2012 crv (and other options)

[Kybosh]

Also, as far as minivans are concerned, their cargo space is pretty much unbeatable. For the vast majority of people, it is perfect for big trips to the dump, getting building materials from the hardware store or taking people to hockey. Minivans are great.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by 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.

You know what, you're right. A minivan is larger than a CUV, but it's certainly not an unmanageable amount given the additional interior volume you have and it's not something I would call huge or a whale. And the difference between a minivan and a crossover is even less pronounced, plus a crossover has terrible outward visibility. A minivan is 10" longer and 4" wider. That's nothing.

Sienna length: 200"
Sienna width: 78"

CR-V length: 178"
CR-V width: 72"

Murano length: 190"
Murano width: 74"

As far as the speed bump thing - you don't need the ground clearance of a CUV. My fleet consists of a 300c, a Sienna and a Mustang. I've never bottomed out on a speed bump in any of those cars. It's ridiculous to think you need a CUV to navigate the Ikea parking lot.

[Dynamic]

I test drove a 2012 crv and it was definitely a step up from the 2011's. Quieter, more fuel efficient, and a definite upgrade from the previous model. I settled for a 2011 because of the rebates and plus it would be a couple months for the model I wanted. If you want a no nonsense cuv that is reliable Honda will do the trick.

[Titan]

My wife drives a CRV and loves it. However, it is time to upgrade and she wants the Acura MDX or the Honda Pilot.

I have to bite my tongue everytime we talk about it because a van would be the perfect vehicle for her and meet every need she describes, except, the No Minivan Rule.

Sucks.

[Finner]

We just bought a 2012 CRV for my wife about 6 weeks ago. We went with the base model, and ended up just over 30k all in. The base model includes bluetooth, backup cameras and heated seats (off/hi/low) which are all things my wife wanted and were difficult to find in the same pricepoint, without being forced into leather seats (which we both hate).

We looked at a Mazda CX5, Sorento, Sportage, Soul, Rogue, RVR, Outlander, and a couple others.

Only one that came close was the Mazda CX5 Turbo. Tucson was underpowered, as were the Kias, except with poor visibility. Rogue had absolutely terrible visibility and was noisy and i hate CVTs. Also i'm a tall guy and the way the windshield is curved it made it feel as if my face was pressed against the windshield.

CRV blew them all away in driving experience, visibility and comfort.

[Table 5]

Wives ruin everything.

[karl262]

Most manufacturers make a decent product right now, so whats important is to go and look at everything with an open mind. One problem with the auto industry is that is takes years and years for negative perceptions to die, same with positive perceptions.

[FurnaceFace]

Guess I'll add more info. We have no kids and there won't be any, it's just the two of us. We currently have an Outback which we love but it's a 99 and I'm thinking it's maybe time for something new. We very much like the wagon idea over an SUV and I suspect we'll end up with another Outback but I've been looking at options.

Like Finner, we don't like leather seats. Also in this era of expensive gas I'm not a fan of having to pump premium. I know that statement could cause huge debate but leave that aside please. I don't know if it has changed in the dozen years since I last bought but a selling feature of the Outback was for insurance purposes it was classed as a car not a truck which reduced the rates a bit. Not a massive concern for us since we're D.I.N.K.s and therefore whizz money but it's a consideration. We're also fans of all wheel drive or similar approach...I guess Subaru marketing got to us.

Anyway, that's where we're at. Feel free to suggest alternatives and thanks for the recent useful posts.

[The Goon]

Originally Posted by Sliver

gaybar little SUVs and crossovers

Originally Posted by Table 5

All a CUV says is that you have no concept of practicality, and your wife wears the pants in the family.

Another reason I'm enjoying this thread is such strong opinions on things I've never thought about in my life.

[Lt.Spears]

The Ford edge and the newly redesigned 2013 escape are great cars.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

Forester is an option....

I'm looking at the CX-5...but I am a manual transmission kind of guy

I still think the wagons are the best option...

[Thor]

I'm getting a Ford f150 next week, first time I've owned a truck.

[Sopure]

Originally Posted by 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.

I've always been torn between the Tiguan and the Golf Wagon TDI. On one hand, Tiguan nets you a Haldex system thats, IMO, totally on the same page as Subaru and obliterates Honda/Toyota/blah blah. When you're talking about the all-wheel differences in Volkswagen/Audi and Subaru, the differences are so slight, and I think it's an understatement to say the majority of Canadians would never, ever push their vehicles hard enough to even notice a difference. I beat the #### out of a Tiguan just to see it at its max, with all systems on (4Motion, Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock) and I was pretty nervous. At the risk of sounding like a sales guy, I wouldn't do that to a non-European vehicle because I don't want to pay for anything that breaks or damages the vehicle. Anyways.

On the other hand, the Golf Wagon TDI is simply ruthless fuel economy. 1,200km per tank isn't any small accomplishment. I did one up for a super nice family a little while ago. The husband didn't want a van, but needed the space and fuel economy. I showed him a few things, but he'd already made his decision to go with it. Gave him a good-guy deal on the Wagon, and he tinted it up 35% all the way around and bought the GTI wheels to go with it. I was pretty blown away at how good it looked for a family vehicle. Resale wise, the TDI Wagon is worth its weight in gold.

[MRCboicgy]

Speaking as someone who won't have a family (unless you count a couple dogs and a cat), I love the Ford Edge and almost bought one a few months ago. I decided to stick with a car though.

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

Forester is an option....
.

I like the Forester, but all three of my (butch) lesbian friends drive those, so it's what I think of every time I see one

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by The Goon

Another reason I'm enjoying this thread is such strong opinions on things I've never thought about in my life.

Talking about cars is like the internet. Serious business.

Originally Posted by Lt.Spears

The Ford edge and the newly redesigned 2013 escape are great cars.

The Escape looks promising, but I'd hesitate to call anything great before it's even for sale and had a chance to be reviewed.

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

I'm looking at the CX-5...but I am a manual transmission kind of guy

From all accounts, the CX-5 is the best drivers option....comes with a manual too.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...th-a-cute-ute/

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Sopure

When you're talking about the all-wheel differences in Volkswagen/Audi and Subaru, the differences are so slight, and I think it's an understatement to say the majority of Canadians would never, ever push their vehicles hard enough to even notice a difference. I beat the #### out of a Tiguan just to see it at its max, with all systems on (4Motion, Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock) and I was pretty nervous.

I think that's the case with most cars these days, which is why I think the need for AWD, extra road clearance, and all that stuff is usually overkill. Most cars with stability control (ie, all of them now) will do just fine in 95% of real world use for most people. I recommend anyone who chooses between the two to save the extra 5k you'd save yourself on a Jetta Wagon over a Tiguan, buy yourself some winter tires, and you're gold.

[Table 5]

In this field, I'd also recommend looking at Volvos. Great cars in the winter, lots of storage, plus you get a higher sense of taste and design compared to the Japanese. Reliability wise it's going to be better than a VW (although I doubt Honda/Subaru levels).

We recently bought a used v50 for my wife (managed to convince her about the wagon part, but had to concede about the automatic tranny), and she absolutely loves it. It's honestly the perfectly sized car...small enough for the city, but big enough to go skiing/biking etc. The sense of design and build refinement was a big draw for us....(it feels so much more solid in build than a Subaru) and a nice scandinavian level of design that is understated but makes a ton of sense. Subaru has absolutely abysmal interiors imo.

[Thor]

Oh I'm turning my f150 into a Methane fuel vehicle, gas is about $2.14 per liter at the moment.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by Thor

Oh I'm turning my f150 into a Methane fuel vehicle, gas is about $2.14 per liter at the moment.

How much is it going to cost you to convert to methane?