Second car for winter & DD - Honda CRV

[PA135i]

I am strongly considering a second car for 2 reasons. My 135i has 118K and don't want to drive it through the winter anymore and to keep the miles down. Would also keep the maintenance costs down because the miles would be in half.

Saw a 2008 Honda CRV EX-L. Loaded model. Looks very good one owner.
Has 100K they are asking 10K.

Anybody ever own one of these or know how they will hold up over time?

thanks, here is a link of the car.

http://www.getauto.com/2008/honda/cr...ails_175973362

[champignon]

Originally Posted by PA135i

I am strongly considering a second car for 2 reasons. My 135i has 118K and don't want to drive it through the winter anymore and to keep the miles down. Would also keep the maintenance costs down because the miles would be in half.

Saw a 2008 Honda CRV EX-L. Loaded model. Looks very good one owner.
Has 100K they are asking 10K.

Anybody ever own one of these or know how they will hold up over time?

thanks, here is a link of the car.

http://www.getauto.com/2008/honda/cr...ails_175973362

I'm not familiar with the Honda, but it's a high mileage car also.

Do you have snow tires for your 135i? If so, I'd turn the current car into your winter/beater car, and go out and buy a much lower mileage 1-Series now that they are cheap, and keep that as your fair weather/summer car. You could mix it up by getting something different, say a 128i, or a 135is, or a convertible.

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by champignon

I'm not familiar with the Honda, but it's a high mileage car also.

Do you have snow tires for your 135i? If so, I'd turn the current car into your winter/beater car, and go out and buy a much lower mileage 1-Series now that they are cheap, and keep that as your fair weather/summer car. You could mix it up by getting something different, say a 128i, or a 135is, or a convertible.

I have a second set of wheels with winter tires mounted. Although this year I will need 4 new winter tires. I wanted to get a 4wd Rav4 or CRV. I would rather keep my current 135i. I have owned it since new and have all the maintenance up to date. thanks for the input.

[champignon]

Originally Posted by PA135i

I have a second set of wheels with winter tires mounted. Although this year I will need 4 new winter tires. I wanted to get a 4wd Rav4 or CRV. I would rather keep my current 135i. I have owned it since new and have all the maintenance up to date. thanks for the input.

You could also look at Subarus.

I've owned SUVs and I basically hate driving them :-) Plus, people get over-confident with them in the snow and end up in the ditch . . . . .

No one is making cars like the E82/E88 1-Series anymore. The window is closing. The depreciation of these cars is ridiculous, which does present some opportunities on the buying side.

Good luck!

[desertman123]

I hear really good things about Crosstreks

[tock172]

I daily drive a 2003 Honda Civic EX sedan that's approaching 200k. The peace of mind the car gives me is worth far more than what it's worth, and it costs pennies to keep going in comparison to my E30, which is also pennies compared to my 135i.

[captain slowly]

I have a 2007 CRV, that I use as a daily and keep my 135i in the garage and use occasionally. The one you are looking at is essentially the same as mine, and is bulletproof. Change the oil, put some gas and you'll be good. I've owned mine for 5 years now, and the car is about to turn over 100k. Bought it at 50k. I put tires, front brakes and oil changes every 5k. Don't use the 5-20 that is on the oil cap, or it will burn some oil. Use 5-30 and you'll have no oil consumption. Other than that, get the car.

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by captain slowly

I have a 2007 CRV, that I use as a daily and keep my 135i in the garage and use occasionally. The one you are looking at is essentially the same as mine, and is bulletproof. Change the oil, put some gas and you'll be good. I've owned mine for 5 years now, and the car is about to turn over 100k. Bought it at 50k. I put tires, front brakes and oil changes every 5k. Don't use the 5-20 that is on the oil cap, or it will burn some oil. Use 5-30 and you'll have no oil consumption. Other than that, get the car.

Thank you ... that's perfect. I was mainly worried about maintenance issues with it. But sounds like nothing unusual.

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by desertman123

I hear really good things about Crosstreks

Meaning?... I had heard Subaru's don't do automatic transmissions well.
maybe that has changed. This dealer has some used Crosstreks also.

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by PA135i

Thank you ... that's perfect. I was mainly worried about maintenance issues with it. But sounds like nothing unusual.

yeah, its a very stress free experience...some days it makes me question why I put up with german cars in the first place, but thats another conversation. Obviously, have a good look at the car to make sure it has been remotely maintained and you'll be fine.

Originally Posted by PA135i

Meaning?... I had heard Subaru's don't do automatic transmissions well.
maybe that has changed. This dealer has some used Crosstreks also.

the problem with subarus isn't really transmissions, it is headgaskets. On the 2.5 liter engine, they go like clockwork every 100k. The Crosstreks use the newer 2.0, which has had a lot of oil consumption issues, and considering it has 140hp and a cvt transmission, it makes my CRV feel like a F1 car.

[MightyMouseTech]

For the 08 CR-V, make sure the A/C clutch has been replaced already. Quite often takes out the compressor when it does blow up.

There was an extended warranty on them to 7yrs/100k.

My advice, just like BMW, do not follow the OLM for oil changes.

Also, crank the wheel all the way to either direction in a parking lot and do some slow speed very sharp turns. See if there is any noise in the rear diff. A sign the fluid has not been changed according to the maintenance minder. Most of the time, 2 or 3 flushes will fix it, sometimes not.

Another expensive repair is the prop shaft. You can not replace just the U-joints on these vehicles, must replace the entire shaft. Take it on the highway and listen for humming coming from the middle of the vehicle, or a vibration at highway speeds.

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

For the 08 CR-V, make sure the A/C clutch has been replaced already. Quite often takes out the compressor when it does blow up.

There was an extended warranty on them to 7yrs/100k.

Thanks..... I had read one of the few bad items on the CRV's are AC issues.

[MightyMouseTech]

The K series is a great motor. Just keep an eye on the oil level, never let it get low.

Oh, and looked at the pics, the spark plugs/valve adjustment (type 4 service) and coolant flush (type 5 service) are all due right around 100k miles.

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

The K series is a great motor. Just keep an eye on the oil level, never let it get low.

Oh, and looked at the pics, the spark plugs/valve adjustment (type 4 service) and coolant flush (type 5 service) are all due right around 100k miles.

Thank you.,.. MMT. I'm glad I know what to look for now. I just emailed the salesperson asking for a vehicle history and provided info on the services you discussed here. I'll bet her head is spinning.. lol

The AC issue bothers me. They are expensive repairs. I don't want that to be an issue.

They did send me a carfax yesterday.. but that did not say anything about maintenance. Seems like a useless document.

[chadillac2000]

Any reason for a CRV in particular? There are plenty of affordable far more capable daily/winter vehicles that would be at least somewhat entertaining to own.

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by chadillac2000

Any reason for a CRV in particular? There are plenty of affordable far more capable daily/winter vehicles that would be at least somewhat entertaining to own.

I like a RAV4 better. My point was if I am going to get a car for winter/DD why not get a 4wd. But that can be a number of vehicles. Your correct.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by PA135i

I like a RAV4 better. My point was if I am going to get a car for winter/DD why not get a 4wd. But that can be a number of vehicles. Your correct.

Love my winter car, 2010 Civic Si, slapped a set of KW coilover on it and perfect! Was $7k CDN, and still had the balance of the factory extended warranty. 6 speed, a real limited slip (BMW, are you listening?) and a skinny set of Hakkas (195/60/16 R2's) will get through anything the winter can throw at it. Throw a set of Toyo RR on it, and go lapping all day without a care.

Bonus, it is actually really fun to drive.

Summer mode/winter mode.

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Love my winter car, 2010 Civic Si, slapped a set of KW coilover on it and perfect! Was $7k CDN, and still had the balance of the factory extended warranty. 6 speed, a real limited slip (BMW, are you listening?) and a skinny set of Hakkas (195/60/16 R2's) will get through anything the winter can throw at it. Throw a set of Toyo RR on it, and go lapping all day without a care.

Bonus, it is actually really fun to drive.

Summer mode/winter mode.

That screams cool. Looks like all 12 months are covered for you. in style.
Now I want one of them... !!!

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by chadillac2000

Any reason for a CRV in particular? There are plenty of affordable far more capable daily/winter vehicles that would be at least somewhat entertaining to own.

Can you share some you've considered? I've been tossing the idea around myself.

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by PA135i

Thank you.,.. MMT. I'm glad I know what to look for now. I just emailed the salesperson asking for a vehicle history and provided info on the services you discussed here. I'll bet her head is spinning.. lol

The AC issue bothers me. They are expensive repairs. I don't want that to be an issue.

They did send me a carfax yesterday.. but that did not say anything about maintenance. Seems like a useless document.

the ac issue is the compressor clutch melts. The clutch is sold separately, and it is $100. Also, Honda has an extended warranty as they know about the problem. I wouldn't worry about it. If its made it to 100k, the likelyhood is it has already been changed, if the ac works.
Carfax should show you the dates and types of service the car had, assuming it was serviced at the dealer. My father had a Rav4 for a few years, and the honda is infinitely better to drive. If you've driven a Rav4 you'll understand. Go have a look at the car, you'll know if its maintained. Look under the oil cap, see if there is any sludge. Look into the valve cover, again, look for sludge. Check the transmission fluid dipstick. See if its burnt. Drive it and see. These things are pretty robust... don't overthink it.

[PA135i]

Originally Posted by captain slowly

the ac issue is the compressor clutch melts. The clutch is sold separately, and it is $100. Also, Honda has an extended warranty as they know about the problem. I wouldn't worry about it. If its made it to 100k, the likelyhood is it has already been changed, if the ac works.
Carfax should show you the dates and types of service the car had, assuming it was serviced at the dealer. My father had a Rav4 for a few years, and the honda is infinitely better to drive. If you've driven a Rav4 you'll understand. Go have a look at the car, you'll know if its maintained. Look under the oil cap, see if there is any sludge. Look into the valve cover, again, look for sludge. Check the transmission fluid dipstick. See if its burnt. Drive it and see. These things are pretty robust... don't overthink it.

Thanks. Your advice is what I was looking for. As far as the Carfax, I saw it and there was hardly any visits to the dealer for maintenance. It did show all the recalls were done. There were 3. Your probably right to not overthink it. It is always a worry to buy a used car. thats why I asked here in the forum for advice.

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by PA135i

Thanks. Your advice is what I was looking for. As far as the Carfax, I saw it and there was hardly any visits to the dealer for maintenance. It did show all the recalls were done. There were 3. Your probably right to not overthink it. It is always a worry to buy a used car. thats why I asked here in the forum for advice.

I get it. If you don't want to take that much of a chance, pay a shop $100 and have them put it on a lift and check it out. Don't buy it if it has been in an accident, or looks like it wasn't at least partially cared for. These cars don't require bmw level of attention, but they still require some attention. Like anything else, cover your ass.