PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Advice Needed: New Mid-$20's SUV

LUVMBDiesels · #14 06-10-2009, 11:05 PM

The RAV I drove was very small inside. It didn't have room for a third row unless it would be rear facing. The transmission would hunt and peck and was never happy and this was in flat Ohio.

It did have a low range if I recall.

My mother's CR-V is a toaster! it has no road feel, the 2.4 litre four is a great engine -- in a Civic. in the heavier CR-V it is too small and needs to have the snot revved out of it to get the car moving. My mother gets 16.7 mpg according to the trip computer!

I loved my 1992 Subbie. It went 290K with no issues before I donated it to the blind. My famil has had three legacies, two Outbacks and a Forrester and has never had a breakdown. My brother, mother, ex-wife, and sister in law all drive or drove them and NONE of them are 'into' car maintenance... I think my ex-wife's 2000 Outback is still on the oil from the last oil change I did to it back in 2000!

The only issue with the Forrester is thatit is a small vehicle. If they are going to drag car seats and 'stuff' around, go for the Outback wagon. At least Subaru still makes a decent station wagon. I still miss mine, but with the Suburban around I could not justify another wagon and I needed the space only a 'burban can provide...

As for timing belts, do them at 55000 miles and you are OK. The flat engines do tend to burn a little oil on startup since oil can collect in the cylinders, but it is negligble and the drivetrains on these cars is bulletproof...