My '04 Santa Fe is coming up on 150,000 miles and while it's still running strong, I'm really getting that urge to buy a new car. I just put in to work for the local railroad and have already gotten a call back so if I land the job, I'll definitely have the funds for a new set of wheels.

The new Santa Fe is completely out of the picture due to crippling transmission problems Hyundai refuses to fix or admit that they exist (sound familiar?). I don't like the Toyota RAV4 and not one domestic small SUV appeals to me so here I am with the CR-V. I have driven them briefly and found them to be comfortable, well-put together and sensible. Likely I'd be getting one with Nav so I can have the Bluetooth but I was hoping to see if anybody here has or knows somebody who has one of the third gen models.

Any common issues or things to watch out for? Thanks.

 

My parents have a 2007 CR-V loaded with navigation. 21k miles and it's been trouble free.

 

I have friends with 3rd gen CR-V's, no issues and they're happy with them. Reviews seem to back this up.

Congrats on the potential job!

 

Did you know they make them in the US and in Japan?

Buddy has an 09 that was made in Japan and its been solid. No rattles or anything. Can tell by the VIN where it was built i suppose.

 

I did know that, actually and will insist on mine being Japan-built.

Edit: Easy to tell because the VIN will start with 'J' if it was built in Japan.

 

don't forget England, a lot of the US bound 1 & 2g's were built there. some 3g's come through too

 

My 07 is built in JP and it's rattle free.

but here are some cons:
-not sure if Honda fixed it, but with the A/C turned on, the cabin gets a mildewy smell.
-there is a TSB for it, the A/C unit makes a high pitched whining noise when you first press the gas pedal. I think 1st gen TSX owners had the same problem.
-power: yeah, it's a 4-cylinder and you will be reminded of it when you most need the power.
-Honda in all of their infinite wisdom decided to delete the grocery hooks in the cargo area for this gen (EX models get a shelf in the cargo area, but to me, it's just not the same).
-spare tire is a donut, no longer a full spare as in previous gens.


Pros:
-fairly economical, my CR-V gets the advertised mileage; nothing more, nothing less though.
-doors open 90 degrees for easy access
-low maintenance - trouble free so far, 60K+ miles already. knock on my wood.
-you can fully lounge in your car - I've done this in mine, it's totally possible:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbkfh62-Cmk

 

Just throwing this out there but how about the Mazda CX7?

 

GF just traded in her 2009 CRV for a 2010 RDX and the CRV was a nice solid great car. Well put together, my only complaint with it was the cheap leather Honda uses in it. Excellent ride rock solid and decent MPG could use say 20 more HP, but it is still a nice ride. It is a great value for the dollar and she looked at Rougue, Tuscon, RAV4 and the CRV was the best of the bunch. You could not give me a Toyota anything right now.

 

Never been a big fan of the CX-7. I think the CX-9 looks MUCH better but it's a bit bigger than I like and costs more than I want to spend which is right about $30K. I think the Escape is probably the only lame duck in Ford's lineup right now and the Hyundai Tucson looks nice but it's got even less power than the CR-V though it weighs slightly less. I do like the new Grand Cherokee but it's way beyond my price ceiling, especially when equipped the way I'd want it.

 

You can get a slightly used loaded RDX for $30k.