cr-v vs rav4 vs Santa fe

[smoothpops]

After getting stuck about 4 times in the last 2 weeks in her corolla, my mom wants to make the jump to an suv. I was wondering if you guys could give me some input on cr-v vs rav 4 vs Santa fe. We're probably looking for the 2011 models. So far we're leaning towards the cr-v, but we just started doing our research. Any thoughts on pricing?

[taco.vidal]

Was gonna make a wife or mom joke but can't.

[darklord700]

The thing about a used CRV and Rav4 is that their used car prices are too high. The reason I think is used cars are discounted based on their MSRP. Say a brand new CRV with $35K MSRP and a used 2011 CRV is based on the $35K so maybe $28K. On paper you saved $7K or $2.4K a year on the used CRV. However, there're tons of ways not to pay MSRP for a new CRV. So a new CRV could potentially be had for, e.g, $32K. Now you're savings is down to $4K for 3 years. Might as well spend a few grand more and buy new.

My opinion on buying an almost new 3 year old import vehicle is just to buy a new one instead. You'll get your money back when you sell.

[HockeyIlliterate]

A Santa Fe would probably be the cheapest, since they aren't quite in the same league as a CR-V or Rav4 in terms of reliability, resale, or safety. Just my opinion, of course.

[MoneyGuy]

If she doesn't have snow tires that might solve her problem for a lot less money. That car with snow tires shouldn't be getting stuck in normal driving. I'd be interested where she's going to get stuck so often.

[wooohooo]

I also have a corolla and used to get stuck. Winter tires have made it drivable. In fact during the big snow storm my sisters rav4 got stuck (all seasons, awd) but I had no problems (winters, fwd).

But if she's just looking to upgrade her ride then I'd go work crv or rav4 just on resale value.

[smoothpops]

I offered to buy her snow tires for her corolla, but she's already set on making the switch. Luckily everytime she's gotten stuck it's been in front of Her house, (Culdesac on a hill, that never sees snow plows or gravel)

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by HockeyIlliterate

A Santa Fe would probably be the cheapest, since they aren't quite in the same league as a CR-V or Rav4 in terms of reliability, resale, or safety. Just my opinion, of course.

We have had 2 Hyundia vehicles, one a Santa Fe, the other an Entourage.

We have driven onve 300,000 km combined in the vehicles and never had to do anything up regular schedule work to the vehicles.


Saying reliability was an issue with Hyundai was correct.......when the Pony was introduced.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

We have had 2 Hyundia vehicles, one a Santa Fe, the other an Entourage.

We have driven onve 300,000 km combined in the vehicles and never had to do anything up regular schedule work to the vehicles.


Saying reliability was an issue with Hyundai was correct.......when the Pony was introduced.

Hyundais are light years ahead of where they were a decade ago. But in terms of resale value, they still get absolutely slaughtered compared to the CR-V or the Rav4.

When it comes to the latter two, it basically comes down to personal preference; they're going to provide more or less the same performance when it comes to mileage and utility, both are exceedingly reliable, and they're the most popular vehicles in an extremely competitive segment for a reason.

If you're going the new route, the Rav was redesigned from the ground up in February; new engine, 6-speed transmission, body, interior, everything. The Honda hasn't had a change to its transmission since I believe 2007.

Again, you can't go wrong with either, but I'd always recommend the Japanese brands over Korean.

Source: Work for Heninger Toyota on MacLeod Trail. I'm biased, but only because I've yet to meet a Rav owner who was like '**** this car, worst mistake ever'

[zamler]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

We have had 2 Hyundia vehicles, one a Santa Fe, the other an Entourage.

We have driven onve 300,000 km combined in the vehicles and never had to do anything up regular schedule work to the vehicles.


Saying reliability was an issue with Hyundai was correct.......when the Pony was introduced.

Great sample size.

Edit - if your mother wants to stay with a Toyota, seriously consider this Highlander Hybrid. Excellent vehicle, 4WD and is very fuel efficient. This is a much better car than the new RAV4, which is louder, rides worse, has much less power, less room, not built as well. The 2007 Highlander is also made in Japan and has proven to be extremely reliable.

She will also save about $10 grand.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by zamler

Great sample size.

Don't be a Richard.

Guess Google is too much for you.


http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/c...lity-rankings/


http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...-Midsize-SUVs/


Continue to add nothing to this thread.

[zamler]

Hyundai has been about the industry average or below in reliability for the last 5+ years.

[Table 5]

I wouldn't buy a slightly used Toyota/Honda either...they just hold up their value far too well. It's usually so close, you might as well buy new and get all the benefits (warranty, ownership history). You can probably get pretty good decent deals on 2013 models now that the calendar year has rolled over.

Hyundai/Kias feel a little disposable to my eyes, but for moms and people who need a solid appliance they are a great value...especially if you're not going to keep it forever. If you're keeping for it for the long-term (10+ years or something), I'd still stick with the Japanese though.

Personal opinion, but to me both the Santa Fe/RAV4 look achingly boring and bloated these days...atleast the CRV has a little more personality. If I was forced to pick, I'd go for that one myself (or try the Tiguan that Pylon is always raving about!).

[Dion]

Escape.

[Table 5]

Yeah, the Escape is a good one to check out too. Lots of solid reviews about that one...although reliability wise it's had a few recalls.

[FLAMESRULE]

Subaru Forester. No one makes better AWD and the trunk room in it is light years better than an Escape or Tiguan.

[smoothpops]

What sites are you guys using for info? So far this has been the best comparison I've seen (outside of you guys)
http://www.drivearabia.com/news/2013...-vs-vw-tiguan/

[DuffMan]

Cherokee

[bagofpucks]

I'll throw a vote in for a Mazda CX-7 or CX-5 (I prefer the CX-7). We've had ours for two years and were able to get a good deal on a new one because they aren't as popular as the Hondas or the Toyotas. Ours has 275 HP and handles really nicely. It also has been an absolute beast in the winter with the AWD. Our other vehicle is an Infiniti G35X and the Mazda's AWD is pretty darn close to the same responsiveness. I also found that the option packages were more to my liking than other SUVs.

[Northendzone]

How about a ford edge? A hummer....or a bicycle, seeing as how the city is plowing bike lanes.