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
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
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.
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, 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' =====================
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!)
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/
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
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
