Peter Crowl

Hello,
I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.

When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
who've had theirs for some time.

How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
or become leaky squeaky boxes?

Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
holding up?

Thanks for any input

Peter

Tony Hwang

Hi,
It depends how previous owner treat the car. My '98 CRV logged 160K Km
so far. New set of tires, regular oil change, one cabin air filter,
couple air filters, one rad flush and tranny oil flush/fill, one set of
platinum plugs. That's it. Still runs like new, no squeak, rattle.
Now it is about time for new timing belt. My two kids' 2000 Subaru.
Nothing yet. They just run great. Use Amsoil reuseable filters, regular
oil change is all it needed. I put in a set of platinum NGK plugs when
the cars were new.
Tony

Peter Crowl wrote:
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

Tony Hwang

Hi,
It depends how previous owner treat the car. My '98 CRV logged 160K Km
so far. New set of tires, regular oil change, one cabin air filter,
couple air filters, one rad flush and tranny oil flush/fill, one set of
platinum plugs. That's it. Still runs like new, no squeak, rattle.
Now it is about time for new timing belt. My two kids' 2000 Subaru.
Nothing yet. They just run great. Use Amsoil reuseable filters, regular
oil change is all it needed. I put in a set of platinum NGK plugs when
the cars were new.
Tony

Peter Crowl wrote:
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

Tony Hwang

Hi,
It depends how previous owner treat the car. My '98 CRV logged 160K Km
so far. New set of tires, regular oil change, one cabin air filter,
couple air filters, one rad flush and tranny oil flush/fill, one set of
platinum plugs. That's it. Still runs like new, no squeak, rattle.
Now it is about time for new timing belt. My two kids' 2000 Subaru.
Nothing yet. They just run great. Use Amsoil reuseable filters, regular
oil change is all it needed. I put in a set of platinum NGK plugs when
the cars were new.
Tony

Peter Crowl wrote:
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

Tony Hwang

Hi,
It depends how previous owner treat the car. My '98 CRV logged 160K Km
so far. New set of tires, regular oil change, one cabin air filter,
couple air filters, one rad flush and tranny oil flush/fill, one set of
platinum plugs. That's it. Still runs like new, no squeak, rattle.
Now it is about time for new timing belt. My two kids' 2000 Subaru.
Nothing yet. They just run great. Use Amsoil reuseable filters, regular
oil change is all it needed. I put in a set of platinum NGK plugs when
the cars were new.
Tony

Peter Crowl wrote:
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

MajorDomo@mailcity.com

Any brand sold today can easily go to 130,000, or more,
without a major re-build, when properly maintained. I would
suggest you drive and price all those available in your area,
that suit you needs and budget, then decide which is best for
you. All manufactures make some that are not up to their build
standards so you will hear complaints about them all. The
experience of others with their NEW vehicles would have very
little to do with the condition of the USED vehicles available to
you in any event.





Peter Crowl wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

MajorDomo@mailcity.com

Any brand sold today can easily go to 130,000, or more,
without a major re-build, when properly maintained. I would
suggest you drive and price all those available in your area,
that suit you needs and budget, then decide which is best for
you. All manufactures make some that are not up to their build
standards so you will hear complaints about them all. The
experience of others with their NEW vehicles would have very
little to do with the condition of the USED vehicles available to
you in any event.





Peter Crowl wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

MajorDomo@mailcity.com

Any brand sold today can easily go to 130,000, or more,
without a major re-build, when properly maintained. I would
suggest you drive and price all those available in your area,
that suit you needs and budget, then decide which is best for
you. All manufactures make some that are not up to their build
standards so you will hear complaints about them all. The
experience of others with their NEW vehicles would have very
little to do with the condition of the USED vehicles available to
you in any event.





Peter Crowl wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

MajorDomo@mailcity.com

Any brand sold today can easily go to 130,000, or more,
without a major re-build, when properly maintained. I would
suggest you drive and price all those available in your area,
that suit you needs and budget, then decide which is best for
you. All manufactures make some that are not up to their build
standards so you will hear complaints about them all. The
experience of others with their NEW vehicles would have very
little to do with the condition of the USED vehicles available to
you in any event.





Peter Crowl wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

Larry

3 out of 4 isn't bad......The Suzuki I'd be hesitant to look at, but the
others are all great vehicles in their own right....The Forrester is the
most car-like of the group. I'd say it comes more to finding the right car
at the right price in making your selection.



"Peter Crowl" <pcrowl@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:232acd38.0401140624.3331dd79@posting.google.c om...
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

Larry

3 out of 4 isn't bad......The Suzuki I'd be hesitant to look at, but the
others are all great vehicles in their own right....The Forrester is the
most car-like of the group. I'd say it comes more to finding the right car
at the right price in making your selection.



"Peter Crowl" <pcrowl@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:232acd38.0401140624.3331dd79@posting.google.c om...
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

Larry

3 out of 4 isn't bad......The Suzuki I'd be hesitant to look at, but the
others are all great vehicles in their own right....The Forrester is the
most car-like of the group. I'd say it comes more to finding the right car
at the right price in making your selection.



"Peter Crowl" <pcrowl@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:232acd38.0401140624.3331dd79@posting.google.c om...
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

Larry

3 out of 4 isn't bad......The Suzuki I'd be hesitant to look at, but the
others are all great vehicles in their own right....The Forrester is the
most car-like of the group. I'd say it comes more to finding the right car
at the right price in making your selection.



"Peter Crowl" <pcrowl@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:232acd38.0401140624.3331dd79@posting.google.c om...
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

'Curly Q. Links'

Peter Crowl wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

===================

Peter,

Our first CR-V had 186,000 Km (115,000mi) on it when we bought it, and
it looked and ran like it had just rolled out of the showroom. It was
absolutely 'tight'. Nothing slopping around. We sold it at 215,000 km
and a year later bought our second used one. Just the same story, except
mileage is way lower. Actually no difference in the handling or power.
First was a '97, and the newer one is a '98. They just need the
recommended service and they seem to stay tight forever.

As for rebuilding, changing the timing belt and water pump is the only
stuff that's 'major', and that's minor if you like to do it yourself.
It's almost fun.

We've even used the provided picnic table once. The only thing I don't
like: I don't get to drive it enough . . . It's my wife's daily driver,
and I have to drive a stinkin' Dodge Caravan for work. :-(


'Curly'

=====================

'Curly Q. Links'

Peter Crowl wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I'm researching small SUV's as a replacement for my wife's car. We'll
> be looking at 98 through 2002 model years. RAV4, CRV, Forester, Grand
> Vitara. It will be an automatic transmission model.
>
> When I do a search for reliability, what turns up are threads dealing
> with new cars in their respective years. I'd like to hear from people
> who've had theirs for some time.
>
> How do they hold up? Can a well maintained vehicle make 130,000 (or
> more) miles without a major re-build? Do the bodies retain integrity
> or become leaky squeaky boxes?
>
> Basically, after 3 or 4 years--do you still like it and how is it
> holding up?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Peter

===================

Peter,

Our first CR-V had 186,000 Km (115,000mi) on it when we bought it, and
it looked and ran like it had just rolled out of the showroom. It was
absolutely 'tight'. Nothing slopping around. We sold it at 215,000 km
and a year later bought our second used one. Just the same story, except
mileage is way lower. Actually no difference in the handling or power.
First was a '97, and the newer one is a '98. They just need the
recommended service and they seem to stay tight forever.

As for rebuilding, changing the timing belt and water pump is the only
stuff that's 'major', and that's minor if you like to do it yourself.
It's almost fun.

We've even used the provided picnic table once. The only thing I don't
like: I don't get to drive it enough . . . It's my wife's daily driver,
and I have to drive a stinkin' Dodge Caravan for work. :-(


'Curly'

=====================