CRV - mk3 or mk4?

[somnv]

We're looking to get a CRV, either a late mk3 or early mk4, probably a petrol, manual. Basically looking for something fairly big , reliable and reasonably comfy.

I was wondering if anyone had an idea of what to look out for, or advice in general regarding mk3 vs mk4?

Is the squeaky clutch common on both?

Thanks!

[ninjag]

The 2.0 petrol is underpowered on the motorway in my opinion, fuel economy goes downhill fast unless willing to sit bumbling along in the inside lane. You have to change down if you want to keep up due to complete absence of torque.

4th gen awd system is a driving aid at best due to the lightweight rear diff and overheating protection built in. But the hands free system is far better than the 3rd gen which can't read address book.

EX is always the best spec, 4th gen gets remote open and close boot and pre face gets bi-xeons.

For the price I found the 4th gen a little cheap with obvious cost cutting especially with sound deadening. Lots of exposed plastic and the boot can make it rather boomy. Dash rattles and buzzing is common and the ride is very firm, the rear especially and so much so that it was part of the reason I sold mine despite the very low mileage.

The seats are better in the 3rd gen and I'd say that due to the lack of significant improvement with the 4th gen you'll get a much better bargain going for the 3rd gen. But I'd look at other makes thoroughly first.

[kurt535]

Mk2!! diesel has no cat converter. internal space more useful. funkier look.

[ninjag]

Also worth noting that the 3rd gen Ruth the cdti had no dpf until 2010, then the diesel changed to IDTEC which had a dpf.

[somnv]

Is the iDtec ok overall apart from the dpf? I ask as one has come up locally. 1 owner from new, 102k on the clock, 2011 for £5k, full history

[ninjag]

somnv said:

Is the iDtec ok overall apart from the dpf? I ask as one has come up locally. 1 owner from new, 102k on the clock, 2011 for £5k, full history

So long as it's been driven accordingly. My brother just bought an Accord with one at the end of last year and it had to have the dpf removed and sent off for a big clean as it was almost completely chocked.

The mileage and age suggests it will probably be OK though. His was only 5 years old with less than 30k miles.

[ninjag]

Couple of things I forgot to add about the 4th gen crv, the Bluetooth has lag which isn't an issue if playing music but if watching something and playing the audio through the speakers the lip sync will be out.

Also the cabin climate control has issues (known problem apparently). Struggles to maintain set temperatures so it's always too hot forcing you to turn on full ac then it gets too cold. Pain in the arse. I'm guessing it's to do with aggressive economy ambitions.

[somnv]

ninjag said:

Couple of things I forgot to add about the 4th gen crv, the Bluetooth has lag which isn't an issue if playing music but if watching something and playing the audio through the speakers the lip sync will be out.

Also the cabin climate control has issues (known problem apparently). Struggles to maintain set temperatures so it's always too hot forcing you to turn on full ac then it gets too cold. Pain in the arse. I'm guessing it's to do with aggressive economy ambitions.

Thanks. I actually picked up a mk4 on the weekend. Really like it but the climate control seems to have that issue you mentioned. I can't find much about it online. Do you know what might cause it? Is it fixable?

[ninjag]

somnv said:

Thanks. I actually picked up a mk4 on the weekend. Really like it but the climate control seems to have that issue you mentioned. I can't find much about it online. Do you know what might cause it? Is it fixable?

I got rid of mine before spending any real time researching it but I don't remember coming across any solutions. I have a suspicion that it's probably been setup by Honda to use as little aircon as possible for economy reasons. I think there's also a sensor which detects direct sunlight and will increase the aircon accordingly (could be that little dome in the middle of the windscreen vents) not that this solves anything.

Could be worth popping a thermometer inside the cabin and comparing it to your climate control setting. If the fans aren't really blowing then the thermometer should match your climate control setting. If not then I guess its possible that the internal temperature sensor may need a clean? If memory serves I think it's behind a small grill (about 3cmx3cm) to the left of the steering wheel, similar height to the ignition barrel.

[ninjag]

Here you go. The sensor isn't expensive either if you want to try changing it, but I have a feeling it's just the way the car is setup.