What to buy as winter vehicle?
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What to buy as winter vehicle?
I am in the process of initiating a search for a new winter vehicle. Would appreciate inside experiences of late model Honda/Toyota owners about their vehicles.While I am currently leaning towards a Rav4 or the CRV, because they are fairly fuel efficient, and somewhat of a good compromise for our unpredictable winter weather.I would like to hear from other owners about their positive experiences.
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Calgary
Hmm..lets see...both the old gen CRV and RAV4 were a little underpowered. Both are great vehicles, and I can say this from experience. My folks are now on their 3rd CRV and love it! Its great for the unpredictable weather you talked about, since there are no buttons or levers needed to engage the AWD. And AWD it really is. A far cry from some larger trucks and SUVs, these little sport-cutes lack the option of a low range transfer case, as well as any form of underbody protection to make them competent off-road.
That said, if you need a vehicle for a day to day commute in less than great winter conditions, I think that both vehicles are better than most. Reliability and resale are a plus for both vehicles, however I would lean more towards the CRV over the RAV 4 due to the larger interior dimensions which are noticeble when riding with 4 or 5 passengers and all of their gear.
A few negatives about the CRV in particular:
1) Headache inducing road noise inside the cabin
2) Less than adequate power
3) Cramped rear leg room (same for RAV4)
4) Poor quality windshield, which is expensive to replace.
On the positive side:
1) Dual opening tailgate with flip up window
2) Rugged styling
3) A plethora of cup holders
4) "Walk-through" between front two seats due to column mounter shifter.
5) Efficient HVAC system
6) Great cargo capacity compared to other small utes.
Used CRVs are aplenty in this town with the launch of the new Pilot, and less recently, the new CRV. I'm sure you can source a fair deal if you shop around.
How about the Subaru Forrester or WRX? Not bad AWD vehicles either.
Asif
That said, if you need a vehicle for a day to day commute in less than great winter conditions, I think that both vehicles are better than most. Reliability and resale are a plus for both vehicles, however I would lean more towards the CRV over the RAV 4 due to the larger interior dimensions which are noticeble when riding with 4 or 5 passengers and all of their gear.
A few negatives about the CRV in particular:
1) Headache inducing road noise inside the cabin
2) Less than adequate power
3) Cramped rear leg room (same for RAV4)
4) Poor quality windshield, which is expensive to replace.
On the positive side:
1) Dual opening tailgate with flip up window
2) Rugged styling
3) A plethora of cup holders
4) "Walk-through" between front two seats due to column mounter shifter.
5) Efficient HVAC system
6) Great cargo capacity compared to other small utes.
Used CRVs are aplenty in this town with the launch of the new Pilot, and less recently, the new CRV. I'm sure you can source a fair deal if you shop around.
How about the Subaru Forrester or WRX? Not bad AWD vehicles either.
Asif
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From: Calgary
I am debating if I should get a winter beater as well. Either that or I get a hardtop. I am considering 90-91 Prelude always loved those cars or the 92-96 Preludes.
The CRVs and RAV4 are good cars, I would lean towards more of the RAV4 since I just like their looks more and quality is pretty even with those two.
However, I think a good set of snow tires on a coupe will out handle those "mini"UVs in the winter. I think they are only better for ground clearance. Like Asif said, an Impreza or the WRX version would be great contenders as well.
The CRVs and RAV4 are good cars, I would lean towards more of the RAV4 since I just like their looks more and quality is pretty even with those two.
However, I think a good set of snow tires on a coupe will out handle those "mini"UVs in the winter. I think they are only better for ground clearance. Like Asif said, an Impreza or the WRX version would be great contenders as well.
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Sounds like I may be on the rite track, but will check out the WRX,etc as well. L/V, while I've had much fun in the past with rear wheel drive coupes, especially in the winter,( I fondly remember a 72 Chevelle that I miled out at about 240,000 miles), I also remember body panel replacement/paintjobs.WINTER SUCKS! I'm also of the persuasion of keeping my vehicles for about 8-10 years,(other than my bikes)thus reducing resale losses.
Asif, I am wondering how noticable the "low output" is with a manual tranny. This has always been my preference as I feel I it allows the driver much more control, especially in winter conditions.As far as extra passenger space goes, not important.Safety, mileage, reliability, and value.That's ALL.
Asif, I am wondering how noticable the "low output" is with a manual tranny. This has always been my preference as I feel I it allows the driver much more control, especially in winter conditions.As far as extra passenger space goes, not important.Safety, mileage, reliability, and value.That's ALL.
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Calgary
On the go.
I have driven the 5spd CRV despite my parents preference for auto only. As you suggest the manual allows the driver much more control, and if anything almost creates the illusion of more power. I would suggest that the lack of power is much more noticeable in the auto than in the 5spd version.
On another note, im not sure if you're planning on buying new or used, but remember that the 97s, and I think the 98s as well had only 126HP, whereas from 1999 on, all new CRVs had 146hp. Only 20HP I know, but it did make the world of difference.
Hope that helps.
Cheers
Asif
PS-My father works at High River Honda. If you do happen to call there during your travels, ask for "Mohamed" and tell him I sent you.
I have driven the 5spd CRV despite my parents preference for auto only. As you suggest the manual allows the driver much more control, and if anything almost creates the illusion of more power. I would suggest that the lack of power is much more noticeable in the auto than in the 5spd version.
On another note, im not sure if you're planning on buying new or used, but remember that the 97s, and I think the 98s as well had only 126HP, whereas from 1999 on, all new CRVs had 146hp. Only 20HP I know, but it did make the world of difference.
Hope that helps.
Cheers
Asif
PS-My father works at High River Honda. If you do happen to call there during your travels, ask for "Mohamed" and tell him I sent you.
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Thanks for the input. I looked at the new CRV, power is adequate, but have mixed feelings about interior styling.Rav4 is a bit down on power, and has the most electric feeling powerband I have ever experienced.Not strong, just without a noticable surge anywhere.I also find it's interior styling unimpressive. I think I will go check out the Subaru's on the weekend. I was surprised that I wouldn't find a sure winner with these two, but I guess I just wish for that little bit more.
By the way, thanks SkitZo, but I prefer to buy new, and then keep it for a few years.
By the way, thanks SkitZo, but I prefer to buy new, and then keep it for a few years.
