2012 crv (and other options)

[FurnaceFace]

Anyone have one? Thoughts? Likes, dislikes? I'm specific to the 2012 model as it's changed from previous years.

We currently have an Outback which we quite like but it's getting up in years. We'd like something which we could haul two bikes in and I've noticed on the commercials for the CRV they seem to imply that's possible.

EDIT: also looking for opinions on other options too. Outlander?

[Bill Bumface]

Your Grandma will think your car is really cool...

[Thor]

You know how I know your gay?

[Sopure]

I thought it was an alright vehicle. I checked it out yesterday. I'm a former Honda guy and worked for Honda Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, ON. I'm an enthusiast and try to look at everything with an open mind and attitude. I should also say that I've also sold Volkswagen for a few years now.

I thought the interior was a bit on the cheap side, and didn't think the ground clearance was great. If you look at the rear floor, it's flat (no hump), which means all the drivetrain is underneath the car. Whenever that happens, ground clearance goes out the window fast-- but it depends on what you want to do with the vehicle.

The rear folding seats now have a release that's located near the back hatch which is a vast improvement. I really like that feature and I think it's something we need to look at in our vehicles for 2013 model year.

I love the price point. It tops out at around that 35K mark, which is very attractive to Canadians.

Honda hasnt really done much in the way of improving their manufacturing process over the last few years, much to my chagrin. They use the same recycled sheet metal and spot welding techniques they always have. It makes for a short corrosion / perforation warranty at 3 years and 5 years respectively-- but it probably won't ever treat you and your family badly-- and it will certainly run for a good number of years.

Hope this helps.

[FurnaceFace]

Originally Posted by Thor

You know how I know your gay?

I'd imagine it's because you're compensating with your fisting cologne?

Apologies for not asking about a Ferrari or F350 but this would fit what the wife and I would need.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by FurnaceFace

I'd imagine it's because you're compensating with your fisting cologne?

Apologies for not asking about a Ferrari or F350 but this would fit what the wife and I would need.

I will say what sopure hasn't.

Come in and check out a Tiguan, it is a shockingly nice SUV for the dollar. And right now we have finance and lease rates that we have never seen before. I haven't been in for a few days, but I believe we have a 0% 48 mth rate, and a 1.9% @ 72 months. And you are right in the ball park for price. Also CR-V is a domestic SUV, don't fool yourself into thinking it is Japanese. Tiguan is a true-blooded built and designed in Germany unit. Resale on Tiguan is ridiculous as well. Top of it's class right now, by a lot.

As per always CP pricing will apply, so there is no worries about haggling a deal. We will take care of you.

I am taking some time off right now, but send sopure a PM. He is our top sales consultant, and one of only a handful of Georgian College graduates in town. What does that mean? He actually went to University to learn the Auto Industry. He knows his stuff, but is too shy to tell anyone. He knows more about it than I do, that is for sure.

There are two other people looking for quotes on this board, and I will have sopure contact you, as I will not be in for a while. I apologize about not getting back to you guys, I have been dealing with some family things.

Also just bring your bikes to the store, and see if they fit. I would imagine there is no issues, as I have got my roadbikes in them, only taking off the front wheel.

[cKy]

^^^ Arent VW's built/assembled in Mexico? I thought I read that when we were finding a new car.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by cKy

^^^ Arent VW's built/assembled in Mexico? I thought I read that when we were finding a new car.

Different model cars are often made at different factories. I believe you are correct that some VWs sold in Canada are made in Mexico though.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by cKy

^^^ Arent VW's built/assembled in Mexico? I thought I read that when we were finding a new car.

No, some are made in Mexico, most aren't. That is what every other brand tells you trying to slam our cars, but here is the rundown.

Golf hatchback - Germany
GTI - Germany
Touareg - Germany
Tiguan - Germany
CC - Germany

EOS - Portugal

Passat - USA

Beetle - Mexico
Jetta - Mexico
Golf Wagon - Mexico

We have more German made vehicles, than Mexican. This is the easiset way to tell country of origin:

First digit in VIN:

W - Germany
3 - Mexico
1 - USA

And to answer the question everyone asks, I personally hold the belief the German cars are made better. However, with the Jetta now being our least expensive car, and the Beetle being dropped down a few thousand in base price, and the Passat almost 7K, you are no longer paying a premium on the non German built stuff. So you are getting fair value. They are N/A cars built with the N/A market in mind. You cannot even get our version of the Passat in Europe, it is N/A only, hence the very low entry level price.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by pylon

No, some are made in Mexico, most aren't. That is what every other brand tells you trying to slam our cars

I actually was told that by a salesman when searching out a new vehicle,being the ass-hat that I am I asked..whats the difference where they are manufactured? are yours handmade with extra care like a RR or a Ferrari? Aren't your vehicles made mostly by machines like everyone elses? The look on the salesmans face was priceless.(and sad really..as he didn't even try to have an answer)

I was in the auto biz for many years, I tend to look for the imperfections(every vehicle has them)..I look at how everything fits together,the seams on the parts inside and out,even the way the hood shuts and on test drive the road noise can tell you how well it's built.

So..After looking at Honda,Toyota,Kia,Dodge and Mazda for a mid size SUV I decided on (get ready to laugh) ....a Ford Edge.

Couldn't be happier

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I suspect your moving up to a CRV for forte family expansion. If so, keep in mind the Tiguans rather limited cargo space behind the rear seat. Big turn off.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by T@T

So..After looking at Honda,Toyota,Kia,Dodge and Mazda for a mid size SUV I decided on (get ready to laugh) ....a Ford Edge.

Couldn't be happier

Actually, Ford builds exceptional cars now. They are light years ahead of Chrysler and GM for overall fit and finish when you are looking at the average everyday cars. Much of that I believe is how deep their Euro roots are. In Europe, you cannot get away with the same shoddy materials the North American market will tolerate. To me that is why when you look at the inside of a German made Golf, or a Mexican made Jetta which is built for N/A you can just feel it. Cadillac has made immense strides in quality, but the regular GM stuff is put together painfully bad. Industry slang for GM interiors is 'dashboards by tupperware'.

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

I suspect your moving up to a CRV for forte family expansion. If so, keep in mind the Tiguans rather limited cargo space behind the rear seat. Big turn off.

What a lot of people do not know about the Tiguan, and what no magazine ever mentions is the rear seat slides forward and back, like a bench and also has one of the best fold down set ups out there. Difficult to describe here, kinda need to do it hands on. So for most situations, it is fine. But yes, it isn't in the same league as the CR-V, it isn't designed, or supposed to be. However I have seen families do just fine with a regular TDi Golf hatchback, and still manage to camp, run errands, do all of their shopping etc.... Usually people from Europe seem to have no issues living perfectly normal lives with out a stretched Ford Excursion with 5th row seating to accommodate their with a newborn and a class 17 pintle hitch for their ultra lightweight tent trailer.

You have to remember, it was primarily designed for a Euro market, and one of the things people love about the thing, is it hasn't become bloated like CR-V and Rav 4 have become. It is a nice tidy little size. Almost like a jacked up turbo Golf Wagon... because essentially that is exactly what it is. Not everyone wants a big vehicle. Some people still embrace a more compact SUV.

[Northendzone]

My wife drives a 2008 ford edge, and I really like it (I have a 2009 ford explorer). I think her edge is roomier than my truck (it also has the glass roof so that helps make the interior seem larger). The back seats fold flat so I could see getting a couple of bikes in there., unless you are into the old time bikes with the big front wheel.

[Table 5]

Personally, I always thought the Tiguan was a bit of a useless tit. When Pylon said it was like a raised Golf, that's exactly what it is. And I have no idea what benefits raising a Golf would give you to be honest. I think the Jetta Sportwagon is much more useful vehicle.

• You have way more cargo volume with both seats up and down (cause hey it's an actual wagon and not just a raised hatch to give you the appearance of volume),
• It gets way better fuel economy, especially when you get the Diesel (but even if you don't). Plus the Tiguan recommends Premium fuel, where the Jetta doesnt.
• It's cheaper by about 4-5 grand. For the base price of a Tiguan you can get the Diesel mid-level Jetta..and have 36mpg to the Tiguans 21.
• Like all cars, it has lower center of gravity, so it has way better driving dynamics. Engineers can do marvelous things these days, but they can't cheat gravity....and just think about who tends to be clumsier, tall guys or short guys.
• People make fun of CUV's as soccer mom cars because that's exactly what they are. Useless fads. Not that you should give a crap, but a station wagon will get you respect from car guys.
• The only advantage I see is the optional AWD (but one that's no match for your current Outback).

Both of these cars have average reliability at best. While VW's do have solid construction, they still rank near the bottom of every reliability list. VW sales guys might start jumping on the door to prove their toughness, but that's not what you have to worry about....it's the electrical gremlins. Just like with most german cars, be ok with having a flexible work schedule.

Also personally, I think VW has taken a step back in interior materials across the board. Our 2000 Golf felt much nicer than the last '12 Golf I looked at. In the end though it will probably still feel more premium than a Honda.

Anyway, that's my two cents. Also keep in mind I have a general hate on for any CUV and love for all things wagon.

[The Goon]

I am looking for later in the year for a CR-V or relative competitor for my wife as we need something for our family. Enjoying reading this as I'm not a car guy and would never have heard of some of these others if not for this thread.

[Sliver]

If you're looking for something for your family do yourself a favour and test drive a minivan. They are the perfect family vehicles. They are superior to gaybar little SUVs and crossovers in the following ways (generally, there could be individual exceptions):

- more fuel efficient
- faster
- roomier
- smaller footprint
- lower to the ground and have better driving dynamics
- sliding doors make putting kids in and out way easier
- less expensive
- more fuel efficient (particularly compared against crossovers)
- better looking in some cases (the new Sienna is really sharp in certain colours)

A mini SUV is a completely useless vehicle. You'll need that little bit of extra ground clearance exactly never, but you'll pay for it with a worse driving experience every kilometer you drive. Crossovers are even worse - the fuel economy, driving dynamics, cost and footprint of an SUV with the interior volume of a sedan. They take the worst parts of automotive design and wrap them up in one ugly package.

A crossover or mini SUV is not better than a minivan in any way. Not one. The only argument people have against minivans is "I don't like minivans." Set aside your preconceived notions if you're one of those and just try one out. Sit in the driver seat and see how much legroom the seat behind you has, for instance.

[Table 5]

As much as I love wagons, minivans are totally awesome. Even though I try not to judge people on their cars, who am I kidding....I have way more respect for the girl or guy who buys one of these over a CUV/crossover. At least it says that you're a logical and responsible person who puts his family's actual needs over a ridiculous marketing fad. All a CUV says is that you have no concept of practicality, and your wife wears the pants in the family.

Plus little kids tend to love vans. Riding in the 3rd row like a boss while your parents are wayyy up in the front, that's the way to be.

[BlackRedGold25]

I don't see how you can possibly say that minivans have a smaller footprint than SUVs or crossovers. Minivans are freaking whales on the road.

And with the cities and parking lots having gone speed bump crazy, that extra ground clearance does come in handy on a frequent basis.

I understand the practicality behind a minivan but you pay for it by driving something so huge on the road. I'm just not big on driving something huge and having to squeeze into little parking spots.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Import a Pajero Evolution.

[4X4]

I wish my Trailblazer had a sliding door. Best of both worlds. Easy to put the baby seat in the back so I can take the munchkin 4x4ing.