![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:17 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
Our trusty 2001 CR-V is turning 250K and we’re looking to update
. I was mostly looking at the 3rd/4th Gen CR-V, or the 3rd Gen Rav4 with AWD and V6, which I’ve heard are good cars. Ideally, less than 75K miles and $15,000.
Recently a 2013 Escape with AWD and the 4T came up and sparked my interest.
Anything to be aware of with any of those vehicles? Also, any other recommendations? We’d like AWD with decent MPGs.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:35 |
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That RAV is a sleeper, I’d do it. Timeless styling...p
lus, I trust a Toyota V6 over ANY Honda engine or anything with a turbo (in the long run).
![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:37 |
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the 3rd gen Rav4 with V6 is surprisingly quick
but might i also suggest the new Porsche Cayenne?
![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:45 |
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I personally can’t stand being in that gen escape. The interior is infuriating to me. The v6 rav4 is, as other have said, kinda a diamond in the rough. Dead reliable, fast and they can work pretty hard. Not great MPG though.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:45 |
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2013 is the first model year of the current generation, so I’d be slightly cautious of that. The 2.0 motor seems to be more solid than the 1.6 as well.
I like the Escape better than the other two but a solid V6 RAV4 would be excellent for the long haul.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:45 |
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I’m selling a 2018 CR-V EX-L. It’s FWD though, not AWD. 30+mpg is sweet
If interested, give me a shout :)
![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:47 |
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I read on Jalopnik that the V6 Rav4 was the quickest vehicle Toyota made in 2011/2012. I’m leaning toward that one.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:51 |
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I’d stick with something Japanese if you want to push it to 250k again. I just don’t think the Turbo first year Escape is up for the task.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 12:52 |
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The interesting thing is the V6 is rated only 1 mpg less than the four banger. Seems like a win to me...
![]() 05/21/2019 at 13:06 |
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That Escape will feel as small as a Fiesta inside, no joke. If you want to just not worry about anything and shit last a while, get the Rav4 -- and to actually enjoy it a little, get the V6.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 13:38 |
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![]() 05/21/2019 at 16:32 |
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I wouldn’t consider one, isn’t that gen of Escape known for having a LOT of engine / transmission problems? I work with a fellow teacher with a 2012 and they’ve had the transmission in theirs replaced 3 times now...
![]() 05/21/2019 at 16:46 |
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I believe I’ve read that the first year of that gen of RAV-4 (‘06) is to be avoided. My wife had an ‘07 RAV-4 Sport I4 FWD and it was a great vehicle for the 60k miles we had it.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 17:24 |
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How about other Japanese vehicles in the same category.
Subaru Forester ( failed to deliver a turbo option) + CVT issues. Love 5he AWD and safety features but the horses.
RAV 4, a bit smaller than Forester Go V6 .
Mazda CX5 gives 250 horses on high octanes
Which CVT will last >250k is a big question?
![]() 05/21/2019 at 18:34 |
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2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited with the four-cylinder. It’s fast enough. New rear shocks and some brake work were the first major mechanical repairs in 85,000 miles.
Ignore everyone else. You don’t need the V6. I drove one.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 22:16 |
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The four cylinder runs 0-60 in the 9 second range and has a terrible four speed automatic transmission. T hat’s really REALLY slow, dog slow combined with terrible passing capabilities because of the four speed transmission and long ratios.
The V 6 gets about the same gas mileage and i s three full seconds quicker to 60. Why would you not get it or recommend it ????
![]() 05/21/2019 at 22:17 |
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The Camry was running 0-60 in 5.9 seconds so it wasn’t the fastest.
V6 RAV4 ran 0-60 in like 6.2 IIRC.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 22:18 |
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I’d trust a K S eries from Honda over just about any engine in the entire world.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 22:54 |
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Get another CRV or go with a hybrid RAV4. You're kidding yourself if you think a V6 is a good idea.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 23:09 |
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I’ve driven my friend’s RAV4 V6 when I was in college. It truly is quite a car. Since then, her parents also picked up another V6 RAV4 but hers got totaled in a hailstorm recently in Midland and we were talking about what to replace it with.
And among all the currently 4-Cylinder crossovers (and the Highlander) on her list was another THAT GENERATION V6 RAV4. So it must be THAT good.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 23:17 |
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I highly recommend the 2012-2014 CR-V. More reliable and better to drive than the newer ones due to the lack of a CVT. I have a 2013 EX-L AWD and love it!
![]() 05/21/2019 at 23:21 |
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I j ust bought a ‘10 Rav (4 banger bas) and it has some suprising kick. It reminds me of my 06 Escape XLT, very spacious and peppy. Word of advice - watch the "lifetime" transmission fluid.
![]() 05/21/2019 at 23:59 |
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I recommended a RAV4 / CRV to my partner back in 2013. She ended up purchasing the base non- turbo, inline 4 cylinder Ford Escale. Hd to re placed the transmission at 70k and had a transmission line blow at 100k. Engine didn’t give us any problems but the entertainment system is super cumbersome. Now she owns a RAV4.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 00:13 |
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Do NOT get a 3rd gen CR-V. Just don’t.
Honda is generally great otherwise though, 4t h gen CR-Vs are fine.
Ge t the Rav 4. Seems like the obvious choice to me. Wi th the v6 that’s a car anyone should be proud to own imho
![]() 05/22/2019 at 01:35 |
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Well the reason I personally would look for a good 2nd gender crv SE or EX MODEL is because those are very good. Its the last generation crv that hd 8.1" of feound clearance. Ground clearance is something j pay attention to because I like to drive off road and sometimes I run into a “ high clearance vehicle only” sign (which is 8" of above). All over generation CRV ’s till the 18-19's had a measly 6-7" of ground clearance.
Those v-6's RAV 4's are beast, but I never needed a hot rod SUV. I need my small SUV capable and reliable. I have a 263kmile 1st gen crv too. Vehicle runs like a boss!
![]() 05/22/2019 at 02:22 |
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The V6 Rav4 is fast, but it’s not great on Fuel Economy. If you wanted to go that route, but also have some handling, I would get on of these. I have one (literally this exact model) and it’s been problem free for 130,000kms so far (I replace a mirror actuator). Get Tech Package with SH-AWD, as the FWD models eat axles. 240 hp, 260 torque, Torque Vectoring AWD.
Otherwise, any more modern CRV will be good on fuel and have great cargo space. Run away from the Escape, the 1.6T and 2.0T were not very reliable, and they’ve had a hard time with transmissions.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 06:38 |
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As the owner of a 2014 escape I would advise you to be aware there have been issues with the 1.6 turbo and 2.0turbo overheating. Haven’t heard about any issues with the 2.5 turbo which is what I have but the gas mileage on the interstate with that motor leaves something to be desired.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 07:07 |
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You can get into a 2019 model year vehicle for that price range. Why not a full warranty and better crash ratings than an older vehicle?
A 2019 Equinox FWD is under $16K on autotrader or just under $20K for AWD. The Equinox has a very low repair rate according to Truedel ta who used to do quarterly reporting. The repair rate was lower than CR-V snd RAV4.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 07:56 |
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I believe the budget was $15,000 for the purchase; not $15,000 for the first repair.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 08:24 |
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if it’s brand new you won’t have to pay $15k in repairs for a while
![]() 05/22/2019 at 08:35 |
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Have you considered a Mazda CX-5?
![]() 05/22/2019 at 12:38 |
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I have a 2008 Honda CR-V with just over 195,000 miles. I would suggest another in a heart beat. At around $15,000 I would get the 2014 EX/EXL model because thats got the same engine as mine and its the last year of the 5 speed auto as opposed to the CVT on the 2015 model. If you have to buy a CVT model make sure to change the fluid every 40-50k miles and not 100k or more like Honda suggest for optimum longevity.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 12:43 |
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I think the K series is underrated. People complain Honda has lost its glory but don’t realize how reliable and strong that motor is. I’ve seen plenty with over 400,000 miles. I’ve owned and had in the family a 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 03, 06, 07 Accords and a 2008 Crv. K series has served a well with less maintenance.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 13:31 |
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Get a 2014 CRV was the last year of the model with a 2.4l and six speed transmission both being developed for 8 years and trouble free, peppy and nimble.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 18:57 |
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A brand new Cayenne is gonna be WAYY more than 15k.........
![]() 05/22/2019 at 19:57 |
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I just traded my ‘04 CR-V with 315000 miles for a ‘12 CR-V with 84000 miles. This is my third one and the previous two racked up 500000 miles. I see no point in “experimenting” with another vehicle.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 22:11 |
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I've never driven a cx-5, but my fiancee's new cx-3 feels very well put together. The cx-5 would certainly be worth checking out if you're looking at these compact SUVs or crossovers or whatever they are called.
![]() 05/22/2019 at 23:04 |
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K series are a great motors, when mated to the manual gearbox. Honda does make a nice quick and tight stick shift, I just can’t stand the CVTs. Even though the CVT in the CRV is nice, personally I do not enjoy them and would rather have a regular automatic transmission.
![]() 05/23/2019 at 05:20 |
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Love, love, love my Mazda CX-5!
![]() 05/23/2019 at 16:48 |
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I floor it all the time and I never have issues. I also get like 20 MPG when EPA is 22 city, 28 highway. I like driving with one hand on the wheel; I didn’t feel like I could continue my current one-hand driving without losing control at 60+ MPH with the V6 I drove.
As for the transmission, it sounds bad on paper, but is a five-speed really better? I know it was 2012, but when every car has eight+ speeds or a CVT, it’s still old.