Honda CR-V or Toyota Rav4?! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MercFan · #1 01-25-2011, 11:30 PM

This is for my mother: 65yrs old and a fairly good driver. It should be an AWD with an Auto transmission - the auto trans is a must! She's looking for something in that class of a small SUVs like those in the title. These seem to be the right height for her to get in and out. They also seem to have the right 'girth' on the road for her to feel comfortable parking it, and getting around the town in it. Anything bigger will be an issue (we think).

More info: long story short: my poor dad had suffered a stroke following a surgery and is currently in recovery. We think mom will need to use this vehicle in the future to carry his wheel chair in the cargo space - a truck is out of the question for her.

Fuel economy and simplicity of operation (buttons, levers, display gauges) are high on the wish list - lavish or fancy equipment is not.

Would like to hear from those of you who have experience in one of these (or both) to see which way we should be leaning or what to avoid. She'll most likely be getting a brand new one or a slightly used one (budget is $20-25K) - a solid warranty is another key item for her.

If there is another brand we should be considering that has has proven qualities in the categories above then plz let us know as well (Huynday, Kia?!).

Thx,
James

kerry · #2 01-25-2011, 11:34 PM

I like my Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker. They are now called Vitaras.

C280 Sport · #3 01-25-2011, 11:34 PM

What about the Nissan Murano? Or a Ford Escape? We had a 2009 Murano a couple years ago.

MercFan · #4 01-25-2011, 11:43 PM

These are "definite maybes" ...

She's got a very narrow focus right now so I need to help her decide between those two... she's not into cars at all and she very much likes the looks of the CR-V and RAV4.

PaulC · #5 01-26-2011, 12:35 AM

Car and Driver comparison test of small SUV's: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q1/terrain_vs._cr-v_rav4_tiguan_mariner_outlander_forester_grand_vitara_-comparison_tests

daveuz · #6 01-26-2011, 12:51 AM

My father bought one of these in 2008. All in all it has been an excellent car (45K on it now). Great warranty 100K or 7 year, enough room to load in his mobility cart , lowest priced AWD , ect ect. Many times you can find them with zero % . http://www.suzukiauto.com/sx4_crossover/?r=left
0.0% for 48 Months

01/04/2011 - 01/31/2011
0.0% for 48 months on 2010 SX4 Crossover. Monthly payment of $20.83 per every $1000 financed. Subject to credit approval from American Suzuki Financial Services (ASFS). Amount of down payment and other factors may affect qualification. 0.0% APR financing offer is in lieu of the standard customer cash rebate. Offer ends 01/31/2011. See dealer for details

review : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmYp9gyQDfg

mbdoc · #7 01-26-2011, 08:27 AM

My wife drives a 2006 CR-V(80K miles) and no issues, make sure the AWD pump oil gets changed every 30K miles!

Txjake · #8 01-26-2011, 09:50 AM

anything BUT the Land Rover Freelander.....

raymr · #9 01-26-2011, 11:06 AM

If a wheel chair is imminent, measure the load floor height and get the lowest one. Having AWD I think will add a few inches overall.

daveuz · #10 01-26-2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

If a wheel chair is imminent, measure the load floor height and get the lowest one. Having AWD I think will add a few inches overall.

Good point. On the Suzuki SX4 I found the height to load the wheel chair perfect as was the seat height for transfer and door opening. The Revo electric mobility 4 wheel scooter fit without disassembly but you had to lower the steering handle.
The SX4 is quite roomy the AWD system works excellent and everything seems laid out well. Best MPG was 32 but averages around 29.
For less than 20K dollars (and possible 0% interest rate) I believe it would be very hard to anything to compare to it.

MercFan · #11 01-26-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveuz

Good point. On the Suzuki SX4 I found the height to load the wheel chair perfect as was the seat height for transfer and door opening. The Revo electric mobility 4 wheel scooter fit without disassembly but you had to lower the steering handle.
The SX4 is quite roomy the AWD system works excellent and everything seems laid out well. Best MPG was 32 but averages around 29.
For less than 20K dollars (and possible 0% interest rate) I believe it would be very hard to anything to compare to it.

Excellent - interested. We plan on exploring this coming weekend. Thx all -

daveuz · #12 01-26-2011, 12:31 PM

Other features I like are:
Timing chain , not belt
Transferable warranty
16 in wheels
button to lock differential (automatically goes back to standard AWD at 37 mph)

Check out Fiat's version of it named "Sedeci" Comes in diesel there , how cool is that! http://www.fiat.co.uk/showroom/?id=4804#showroom/sedici

Hatterasguy · #13 01-27-2011, 12:09 AM

My mom went through the same thing back in 2007 and ended up wanting the Rav4. I would have her drive both, IMHO the CRV is a better driving vehicle with a smoother engine and better transmission, but the Rav4 is more conventional and comfortable.

Either way you can't go wrong, both a good vehicles flip a coin.

Pooka · #14 01-27-2011, 01:59 AM

I have been told that the noise level in the CR-V is higher than the RaV4 but I cannot tell any difference.

But I am old and my hearing is not the best. You Mother may have the same hearing loss issue, so if it sounds loud to you but not to her then that may be why.

Hatterasguy · #15 01-27-2011, 08:24 AM

Another thing is that unless Honda changed the motors the CRV will require a timing belt job at some point, which is about $400. Toyota now uses chains since no on wants to pay for this.

My moms Rav4 has been flawless since we bought it, ie what you expect from Toyota. Averages low 20's around town and about 28 on the highway.