The Rav and CR-V are around the same price the CR-V is far bigger and has a more powerful engine unless you get the 04 Rav. But CR-V > Rav IMO so its out of the running.

 

I would take the CR-V over the RAV4. Plus the RAV4 doesnt have a rear bumper. So if you get hit from the rear, repair costs are going to be expensive.

 

The main question is, what do you want it for. Cargo capactiy, fuel consumption and no off-roading.

Sounds like you need a wagon.

If that's the case, you should change what you're looking at.

VW GTi/Golf, Civic Si, Subaru Impreza, etc. etc.

If you want to go real cheap, just get a trailer hitch for $100 and when you need the room, add a trailer.

 

I have a 2003 CR-V. Put 50,000 miles on it in a year and a half with zero problems. Commute to work 60 miles/day and took long vacation trips in it. Gets about 24 MPGs, so its not too tough at the pump as SUV's go. The CR-V is rock solid...not flashy, but solid. Price is also pretty competitive and the demand for the Cr-V is not as high as it was a few years ago, so you should be able to get a deal.

Its also a great bad weather car - very stable - I got stuck in the President's Day snowstorm of last year in northern West Virginia with two feet of snow on the road and could still do about 30MPH with no sliding or slipping problems. It was the most difficult driving I have ever had to do, and the car got me and my family through it. I really love my CR-V! Its got neat storage areas, good ergonomics (e.g., CD Radio is elevated so you don't have to take your eyes off the road as much), and its the only SUV that comes standard with a fold out table!!!

I love to drive the TSX more of course, but when the weather gets bad or I need to haul four people or lots of crap, the CR-V comes through big-time.

It all depends on what you want-

If you want real off road capability, look to an XTERRA

If you want something a bit odd and edgy, the Toaster, er, I mean the Element is cool

If you want something flashy, the RAV4.

If you want functionality and "beat the snot out of it" durability, the CR-V, IMHO is definately the way to go!

If you can wait a year or two, I am very eager to see what Acura does with the CR-V...also, I think this model year (2005) Honda is putting out a Special Edition CR-V, with leather and some more goodies, which may increase the appeal (and the cost) a little bit.

 

The MSRP for the 2005 Honda CR-V SE is $25,050 USD.

"A new addition to the CR-V lineup, the Special Edition is based upon the existing EX trim level with the addition of several new amenities. The SE adds heated leather seats and door mirrors, and a leather steering wheel and shift knob. Externally, the CR-V SE also adds body-colored bumpers, side molding, door handles and hard spare tire cover. Along with the other available exterior colors, Pewter Pearl is exclusively offered on the SE trim."

http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2031?m...59654&mime=asc

 

Domn....why not look at the Mazda3 hatchback?

Or even the Mazda6 wagon...er 5 door?

 

I 'd go with the mazda3 hatch. None of those on the list are all that appealing.

 

Just become a lesbian and buy a subaru forester

 

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix, under cute-utes?

 

I looking for something with space (practicality) and decent fuel economy.

The Mazda 3 Hatch and ay Wagon for that matter would not have as much space as a

 

I looking for something with space (practicality) and decent fuel economy.

The Mazda 3 Hatch and any Wagon for that matter would not have as much space as a CR-V or small SUV for that matter or am I mistaken in making that presumption?

I think the CR-V is what I'm looking for but like I mentioned in my first post a Matrix or Vibe will give superior MPG and some praticality and so would a wagon. But I really don't like the look of ANY wagon, its just not me.

 

You MIGHT be mistaken. I don't know. Honestly, a Honda Accord is bigger inside than a Jeep Grand Cherokee, aside from the extra height of the "cargo area". I was really surprised.

Check it out though.

 

You really can't compare a sedan to an SUV, or SUV to wagon. It's not a matter of space, it's a matter of usable space. For example, most of the time, you will find that SUVs have shorter wheelbases than sedans, and comparing something like legroom specs would be totally off, as it doesn't take into account that SUVs have higher seating positions, so your legs aren't as splayed out in front as they are in a sedan, so you wouldn't necessarily need the larger legroom rating that a sedan offers. Same thing for cargo areas...SUVs will list the spec as the total amount of room...but realistically, you can't use all the space that's above the height of the rear seats...safely.

 

Let us know what you think of it. The styling looks good. I am all too familiar with that engine.

Have you gone to test drive any vehicles on your list yet?

 

I test drove an 03 CR-V back in 03 and really liked it. We were very, very close to closing the deal on buying one that day but decided against it after giving it some thought vs an Accord Sedan. Then the TSX arrived and the rest is history.

My father is in the process of car shopping so I'll hopefully be heading out with him this weekend and have a chance to test drive some cars. The Vibe/Matrix is on his list so we'll see. So is the Mazda 3 which we already test drove.

 

Are you and your father looking at new or used or both?

 

He's mostly looking new but he's all over the map. He's gone from Pontiac Montana to Civic to Matrix to Maz3, to SUV's to Korean. He can't make up his mind. But he's a GM guy and I can't blame him. He has an 89 GMC Safari with 350,000+ km's (218,750miles) and the truck has had no major work done. I'm guessing he'll end up back at GM or with a Vibe.

 

Why not look at the new Malibu Maxx?

 

Funny you should mention that. The wife and I saw one on the way to work this morning and she said "Is that car ever ugly, what is it?" The wife is not a fan of wagons.


EDIT: or were you talking about my father? In that case, maybe we will.

 

I figured as much. Not too many women I know like wagons, although for some reason I see more women driving the Subaru Outbacks than men.

I was actually talking about both of you. Are you going into shopping open minded or have you now know the choices of vehicles you want?

 

"Subaru has been so successful at attracting gay customers that some drivers consider themselves members of a "club," in which fellow Subaru owners share an implied message behind their cars' brand. "I'm never surprised when I look across a lane of traffic and see a woman in a Subaru and think she might be gay," said Kim Mills, who cruises in a Subaru Impreza."

http://www.warroom.com/gaysubaru.htm

 

 

I may have found another Cute Ute to add to the list, the Hyundai Tucson. The MSRP's are fairly low here in Canada with a 2.0L FWD model starting at $22,460 which pretty much comes loaded (No leather or sunroof) The 2.7L V6 FWD model comes in at just under $25K. Why look at Hyundai? 5 year Bumper to Bumper + 7 year powertrain, thats why.

 

Interesting, very interesting. Are you that desperate that you need to look at a Hyundai? I have never owned one, but have had friends in the past/present own them. Right now, two of my friends have the Tiburon. Nothing but problems with them. Almost every month they are at the service department. And no, they have not put any performance mods on them, just a new HU.

I would never own/buy one. Luckily for my friends they do offer a great warranty.

 

a Hyundai?? a Hyundai?? let me reread your post.... a Hyundai?



why do you think they've got such a "nice" warranty?

 

Because their cars need it.

 

How exactly is that any different from my TSX then? Should I go through my list of problems?

I knew I'd get this kind of response and I'm not surprised but the fact is the car is warrantied for 100,000km or 5 years and I know I won't put on 100K in 5 years so I'm worry free for all that time.

domn, who's thinking about it.

On a related note there was am 04 CR-V EX at the Hyundai dealer and wow, it has so much more room than either the Sate Fe or Tucson that were next to it, I couldn't beleive it. Probelm was, the prices was $28,990 for a used 04

 

I dont doubt every car has its problems, but why buy something where there is more of a chance for problems.

But do you really want to spend more time at the dealership than driving it? Given, you may never experience problems with a Hyundai and if you get it, I hope you dont. Again...

Sorry, had to do it.)

If you really want the CR-V, then I think you will find a way to get one at or around your price range.

 

After all the problems with this TSX does Honda deserve my business or trust?

I don't think so, on pricipal alone. It may be time to see what others have to offer.

Besides I don't want my car catching fire during an oil change which is apparently common on 03-04 CR-V's.

 

I dont blame you. I wouldnt want my CR-V burning either.

So what is your updated choices now?

 

The Matrix is the front runner mainly because MPG is important and it should be relaible. Not to mention the price which will likely be $23000 on the road for a new 05 or less if I go with an 04.

But I'm still very undecided.

 

Is the Matrix yoru wife's choice as well? Are you planning on getting something before winter hits or do you not care as much?

 

Actually the wife prefers the styling on the Vibe but for some strange reason the Vibe is 3K more with the same features So she's ok with the Matrix. Won't be buying now unless a great deal comes along. I'll be buying sometime between January and March.

So still plenty of tme for you to change my mind DEI

 

Interesting that the Vibe is more than the Matrix. Wonder why. I think the Vibe's body style looks to "choppy." The Matrix looks more solid.

Do I have to send you yet another Paypal?

 

Too bad the new FR-V won't make it state side. I saw it at the airport yesterday. Looked pretty nice - for an SUV type thing.





Linky

Look for the road test at the above link.

 

Its really too bad because this would be at the top of my list. In fact I'm still holding out hope this is the "Fit" we're getting as opposed to the actaul Fit. Hopefully we'll get more info in January at the shows. In fact if the Fit suits my needs I may just hold off until its available.

 

Ahh, yes...the blatant MBZ A-class copy. Looks nice, though...

 

where is the RAV-4?

 

The RAV4 is made by Toyota. It is comparable to the Honda CR-V. See link below:

http://www.toyota.com/rav4/

 

Not sure by what you mean.

As a choice?

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...9&postcount=28

Or has in who makes it?

www.toyota.com/rav4