by "Brickman" (legomaniacman)
Published 09/09/2017 at 11:15
by "Brickman" (legomaniacman)
Published 09/09/2017 at 11:15
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STARS: 0
My dad wants a new vehicle to travel and because his/mine 1996 Dodge Caravan even though it is great, it is aging and random electrical gremlins, and he wants to travel and go on vacation / long trips without needing new c/v shafts or whatever is next to give out. Also it is way overdue for a new vehicle. We went Sunday car gawking to take a look at what we would like. Then one day go see about test driving them.
Im looking at a mid sized crossover around 35k or less, all wheel drive, and navigation.
First choice is the 2017 (2018 by the time we buy) Mazda CX-5. I love the redesigned look. There were no Touring Select models on the lot
The c-pillar window looks like a rotor :D
Storage doesn’t look as large as the other two, but it has a great engine and the only one with an actual transmission. The way Mazda puts the infotainment screen is well done. Theres a knob on the center console you use to operate the radio, gps, etc without having to touch the screen. Wish it had Android Auto.
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Second choice is the 2017 Honda CR-V. He loved it since it first came out. Wants it in the rarest color Olive Green Metallic. I prefer obsidian blue.
I like the redesign too. Seems the designers went a bit far on the front and rear bumpers, but I can live with it. Interior looks fantastic and very upscale. The model with AWD has the 1.5l turbo. Its a variation of Hondas L series engine that been around in Japan since 2001, so it should be proven to be reliable as always by now.
I love the rear vertical orange signal lights! Voice commands like “turn on A/C” because im too lazy to reach over and turn it on :P
The GPS / infotainment system looks high quality and up to date. Almost like a tablet PC.
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Third is the 2017 / 2018 Subaru Forester. There is no Subaru dealer for 60 miles. So internet pic will have to do.
Timeless style, standard all wheel drive, an engine that I am familiar with that can be worked on hopefully not in the near future. Not sure if the headgasket issues are still there. Interior has everything you need, lots of cargo room. Some black wheel arch molding would complete the look.
Biggest complaint I read is that the GPS system is outdated, freezes up, and doesn’t give the quickest route. Also in 2019 it’s supposed to be updated inside and out.
After watching YouTube videos, comparisons, reading reviews, owner manuals (im nerdy like that :P). It comes down to these three crossovers. Each one has something the other doesn’t offer or doesn’t do as well as the other.
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Other considerations:
Subaru Crosstrek: Not as much storage space but might still consider it. The GPS system looks updated for 2018, unlike the Forester.
2018 VW Tiguan: Was a strong 4th choice, but with it being a new model and we plan on keeping the vehicle for a long time might make maintenance costly in the long run and who knows what else VW is cheating on. :P
2017 Ford Edge and Escape: I thought Ford would have a better interior. Exterior is a bit bland too. Makes the 96 Caravan look good.
2017 Toyota Rav4: Dad liked it. I talked him out of it. Its a dated platform that’s overpriced and fugly.
2017 Toyota 4Runner: Overpriced. Nice though.
Hyundai / Kia.... no. Might be reliable, but the interior designs isn’t our liking.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox...makes me want to barf. Have nightmares working on 1st gen Equinox.
Jeep Cherokee and Renegade: Hah, the Renegade is like a clown car.
Nissan: No, oh hell no.
2018 Volvo XC60: Sure :D Can’t afford that!
"CB" (jrcb)
09/09/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 1
From what I’ve heard, my mum loves her 2017 CR-V, and it’s always a safe bet.
I know there are a bunch of people who own Mazdas here who can probably vouch for them.
"Funktheduck" (funktheduck)
09/09/2017 at 13:08, STARS: 1
The CX-5 sells like hot cakes compared to other Mazda models. It’s a shame more people just automatically look over Mazda.
Your top 3 choices are all solid
"Monkey B" (monkeyb)
09/09/2017 at 14:31, STARS: 1
I think the decision is really between the Mazda and the CR-V. My opinion is that the Honda is a nicer place to be inside, better materials, feels more upscale and quieter than the Mazda. While I like the Mazda’s interior aesthetically, I’m not a fan of the feel and durability. All that said, the Mazda is far nicer to look at and will be more fun to drive if that matters. I’d buy the Mazda because of that, and I’m going to guess you can get more for your dollar with Mazda. I don’t think you can make a bad decision on this one. The Subaru feels/looks a bit old these days.
"Brickman" (legomaniacman)
09/09/2017 at 20:57, STARS: 1
Im really impressed with Mazda. It’s not the cheapo company Ford used to own. Mazda is really putting a lot of engineering into their engines and driving dynamics unlike other companies.