Help me find the next vehicle for my wife...

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I know the earlier CRVs have issues with the valves at about 180k (I've had 3 friends who had issues with theirs). I'll have to do more research on the newer ones. Lots of great stuff here guys, thanks.
 

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
the older ones did have some issues but the only issue my mom has had with her crv is it getting crashed into. she's been rear-ended in that thing twice and one was a hit-and-run. it's also worth mentioning that the awd system is sweet although my dad complains that he can't get it to slide even when he wants to... what a dork.


I know the earlier CRVs have issues with the valves at about 180k (I've had 3 friends who had issues with theirs). I'll have to do more research on the newer ones. Lots of great stuff here guys, thanks.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
We have an 03 and we have side curtain air bags. And according to the window sticker 4.43 gears!! That's lower then then my Jeep.... I need to fix that. Good luck with the hunt!

that's awesome, I didn't know that. The IIHS hasn't evaluated the earlier matrix/vibes so I assumed they didn't have side airbags. I know a lot of the matrixes don't have side air bags. I'd definitely be interested in an earlier matrix/vibe with side airbags. I'll have to do my research to see which ones come with them.
 
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glockman

I hate Jeep trucks
Location
Pleasant Grove
My dad had an 04? Escape. Drove it 175,000 miles with only oil, gas, 1 set of front brakes and tires. I know you want better fuel mileage but just consider how much more you will have to pay for a Toyota badge? Every $1000 more you pay for the vehicle, you could be putting that towards paying for the fuel. To be fair, there isnt any model/manufacturer that can run 200K to 300K with no issues in 75% of the production run. There are always those cherries that get well cared for and last forever but 300K with no issues is a tall order unless they are all highway miles.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
yeah, but you get that $1000 back when you sell the toyota. But I understand what you're saying. Glad to hear that the Escapes are so economical and reliable.
 

Spork

Tin Foil Hat Equipped
I'm going to add side-curtain airbags as a requirement.

How reliable are the TDI VWs? Can I get 200-300k miles out of them without major engine/tranny work? What about electrical issues?

I'm at 186k miles on my VW TDI, I've replaced my Alternator twice, the thermostat, and the belt tensioner. The Timing belt has to be done about every 100k. I've had the check engine light on once, cleared it and it never came back on. My last fill up I got 650 miles on the tank and calculated it to 44.7mpg. I plan on getting the timing belt done in the spring and driving it at least another 100k.
 
How reliable are the TDI VWs? Can I get 200-300k miles out of them without major engine/tranny work? What about electrical issues?

My 02 Jetta TDI has 210k miles. It's not perfect, but has been a great car! Everyone in the family fights to drive it. Changed timing belts and had the door switch sensor go out a couple of times. (Keyless entry stops working when that happens) The only problem right now is the glow plug harness is bad - it builds up resistance and the computer thinks the glow plugs are out. Glow plugs still work, so I have been ignoring it for a while. I have babied it and got over 800 miles on a tank - average is around 720 miles on a 16 gal tank. The way it is running, I wouldn't be surprised a bit to see it go 300-400k with no engine work.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I'm at 186k miles on my VW TDI, I've replaced my Alternator twice, the thermostat, and the belt tensioner. The Timing belt has to be done about every 100k. I've had the check engine light on once, cleared it and it never came back on. My last fill up I got 650 miles on the tank and calculated it to 44.7mpg. I plan on getting the timing belt done in the spring and driving it at least another 100k.

What year is your tdi? Did any of the pre-2005's come with side airbags?



My 02 Jetta TDI has 210k miles. It's not perfect, but has been a great car! Everyone in the family fights to drive it. Changed timing belts and had the door switch sensor go out a couple of times. (Keyless entry stops working when that happens) The only problem right now is the glow plug harness is bad - it builds up resistance and the computer thinks the glow plugs are out. Glow plugs still work, so I have been ignoring it for a while. I have babied it and got over 800 miles on a tank - average is around 720 miles on a 16 gal tank. The way it is running, I wouldn't be surprised a bit to see it go 300-400k with no engine work.

awesome, thanks! These are starting to sound really appealing.
 

Rot Box

Diesel and Dust
Supporting Member
Location
Smithfield Utah
First gen Honda CRV :D

Same genre as a Subaru. Mine is a 98 auto with AWD and its cranking out a solid 31mpg. More interior space than my 4runner yet it comes in a smaller package. The only thing the CRV doesn't have is reliability issues lol

DSC02719.jpg
 

Spork

Tin Foil Hat Equipped
First gen Honda CRV :D

Same genre as a Subaru. Mine is a 98 auto with AWD and its cranking out a solid 31mpg. More interior space than my 4runner yet it comes in a smaller package. The only thing the CRV doesn't have is reliability issues lol
My Brother in law has a first gen and my parents have a current gen CRV. From what I've seen they are solid and great for what they are.
 

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
From the sound of a jetta tdi, why doesn't everyone have one? 700+ miles per tank is RIDICULOUS! I'm looking for one!


Because then you have to drive a Jetta :rofl: (I only kid, I actually had a Jetta for a few years and enjoyed that car) :D
 
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sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
First gen Honda CRV :D

Same genre as a Subaru. Mine is a 98 auto with AWD and its cranking out a solid 31mpg. More interior space than my 4runner yet it comes in a smaller package. The only thing the CRV doesn't have is reliability issues lol

DSC02719.jpg

Andrew, didn't you have valve issues with yours?
 

Rot Box

Diesel and Dust
Supporting Member
Location
Smithfield Utah
Andrew, didn't you have valve issues with yours?

I did but I blame it solely on my own ignorance :( Turns out they need to be adjusted periodically and I had no idea until the check engine light came on. I was lucky enough to just set the proper lash and carry on as if nothing happened. If I would have ignored it there is a good chance the valve(s) would have burned--ugh.
 
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