. Works great right up to the time it doesn’t.
Mnemosyne
@TriassicSands:
Depends on how much of a difference there is between cars on those things. Most cars today are vastly more reliable and have a much smaller carbon footprint than cars from just 10 years ago.
But personal preference also needs to have a say. For example, I would never buy a Ford regardless of how good the specs are because, every time I’ve driven one as a rental car, all of the controls seemed like they were just beyond my reach. That would be immensely frustrating to deal with on a day-to-day basis.
MazeDancer
@Davebo:
My 2001 Forester has 61K miles. (Work at home. No commute = low miles)
As there have been no problems with the vehicle (knock wood), intend to drive it forever. So understand why John was always devoted to Subaru until now. Imagining another brand is an interesting concept.
MoxieM
@cmorenc: That’s great! Obviously, lots and lots of people feel that way. But I have a ferociously rotten back, and need a car that cares for it, and I live in a snowy climate, and all two Hondas I’ve ever owned have been lousy in the snow. But as I said, others very clearly have alternate experiences. As for degrees, I merely have a Ph.D. Hence, no bux for me! (Also, I like a car that’s fun to drive.)
Bill
@Ruckus: Leasing works very well for folks that have a bit of extra profit to dispose of, or folks that need to drive a car like a BMW or an Audi, which no thinking person would own outside of a maintenance agreement.
mellowjohn
have a 2011. love it.
Bill
@MazeDancer: @MazeDancer: Time to have the coolant changed. Probably spark plugs, too. Keep the battery terminals clean. Have the mechanic check the ground straps between the frame and the cylinder heads. Drive the car once a month, or more, on the highway for an hour or so. Find a place to go, and go there, and then come back. Short hops kill engines, they need to get up to operating temp and stay there periodically. Do not fall behind on the coolant changes, and use the Subaru coolant additive. Not kidding, here, I’ve worked on these cars a bit. My Forester was the stuff of legend; it did more than was asked, every time, without fail, and quite a bit was asked. Subarus are amazing cars, like nothing else really, but they really really need to have the maintenance scheduled adhered to, and everybody blows off the coolant changes. Don’t, is my advice.
MazeDancer
@Bill:
Thanks for Forester tips. Have not driven for an hour every month. Will try to do that.
RSA
@Sebastian:
I drive a 10-year-old Audi with 130k miles on it. (I’m a fan of German cars, with a Golf and three BMWs in my buying history.) The Audi is great! but I don’t give anyone car-buying advice. :-)
Steeplejack
@Bill:
Glad you weighed in. I’m in the same position as MazeDancer. I have an ’09 Kia Rondo, purchased in late ’11, and I’ve put only about 20,000 miles on it. (It’s got about 53,000 total.) No commute, work at home, sliding—gracefully!—into retirement.
For a while I have realized that I need to think about maintenance in terms of time, not mileage, and I’m sort of at a loss. So any tips you have would be much appreciated. For example, should I change the oil more frequently when it might take me six or eight months to drive 3,000 miles?
The car is in great shape, and I love it. The only thing I’m noticing right now is that it takes a deep push on the brake pedal to slow down. Thinking I’m due for a brake job.
ETA: I do get the old girl out for a long drive at speed every few weeks. That’s good for me, too, as it gets me off the computer and away from raging about the Trump regime.
Gemina13
I love Hondas. I’ve had a 2011 Fit and a 1998 Civic DX. The CRV was a little ass-heavy for me, but more fun than the Nissan Juke or Kia Sportage ::shudder::.
lurker dean
solid choice, hondas are statistically very reliable, including a few we’ve had in my family. my only suggestion is that if the styling is okay for you, the honda element is a similar platform to the crv (both based on the civic iirc) but feels bigger inside, can haul well with its fold up rear seats, and is an excellent pet transporter because of its rubberized interior. we have two elements in our family, one at around 150k miles and the other around 180k, both with just regular maintenance. but as someone mentioned above, they’ve been discontinued and seem to be hard to find with less than 100k miles. but lower mileage ones are out there if you are willing to wait. otherwise, the crv should be fine, if a bit boring. but being boring usually includes being boring to your wallet as well, which is always welcome.
Bill
@Steeplejack: With intermittent driving, time becomes more important than mileage, so you’re thinking correctly. The manual will usually give time/mileage intervals, such as 3 months or 3000 miles, (whichever comes first) for an oil change for example. Cars driven infrequently tend to build up moisture in the engine due to condensation, which can actually emulsify into the oil and turn it greaselike in extreme cases. Today’s engines, much more so than those from years past, have many small but important passages that need unobstructed oil flow for various bits. John’s (and my) 3.0R engine relies on oil pressure for all sorts of stuff, from timing chain tension to valve advance and lift changes, not to mention plain old bearing lubrication. Synthetic or semi synthetic oil can help extend oil change intervals, and used oil analysis can help to determine safe intervals for folks who wish to run a little longer between oil changes. If you want to go down the rabbit hole, bobistheoilguy.com forums are informative, to put it mildly. But the short answer is yes, more frequent oil changes are recommended for cars that are driven infrequently or for short distances. Pretty much anything other than frequent highway driving, at speed, with proper warmup and cooldown times, is considered to be extreme driving. I have a 2005 Outback with 220k that was driven on the highway every day, 45 miles twice a day, for ten years, and the car is spectacular. I have a nearly identical car that cracked a cylinder head at 145k and needed the engine replaced. The only difference between the cars was how they were driven and maintained.
burnspbesq
@Sebastian:
Interesting. I’ve owned four VWs, going back to a ’69 Squareback, and the only one that ever gave me any trouble was the’77 Rabbit (a f’ed up engine temperature sensor that loved to shut the engine down in bumper-to-bumper traffic). Loved them all.
But the best car I’ve ever owned was an Audi A3 Sportback. Just sayin,’ Cole.
Willard
I see many fans of the Honda Fit. I’ll admit that it was on my short list, twice. My last Honda was a ’99 Civic Si, a true masterpiece of automotive engineering. I tried to buy a Fit after my Si was stolen. In the era of $4 gas, I couldn’t wait months for the next available vehicle and ended up with a lightly used Ford Fusion. Again I tried to buy a Fit after putting 120k on the Fusion, but the dealership really wanted to sell me an Accord. So I ended up purchasing a Ford Fiesta ST and couldn’t be happier. Very engaging to drive. Zero to sixty in less than 6 seconds and over 35 mpg on my daily commute.
Steeplejack
@Bill:
Thanks for all the information. What do you consider “proper warmup and cooldown times”? I wonder about that, because a lot of my driving is short, three- to five-mile trips. I live too damn close to every place I need to go! I wonder whether I should let the car idle for a few minutes before setting out.
Juju
I have a 2001 Subaru Forester which I love, an old bug convertible which I love, and access to a BMW X 3 which I absolutely love driving. If you want the CRV, go ahead and get it, but I’d see this as an opportunity to test drive all sorts of cars that I would otherwise not have a chance to drive. If you want to see your sweetheart, rent a car, take a train or look for cheap flights. You don’t need to miss your visit.
MoxieM
@burnspbesq: My VW story (beside that my first car was a ’61 bug, and it went 250K miles, 2 engines, with the floor of an old Lincoln welded on, until we couldn’t get king pins for it any more, but I digress…), my VW story is that when my..?? Passat AWD 6 cyl wagon was juuust out of warranty on the catalytic converters, they both went–about $2000 in parts alone. I wrote to VW headquarters and basically said, I’ve owned xx VWs, my niece, my nephews, my parents, siblings, &&& — now do right by me. In the return mail I got a check for $950 and a large credit towards the purchase of another Far-Vee. I was pleased.
Another Scott
@Steeplejack: It’s not worth worrying about, IMHO.
My best friend’s father did machine repair at several GM factories. He said the hardest thing on an engine (short of blowing it up and other intentional abuse) was to rev it without a load. I believe that I’ve also read that the best thing to do in the morning is to start the car and drive it, not let it idle and “warm up”. (The rationale he gave is that the bearings are designed assuming they’ll be under load and the clearances, etc., aren’t optimized for sitting at idle for long periods, or being revved up without a load. Not sure I buy it completely, but Ok.)
Engine oils, and engine materials are much, much better than they were decades ago when a lot of these “rules of thumb” were passed down. Yes, it’d good to get the engine up to its “normal operating temperature” (hot enough so that condensation is driven off the parts to reduce the chance of rust, hot enough so that the catalytic converter works properly, etc.), but don’t go out of your way to do that. Most engine blocks and lot of the parts are aluminum now, so “rust” isn’t an issue with them. Engine oils are much, much better than when they were single-weight “straight 40” and the like and didn’t have all the various modern additives to fight friction and corrosion.
Drive the way you need to drive, and don’t feel guilty. :-)
My $0.02.
Cheers,
Scott.
(Who has a 20 minute drive to work – just barely long enough to get the car up to temperature.)
Steeplejack
@Another Scott:
Thanks for the input. I think I’m doing okay, but I’ve never been a super car nerd, so I wonder about missing something here or there. And I really want to make this car last as long as possible.
Omnes Omnibus
@burnspbesq: As long as we are just noodling about cars. My first car was an ’84 VW GTI; I loved it. The only car that I like better is my current car – ’06 Saab 9-3 2.0T. I intend to keep it until parts are unavailable.
Bill
@Steeplejack: Scott is correct, today’s cars don’t need to warm-up, per se, as in leaving the car run for an extended period at idle. Even on a very cold day, 30 seconds at idle is enough to bring cylinder temp up slightly, and as long as you’re not romping on the throttle while the engine is ice-cold, it’ll be fine. Once you see the temp gauge start to move up off the peg, you’re OK to drive normally. If you start the car, clean the windshield, and hop in and drive, you’re fine. Proper cooldown- don’t pull into a parking space immediately after doing 80 mph. If you stop at a highway rest stop, allow the car a minute or so at idle to move coolant around and stabilize temps. Better yet, hit the right lane and slow down to 50 a mile or so before the rest area. Low engine loads and plenty of air through the radiator will work wonders in a short time. I had edited my earlier post to include some thoughts on brakes, but it didn’t catch. Spongy brakes are probably corrected with new pads and rotors installed carefully by someone who cares if you live or die. The difference between a fine brake job and a crappy brake job is about 6 minutes of cleaning and care. Adaptive One pads from NAPA are excellent, as are the OE pads from your car’s manufacturer. Brake fluid can get tired, and should be flushed and filled maybe twice in the life of the car. Rubber brake hoses can degrade, and sponginess is a symptom. Start with pads and rotors, and if that doesn’t quite get it, move on to fluid and then hoses. Chryslers particularly, if they’re wearing brake pads excessivley on one side of the car, need the hoses replaced. The hoses will collapse partially, acting like a check valve and keeping some pressure in the caliper when the pedal is released, wearing the pads and affecting mileage.
Perd Ferguson
Hi John, first time long time (except for a few comments on the twitters).
Can’t speak for the 4th gen CR-V but I have a 3rd Gen (2007 EX-L). Nothing but regular maintenance, AC compressor, and Takata air bag recalls over 120k miles. The 2013 has more power than the 07 but the CVT may leave something to be desired as compared to the 5-speed. AWD is good especially here adjacent to the great white north but still should be competitive with the Subie in your neck of the woods. Some good all-seasons (Nokians here) are all we need.
Mother in law drove two Subaru Outbacks (similar vintages as your last two) and they ran into expensive troubles soon after the warranties ran out. Enjoyed driving them, especially in snow, but swore never to spend my own money on one unless they greatly improved reliability. So far no luck.
luc
CRVs – nice cars for retirees and known as gas guzzlers.
maeve
4 YO is not so used – my first car was a 1982 Honda Civic – sold it after 13 years not because it was breakng down but because I had moved from California to Oklahoma and wanted air conditioning – then I got a Chevy S-10 explorer – it had much more repairs but none-the-less survived another 13 years – although I had to have the engine replaced while I was moving from New Jersey to Alaska – then when it broke down I got a used Honda Element (!!!!) – was rear-ended last year – sobbing at the loss of my Honda Element – but got a Honda HR-V. Was considering Subaru (4WD was essential for my winter commute but heard stories of subarus breaking down too much – the honda dealer said it was a change in the transmission since 2002 (??? forget exact date) – and okay, he was a honda dealer but seemed to know his stuff and I already had great experience w/ honda)
So my experience w/ Honda’s has been great.
Buy a Honda Element if you can find a used one – it is a great car
seaboogie
So John – I had a first gen CR-V, and loved it because it just worked. Built on the tried and true Civic platform, but taller for mini-SUV purposes. It wasn’t “fun” to drive like my previous and current Civics, but was very practical and it persevered for many, many years (16).
Not sure what the current generation is like, but Honda is like code for “super-reliable and trouble-free”. Here in CA, where cars can be whatever they want to be because we don’t salt the roads, mechanics typically drive Hondas, because they don’t have to fix their own cars.
Downside is that Hondas keep their value – so late model used is not much less than buying new – but these suckers just do their job without fail, everyday – without question. If you get the right one, it’s one less thing to worry about in your life.
Also, I would add that Honda tests and tests and builds on success without a lot of extraneous fancy gadgetry and visual noise – mostly big, intuitive knobs.
HeartlandLiberal
I simply do not understand those advising you not to buy such a low mileage vehicle. Nonsense. At 20k miles, the price will have depreciated very significantly from original cost. Best deals are 20 – 40k range, we got our 2013 VW Passat Premium last year with 29k miles at precisely HALF what it cost new. That year is turning out to have best repair record of a VW in years. Of course being involved in a collision that triggered the air bags back in February had demolished its resale value, but the extended warranty I bought remains in effect, I checked with my credit union to be sure. I plan to demand a large sum for diminished value in the final settlement from the insurance company, I had a national firm do an appraisal. The insurance company will be no happier than I was with the lost value.
Bill
@HeartlandLiberal: Around 2007, we priced a 2005 civic with 37k. They wanted 15 or 16 thousand for it. The brand new 2007 that my wife still drives was 17,500. Don’t assume that VWs and Honda hold value similarly.
J R in WV
@MoxieM:
No such truck. Ford went to flat-head V-8 engines in about 1933, and never produced a straight 8 engine ever.
I had an F-250 with a straight-6 300 ci engine that was pretty fine. The automatic transmission sucked walnuts, tho. Rust was an issue too. But the motor pulled hard.
George Lehman
I had a first-generation (1997) CRV which my wife and I took really good care of. It was a really good car. My mechanic even replaced the drive shaft after a problem was detected, and it continued to run really well until someone rear-ended me at a stop sign doing about 40 mph. (he was texting)
The car was totaled, and I got my bells rung, but I was otherwise ok (seat-belted). I even drove the car home! 20,000 miles for one of these babies is just getting started, we had 85,000 miles on ours when it was totaled. Good choice, John.
John S Roszel
I have a 2007 Acura RDX, which is the Acura version of your Honda. My car has 111,000 miles and still runs like a top. I’ve religiously changed the oil every 5,000 miles and have had not one issue with it (other than the time I hit a deer)