Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

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'

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

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

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'

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

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

"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?

The others here have given some good advice. Our two 99 Foresters have
74 and 83K miles on them. Both run well, burn no oil between changes, are
tight and sound structurally, look good in terms of paint, etc, and still
ride about like new. My wife's does have a noisier engine than mine (the
piston slap/belt tensioner that some here write about), but hers also seems
peppier than mine (only means the tranny/engine communication setup is
slightly different, IMO, and possibly due to the "fuzzy logic" these cars
use in this area). We've had minor issues, but probably will buy Foresters
again. Very much like the AWD system, lower profile of the vehicles, and the
great handling. Great cars if they fit your needs.
--
D N
I E T S
Off to R the M __, D H

Reply to group. (Detestible spammers!)

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

"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?

The others here have given some good advice. Our two 99 Foresters have
74 and 83K miles on them. Both run well, burn no oil between changes, are
tight and sound structurally, look good in terms of paint, etc, and still
ride about like new. My wife's does have a noisier engine than mine (the
piston slap/belt tensioner that some here write about), but hers also seems
peppier than mine (only means the tranny/engine communication setup is
slightly different, IMO, and possibly due to the "fuzzy logic" these cars
use in this area). We've had minor issues, but probably will buy Foresters
again. Very much like the AWD system, lower profile of the vehicles, and the
great handling. Great cars if they fit your needs.
--
D N
I E T S
Off to R the M __, D H

Reply to group. (Detestible spammers!)

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

"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?

The others here have given some good advice. Our two 99 Foresters have
74 and 83K miles on them. Both run well, burn no oil between changes, are
tight and sound structurally, look good in terms of paint, etc, and still
ride about like new. My wife's does have a noisier engine than mine (the
piston slap/belt tensioner that some here write about), but hers also seems
peppier than mine (only means the tranny/engine communication setup is
slightly different, IMO, and possibly due to the "fuzzy logic" these cars
use in this area). We've had minor issues, but probably will buy Foresters
again. Very much like the AWD system, lower profile of the vehicles, and the
great handling. Great cars if they fit your needs.
--
D N
I E T S
Off to R the M __, D H

Reply to group. (Detestible spammers!)

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

"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?

The others here have given some good advice. Our two 99 Foresters have
74 and 83K miles on them. Both run well, burn no oil between changes, are
tight and sound structurally, look good in terms of paint, etc, and still
ride about like new. My wife's does have a noisier engine than mine (the
piston slap/belt tensioner that some here write about), but hers also seems
peppier than mine (only means the tranny/engine communication setup is
slightly different, IMO, and possibly due to the "fuzzy logic" these cars
use in this area). We've had minor issues, but probably will buy Foresters
again. Very much like the AWD system, lower profile of the vehicles, and the
great handling. Great cars if they fit your needs.
--
D N
I E T S
Off to R the M __, D H

Reply to group. (Detestible spammers!)

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

On 14 Jan 2004 06:24:47 -0800, pcrowl@earthlink.net (Peter Crowl)
wrote:

>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?

Rattles are highly dependent on the model, as well as how it is cared
for.

130k? That's barely broken in for a properly maintained
Toyota/Nissan/Honda.



--- Rich
http://richlockyer.tripod.com/

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

On 14 Jan 2004 06:24:47 -0800, pcrowl@earthlink.net (Peter Crowl)
wrote:

>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?

Rattles are highly dependent on the model, as well as how it is cared
for.

130k? That's barely broken in for a properly maintained
Toyota/Nissan/Honda.



--- Rich
http://richlockyer.tripod.com/

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

On 14 Jan 2004 06:24:47 -0800, pcrowl@earthlink.net (Peter Crowl)
wrote:

>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?

Rattles are highly dependent on the model, as well as how it is cared
for.

130k? That's barely broken in for a properly maintained
Toyota/Nissan/Honda.



--- Rich
http://richlockyer.tripod.com/

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

On 14 Jan 2004 06:24:47 -0800, pcrowl@earthlink.net (Peter Crowl)
wrote:

>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?

Rattles are highly dependent on the model, as well as how it is cared
for.

130k? That's barely broken in for a properly maintained
Toyota/Nissan/Honda.



--- Rich
http://richlockyer.tripod.com/

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

pcrowl@earthlink.net (Peter Crowl) wrote in message news:<232acd38.0401140624.3331dd79@posting.google. com>...
> 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

if the car is well maintained 130k miles isn't an issue. my '89
toyota 4runner has 228K very hard abused miles and runs absolutely
great, i've never had any problems with it. i haven't owned/driven
any of the models you are looking at, but i have dealt with other
models from the same companies. i'd order the companies by quality
from best to worst like this:

toyota
honda
subaru
suzuki

of course others may disagree, this is just from my experiences.

mike

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

pcrowl@earthlink.net (Peter Crowl) wrote in message news:<232acd38.0401140624.3331dd79@posting.google. com>...
> 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

if the car is well maintained 130k miles isn't an issue. my '89
toyota 4runner has 228K very hard abused miles and runs absolutely
great, i've never had any problems with it. i haven't owned/driven
any of the models you are looking at, but i have dealt with other
models from the same companies. i'd order the companies by quality
from best to worst like this:

toyota
honda
subaru
suzuki

of course others may disagree, this is just from my experiences.

mike

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

pcrowl@earthlink.net (Peter Crowl) wrote in message news:<232acd38.0401140624.3331dd79@posting.google. com>...
> 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

if the car is well maintained 130k miles isn't an issue. my '89
toyota 4runner has 228K very hard abused miles and runs absolutely
great, i've never had any problems with it. i haven't owned/driven
any of the models you are looking at, but i have dealt with other
models from the same companies. i'd order the companies by quality
from best to worst like this:

toyota
honda
subaru
suzuki

of course others may disagree, this is just from my experiences.

mike

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

pcrowl@earthlink.net (Peter Crowl) wrote in message news:<232acd38.0401140624.3331dd79@posting.google. com>...
> 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

if the car is well maintained 130k miles isn't an issue. my '89
toyota 4runner has 228K very hard abused miles and runs absolutely
great, i've never had any problems with it. i haven't owned/driven
any of the models you are looking at, but i have dealt with other
models from the same companies. i'd order the companies by quality
from best to worst like this:

toyota
honda
subaru
suzuki

of course others may disagree, this is just from my experiences.

mike

Re: Older Mini-SUV owners opinions wanted
 

Thanks for all the replies! I gather from them that a nice example that's
done some miles is not to be overlooked. I guess my bad experiences with an
86 4Runner Turbo (back when new) and more recently a 96 GM Minivan have
clouded my vision :~)

Peter


"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