Tranquility Base

Hi All
I am contemplating whether or not to make a change in vehicles. I live
in Atlantic Canada. Presently have a '99 CR-V LX, auto, with 140K km.
It's given good service, with very few problems. The dealer has done
all the scheduled maintenance.

There are a few things that are somewhat irritating about this vehicle
- the cruise control, it is underpowered, grade logic that escapes my
logic at times, quirky powered door lock controls, and wind noise that
is higher than I'd like.

Over the next few months I will be faced with some fairly large cost
maintenance/replacement items - timing belt/water pump, brakes, tires.
As time goes on and age increases, the likelyhood of additional repair
increases.

I like the CR-V model, and the new generation is much improved; the
new Civic is almost as big as the '93 Accord I had; the new Accord is
almost too big, the styling is rather uninspiring, and there are the
auto transmission concerns.

My initial thinking was of trading up to a used '03, or '04 CR-V next
year(if I could find one), but with Honda interest rates currently at
2.8% I'm wondering if now is the time to do this.

I know it all boils down to personal likes/dislikes and what vehicle
best fills my requirements. But, give me your thoughts in case I'm
overlooking something, and share what you consider to be the pros and
cons of each model.