Honda CRV or Subaru Forester or ?
Discussion
Looking to buy a Honda CRV or Subaru Forester around the 06/08 age range. I've spotted a couple of each and just wondering if anyone has owned either of these or has any experience they could share.
I have roughly £3k-£4k budget. With the Honda that'll get me a petrol or diesel 07 with a decent spec, history and c110k miles. Happy with either fuel type but not convinced the petrol will have enough torque for such a big car. With the Subaru I can go cheap and get a 2l 2006 (SG shape) with 110k. Bit rough around the edges with non structural rust advisories on the last MOT. Or there's a newer shape 2010 with the same mileage but it's an auto. I'm not against an auto but supposedly these have a 4 speed CVT as fitted to Noahs ark.
Thoughts and other suggestions welcome (dear ZX don't say a Cherokee)
I have roughly £3k-£4k budget. With the Honda that'll get me a petrol or diesel 07 with a decent spec, history and c110k miles. Happy with either fuel type but not convinced the petrol will have enough torque for such a big car. With the Subaru I can go cheap and get a 2l 2006 (SG shape) with 110k. Bit rough around the edges with non structural rust advisories on the last MOT. Or there's a newer shape 2010 with the same mileage but it's an auto. I'm not against an auto but supposedly these have a 4 speed CVT as fitted to Noahs ark.
Thoughts and other suggestions welcome (dear ZX don't say a Cherokee)
We had a 57 (MK3) CRV and my wife loved it.
We bought a cheap unloved one and fixed all the little issues...
Steering wheel pulses if diff fluid hasn't been changed, sorted with a bottle of official Honda fluid and a bit of tube.
Speakers not working is blocked door drains causing rusting to speaker wires.
Ours started having an issue with hot starts, needed a fuel rail pressure sensor (cost around £80 for part and labour).
They can suffer with DMF failure, ours had been replaced.
Wife loved it and after its initial tart up the only expense was tyres and the hot start issue in 25k miles / 18 months.
We bought a cheap unloved one and fixed all the little issues...
Steering wheel pulses if diff fluid hasn't been changed, sorted with a bottle of official Honda fluid and a bit of tube.
Speakers not working is blocked door drains causing rusting to speaker wires.
Ours started having an issue with hot starts, needed a fuel rail pressure sensor (cost around £80 for part and labour).
They can suffer with DMF failure, ours had been replaced.
Wife loved it and after its initial tart up the only expense was tyres and the hot start issue in 25k miles / 18 months.
Bought a 57 place CR-V in ex spec..
Good points -
-Pano roof is great
-90 degree opening rear doors are great
-split shelf boot is awesome
-Satnav is old, but great, even has an aux in.
-Easy/Cheap to service
-Reliable
-4wd system works well for snowy conditions.
-Manual shifter is really good to use (typical Honda) - ideally would have preferred an auto though.
-Middle rear seat is an excellent size. Can fit the mother in law between the two child seats.
-Aero bodykit makes it look a little more 'modern' too.
'meh' points -
-iCDTI engine doesn't have a DPF (yay) but also doesn't come in auto - I didn't want a petrol. Later dpf equiped diesels come as an auto though.
-'Front' parking sensors are corner sensors only. Not sure why they didn't just add a couple at the front of the car.
-Reverse camera is fine
Bad points -
-19" wheels aren't amazing over bumps.. stick with 17s.
-Bluetooth is really really really crap. Forget even using it. You have can only use it via voice commands.. can't dial out using a button.
-1st gear is very short and very annoying. Like driving a van.
-iCTDI diesel engine sounds like a van.
-Not the most powerful thing ever. Doesn't feel like 140bhp. Tempted to remap, but clutch probably wont like it.
-Alternator developed a weird shriek, was hard to diagnose and meant new alternator (doesn't seem common though - but have seen reports on other iCDTI cars)
-Clutch has been juddery since we got it.. seems to get better and worse with wear. Was waiting for it to fail. Hasn't yet (nearly 4 years on/25k miles)
-Audio system is mediocre
-Rear diff oil was changed for proper Honda dual pump fluid despite that it started juddering again around 6-8k miles later (full lock only - common issue). No biggy to live with or to change fluid either way - just use proper Honda stuff apparently.
-Lots of road noise when compared to cars 5-10 years newer - might be due to 245wide tyres all around.
Fwiw - The 530d (that its parked next to below) gave better mileage on a run (45mpg vs 40mpg) though slightly worse around town (24mpg vs 30mpg).
Good points -
-Pano roof is great
-90 degree opening rear doors are great
-split shelf boot is awesome
-Satnav is old, but great, even has an aux in.
-Easy/Cheap to service
-Reliable
-4wd system works well for snowy conditions.
-Manual shifter is really good to use (typical Honda) - ideally would have preferred an auto though.
-Middle rear seat is an excellent size. Can fit the mother in law between the two child seats.
-Aero bodykit makes it look a little more 'modern' too.
'meh' points -
-iCDTI engine doesn't have a DPF (yay) but also doesn't come in auto - I didn't want a petrol. Later dpf equiped diesels come as an auto though.
-'Front' parking sensors are corner sensors only. Not sure why they didn't just add a couple at the front of the car.
-Reverse camera is fine
Bad points -
-19" wheels aren't amazing over bumps.. stick with 17s.
-Bluetooth is really really really crap. Forget even using it. You have can only use it via voice commands.. can't dial out using a button.
-1st gear is very short and very annoying. Like driving a van.
-iCTDI diesel engine sounds like a van.
-Not the most powerful thing ever. Doesn't feel like 140bhp. Tempted to remap, but clutch probably wont like it.
-Alternator developed a weird shriek, was hard to diagnose and meant new alternator (doesn't seem common though - but have seen reports on other iCDTI cars)
-Clutch has been juddery since we got it.. seems to get better and worse with wear. Was waiting for it to fail. Hasn't yet (nearly 4 years on/25k miles)
-Audio system is mediocre
-Rear diff oil was changed for proper Honda dual pump fluid despite that it started juddering again around 6-8k miles later (full lock only - common issue). No biggy to live with or to change fluid either way - just use proper Honda stuff apparently.
-Lots of road noise when compared to cars 5-10 years newer - might be due to 245wide tyres all around.
Fwiw - The 530d (that its parked next to below) gave better mileage on a run (45mpg vs 40mpg) though slightly worse around town (24mpg vs 30mpg).
Edited by tejr on Thursday 5th November 15:41
Edited by tejr on Thursday 5th November 15:44
We have a Gen 3 2007 CRV EX with the 2.0 petrol lump & auto box & pano roof.
We bought it used back in 2015 from an old guy who had it from new, with only 45k on the clock. Its now just about to tick over to 100k and has been completely dependable in our ownership, come rain, wind, snow or 35 degree heat.
For an affordable family car, I think its hard to beat if your not a badge/aesthetics snob. Its really spacious, comfortable, still looks relatively modern today, and has all the toys you could want. Ours even has the Advance Safety Pack with Adaptive Cruise, Collision Mitigation, Adaptive HID headlamps - which surprises most people, even with much new cars. (I think this was an expensive option back in the day!).
However, I would say that the 2.0l petrol has no where near enough torque for a car of its size, especially when mated to the 5sp old school auto box. Yes it'll get a wiggle on with a light load and a foot buried to the floor, but the rest of the time it really is a lazy old bore to drive. In fact tedious at times. Our bluetooth module packed up last year and the radio reception is poor, but both easily resolvable if needed.
In terms of running costs....MPG round town is 23-25, but up to 35 on a steady run, Insurance is low, tax is £23 a month, Michy Latitudes last us 30k+, its flown through every MOT without so much as an advisory and Honda service costs/parts are not horrendous. Plus its super easy to work on yourself if you need to.
We bought it used back in 2015 from an old guy who had it from new, with only 45k on the clock. Its now just about to tick over to 100k and has been completely dependable in our ownership, come rain, wind, snow or 35 degree heat.
For an affordable family car, I think its hard to beat if your not a badge/aesthetics snob. Its really spacious, comfortable, still looks relatively modern today, and has all the toys you could want. Ours even has the Advance Safety Pack with Adaptive Cruise, Collision Mitigation, Adaptive HID headlamps - which surprises most people, even with much new cars. (I think this was an expensive option back in the day!).
However, I would say that the 2.0l petrol has no where near enough torque for a car of its size, especially when mated to the 5sp old school auto box. Yes it'll get a wiggle on with a light load and a foot buried to the floor, but the rest of the time it really is a lazy old bore to drive. In fact tedious at times. Our bluetooth module packed up last year and the radio reception is poor, but both easily resolvable if needed.
In terms of running costs....MPG round town is 23-25, but up to 35 on a steady run, Insurance is low, tax is £23 a month, Michy Latitudes last us 30k+, its flown through every MOT without so much as an advisory and Honda service costs/parts are not horrendous. Plus its super easy to work on yourself if you need to.
How do you get on with the collision mitigation and radar cruise?
I turned the collision mitigation off after a few weeks when it slammed on a brakes after picking up a number of false alarms (cars in front stopped in the middle of the road to turn right, for example, knowing that I will swerve left around them). And the radar cruise has two annoying features, 1) cruises up to a car then slams on the brakes if there's a largeish speed differential, and 2) when you engage the cruise, during the time you release your foot from the peddle there's a dip in power before the cruise cuts in.
Little unfinished touches like that take the shine off it.
To be fair though, I think it's a great car! No car park anxiety and smart enough not to be embarrassed of it.
I turned the collision mitigation off after a few weeks when it slammed on a brakes after picking up a number of false alarms (cars in front stopped in the middle of the road to turn right, for example, knowing that I will swerve left around them). And the radar cruise has two annoying features, 1) cruises up to a car then slams on the brakes if there's a largeish speed differential, and 2) when you engage the cruise, during the time you release your foot from the peddle there's a dip in power before the cruise cuts in.
Little unfinished touches like that take the shine off it.
To be fair though, I think it's a great car! No car park anxiety and smart enough not to be embarrassed of it.
tejr said:
How do you get on with the collision mitigation and radar cruise?
I turned the collision mitigation off after a few weeks when it slammed on a brakes after picking up a number of false alarms (cars in front stopped in the middle of the road to turn right, for example, knowing that I will swerve left around them). And the radar cruise has two annoying features, 1) cruises up to a car then slams on the brakes if there's a largeish speed differential, and 2) when you engage the cruise, during the time you release your foot from the peddle there's a dip in power before the cruise cuts in.
Little unfinished touches like that take the shine off it.
To be fair though, I think it's a great car! No car park anxiety and smart enough not to be embarrassed of it.
Its certainly no where near as slick as the radar system on my 2015 Golf GTD...but we haven't suffered from the CMBS giving us any false alarms, or the abruptness with the adaptive cruise, although to be fair we barely use it. We do have to keep the radar unit clean though - we've had a couple of error messages previously when it gets covered in road crap. Your spot on with the little power drop when you first engage CC though!I turned the collision mitigation off after a few weeks when it slammed on a brakes after picking up a number of false alarms (cars in front stopped in the middle of the road to turn right, for example, knowing that I will swerve left around them). And the radar cruise has two annoying features, 1) cruises up to a car then slams on the brakes if there's a largeish speed differential, and 2) when you engage the cruise, during the time you release your foot from the peddle there's a dip in power before the cruise cuts in.
Little unfinished touches like that take the shine off it.
To be fair though, I think it's a great car! No car park anxiety and smart enough not to be embarrassed of it.
I'd happily live without the ACC and CMBS, but those I love the HIDs....they appear just as good as modern tech.
CaptainSlow said:
I'm a massive Subaru fan...had three including a 2004 Forester XT.
I'd go for the Honda though...the Scoobies are getting a bit old now.
This is the odd thing. There's a year separating the Forester and CRV I'm looking at but the CRV looks and feels like its 10 years newer.I'd go for the Honda though...the Scoobies are getting a bit old now.
Another vote for a the MK3 CRV here. I bought ours on 146k in 2016, a 2008 EX Diesel. It now reads 170k, and is still not missing many beats. In fact, I've been commuting a short way round the M25 and into London on the M4 lately in it, with the cruise control set to 60mph it's averaging 52+ MPG over the 55 miles per day.
Things I've not seen mentioned, that may be of interest:
They were part of a dual front airbag recall, so ensure this was completed.
The steering racks love to leak, which is an MOT failure if it's bad enough. Mine has 'weeped' at the join to the column for the last couple of MOTs but hasn't used any conceivable amount of PAS fluid in that time.
The only costly fault was the airbag ECU which was expensive at 800 quid + coding.
Otherwise, a 3rd party set of glow plugs only lasted 2 years. Honda genuine are the way to go, and *not* too dear in comparison.
Would buy another in a heart beat, no matter how long I drive it for I never get out aching. It puts up with the abuse of two toddlers, and is nice and roomy inside with the dual/pano roof.
Things I've not seen mentioned, that may be of interest:
They were part of a dual front airbag recall, so ensure this was completed.
The steering racks love to leak, which is an MOT failure if it's bad enough. Mine has 'weeped' at the join to the column for the last couple of MOTs but hasn't used any conceivable amount of PAS fluid in that time.
The only costly fault was the airbag ECU which was expensive at 800 quid + coding.
Otherwise, a 3rd party set of glow plugs only lasted 2 years. Honda genuine are the way to go, and *not* too dear in comparison.
Would buy another in a heart beat, no matter how long I drive it for I never get out aching. It puts up with the abuse of two toddlers, and is nice and roomy inside with the dual/pano roof.
nunpuncher said:
CaptainSlow said:
I'm a massive Subaru fan...had three including a 2004 Forester XT.
I'd go for the Honda though...the Scoobies are getting a bit old now.
This is the odd thing. There's a year separating the Forester and CRV I'm looking at but the CRV looks and feels like its 10 years newer.I'd go for the Honda though...the Scoobies are getting a bit old now.
Did someone say Grand Cherokee 
RX400h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010315...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010114...
XC90 D5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009073...
Kuga Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010024...
C Crosser VTR+ basically a Mitsubishi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010165...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011045...
Mitsubishi Outlander
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011035...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010155...
2.4i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010235...
X3 30d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009234...
30i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006160...
RX400h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010315...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010114...
XC90 D5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009073...
Kuga Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010024...
C Crosser VTR+ basically a Mitsubishi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010165...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011045...
Mitsubishi Outlander
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011035...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010155...
2.4i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010235...
X3 30d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009234...
30i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006160...
Bought our 2008 CRV EX 2,2 CDTi new and haven’t regretted it.
Issues....Bluetooth module gave up the ghost. Suspension clunks on the left hand front....probably bushes.
Good points....easy 44mpg. Boot system brilliant...seats big and comfy. Decent M&S tyres, cheap to insure. Its no surprise that CRV owners tend to replace their cars were newer versions.
Issues....Bluetooth module gave up the ghost. Suspension clunks on the left hand front....probably bushes.
Good points....easy 44mpg. Boot system brilliant...seats big and comfy. Decent M&S tyres, cheap to insure. Its no surprise that CRV owners tend to replace their cars were newer versions.
Lots of great tips on the CRV and plenty of praise. Thanks all.
Good alternative list ZX. The rx400h would be top choice if I could find one in budget (when I said £4k I really meant advertised at 4 maybe nick it for 3700). I quite like the X3 but the 3l are hard to find up here and I definitely don't want the 2l. So on your comment regarding the c-crosser, does the mitsubishi use a PSA hdi engine? I'd ignored them as the old l200 engines were s
te
Good alternative list ZX. The rx400h would be top choice if I could find one in budget (when I said £4k I really meant advertised at 4 maybe nick it for 3700). I quite like the X3 but the 3l are hard to find up here and I definitely don't want the 2l. So on your comment regarding the c-crosser, does the mitsubishi use a PSA hdi engine? I'd ignored them as the old l200 engines were s
teAn alternative to the RX400H is the same generation RX300. Cheaper to buy so you’ll get a lower mileage one for the same money. It has proper 4 wheel drive instead of front wheel drive with electric motors too. Other than that they are the same.
Compared to the CRV and forester they are bigger and much more power. Fuel economy is about 22mpg round town and up to low 30’s on the motorway. Some parts can be expensive but they have a reputation for being reliable.
Compared to the CRV and forester they are bigger and much more power. Fuel economy is about 22mpg round town and up to low 30’s on the motorway. Some parts can be expensive but they have a reputation for being reliable.
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