ATTN: Macky (others may also reply)

[Rediesel]

tanong lang po sir.

What made you choose the U.S. spec CRV over a comparable car in its class?

Could you post your likes and dislikes on your CRV?

If I remember right you did own an MDX, what made you decide to replace it with a CRV?

For the "same" amount of $$$ (+/- $3000.00), lets say 27K below, what vehicle would your 1st & 2nd choice be?

I'm asking bec. maybe next year our petition might push thru and I'm already on the look out for a family vehicle (right now parang oks sa internet yung Forester XT).

Thank you so much sir.

[mbt]

mag 4Runner ka nalang!!! (kahit pre-owned 2002 model) :D hehe imo

[jesi]

There's quite a few that you can buy with 27k. Go check out "kbb.com". Halos lahat ng kotse nandoon. Or even try "edmunds.com". This one they have reviews plus comparable vehicles in your choice's class. It may ask for zip code - just put in 94088.

[OTEP]

Get a vehicle na maraming available na parts from the local scrapyard para tipid ka sa maintenance. Wala kasing surplasan diyan, eh. Pero madaming boneyards.

[Rediesel]

preowned... ayaw ko, baka magkaproblema doon mahal pa naman labor.

4 runner hmmm sawa na ako sa matagtag na ride e (almost 4 yrs na yung current ride ko na w/ stiff rear suspension), gusto ko naman carlike yung ride.

Edmunds yup have already checked that out (excluded na for me ang Ford, Chevy, G.M., Korean badges).

actually the duty of the car/ SUV would be city driving and once a month cross country to a nearby state around 200 miles one way.

passengers would be me (driver), wife and a kid (~2 y.o.)

Thanks, keep the replies coming.

[jesi]

why not try a minivan instead. Toyota Sieana seems nie. Also the new Nissan Quest really seems nice. Although I had the previous gen Quest, I wasn't satisified with it though. The new one is really appealing.

[Supierreman]

IMHO ... If it snows in the place you're going to be in.. the CR-V can handle snow.
Pag gusto mo performance and snow reliability get a Subaru WRX Wagon

[Macky]

Originally posted by Rediesel
tanong lang po sir.

What made you choose the U.S. spec CRV over a comparable car in its class?

Could you post your likes and dislikes on your CRV?

If I remember right you did own an MDX, what made you decide to replace it with a CRV?

For the "same" amount of $$$ (+/- $3000.00), lets say 27K below, what vehicle would your 1st & 2nd choice be?

I'm asking bec. maybe next year our petition might push thru and I'm already on the look out for a family vehicle (right now parang oks sa internet yung Forester XT).

Thank you so much sir.

I have to admit that I made a mistake of trading the MDX. But at that time, it just seems practical.... malay kong buntis na pala si misis. Now, the CR-V looks kind of cramped with 2 car seats at the rear pero every baby needs still fits on it (i.e. strollers, bunch of big toys for my elder one and a lot of small toys for my baby, car bottle warmer, baby bags, etc.

A lot of the image-conscious individuals might probably choose a rugged body on frame truck but comfort is high on my priority list since I am buying a family car. Speaking of priority list, SAFETY is numero uno for me and the CR-V ranks third behind the X5 and the MDX in terms of safety (http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCAP/Cars/2002SUVs.html).

I only owned 2 SUVs and 1 car in my lifetime and I can only compare the 2002 CR-V EX against my previous 2001 MDX Touring and 2000 Civic EX, so bear with me. The three primary things I wanted that my 2000 Civic EX lacked was 4WD (all-weather capability), more room and high seating, and at the time the MDX was my only option. Most of the other stuff the MDX has is wonderful, but stuff I could probably have lived without. In fact, there are several things on the 2nd gen 'V that I wish were on my 'X. These are, in descending order of importance:

1) Width. Sometimes I wish my 'X wasn't quite as wide. I was always worried when parking since the MDX doesn't have any BSMs.

2) Pass through betwwen the front seats. My wife really liked this feature as it allows her to reach our kids in the back seat. There's nothing scarier than watching your wife try to vault over the center console of the 'X (with her shoes on the leather seats) while driving 75 mph down the highway.

3) Glass hatch that opens seperately from tailgate. I really need this since I sometimes had to bring my lawn mower (a Honda of course) to somebody who borrows it. I also had to take my old lawnmower up to the shop for repairs several times in the 'X and I had to tilt the mower up in the air in order to get the handlebars inside the tailgate. Then I had to drive with one hand and hold the mower with my other hand to keep it from hitting the leather seats. Of course, I probably could have just disassebled the handle, but I'm lazy.

4) Picnic table/fish tub. Not that I use it a lot but it's nice to know it's there.

5) Regular fuel. I still don't quite understand how the Oddy has the same hp on regular fuel, while I'm required to burn premium (for maximum performance). The 'V gets 22/26 mpg (auto EX) on regular fuel, so the fuel savings would have been substantial. The performance penalty is not that much. I've seen auto 2nd gen 'Vs tested at 8.7 sec 0-60, and 5 speed manuals at 8.2 seconds, which is only up to .5 sec slower than the 'X. In fact, one of the major reviewers (Edmunds, C&D or MT, can't remember which) tested a 5 spd 'V and actually did the 1/4 mile 0.1 sec quicker (at same mph) on a rain slicked test track than the 'X. Of course, the auto 'V was not as fast as the 'X, but still faster than the ML320

6) Cupholders. even though the 'X has 10 cupholders, I much preferred the cupholders in the 'V. The ones in the center console of the 'X are not much use IMO as they wind up behind my shoulder even with the seat all the way back. That leaves me with two behind the gear shift, which if they spill, makes a mess out of everything. In my 'V, I had one that popped out of the dash that were great cuz if they spilled it would land on the floor mats below (great for fries). It also had two in the flip down center table that were very handy as well. That meant I had 3 very useable cupholders up front, unlike two just adequate cupholders in the 'X. Hmmm...with all the fast food I eat maybe I should have listed this one first

7) Intermittent rear wiper. Not a big deal, and Acura has added this to the newer 'Xs. But I wish my '01 had it.

8) Auto up driver's window. Again, not a big deal, but you'd think the 'X (which costs almost twice as much) would have had this feature found on the 2nd gen 'V. Not available for newer 'Xs either AFAIK.

9) Rear windows that roll all the way down. This again is minor, but with my rear windows tinted as dark as they are, it makes it difficult for my six-year old to see out the window when I roll them down.

10) full size spare. Again, not a big deal and several forum members have added this themselves. But I was rather dissapointed to learn about this considering that I like to go off-roading (before my second baby).

In EX trim, the 'V also has slide and tilt moonroof, 6 disc in dash CD, ABS, ebd, side airbags and sunglass holder just like the 'X, slightly better head and leg room, especially in the rear seat (but worse shoulder and hip room), slightly better ground clearance, and better approach and departure angles (but worse breakover).

What it primarily lacks compared to the 'X is lockable rear diff (not that necessary for the generally flat trails in SC where I was doing som offroading before), leather, 7 row seating (which I've rarely used but now miss), beefiness which helps safety and tow capacity, navi (which I don't have or miss anyway), climate control, dual zone climate control, power seats, trip computer, homelink (but according to CR-V Engineer the Oddy unit will fit the 'V), and several other neat gizmos. The 'V also only has 72 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 81 in the 'X, but I think 72 would have been enough for my needs (especially with the seperately opening hatch), and compared to the X5 it's still huge.

The 'V finished first in the May article of Consumer Reports, a head to head comparo against the Freelander, Liberty, Vue, and XL-7. The 2nd gen 'V also recieved the highest average score in a recent Truck Trend comparo against the Frellander, Escape, and RAV4.

While it is true that CR still gives more overall points to the RAV4 and Forester, it also gives more points to the Santa Fe (although they don't recommend it). It's hard to take an automotive review seriously that makes absolutely no mention of the engine's torque, arguably the most essential stat for an SUV.

As for the RAV4 and Forester, they finished #3 and #4 compared to the ready for retirement first gen V at #5 in C&D's "White Snow and the Eleven Dwarfs" review from March 2001 (the Tribape twins finsished #1 and #2). It is clear from looking at the scoring table that the 2nd gen 'V would now score well ahead of both the RAV4 and Forester, and probably the Tribape (which it already does according to CR and Truck Trend). The 2nd gen improvements are good for at least a one point increase in each of the following C&D categories IMO: engine, transmission, brakes, driver comfort, ergonomics, features and amenities, and fun to drive. Since the first gen 'V got 86 points, the Foreste got 88 points, the RAV4 90 points, and the Tribape 91, I predict that the 2nd gen 'V will win in the next comparison. I know the Forester was updated for '03, but from what I've seen it will not be able to match the 2nd gen 'V.

For more reviews, visit CR-V Library of Reviews

If I have $27K my choics would be:
1) Honda Pilot
2) Honda CR-V
3) Acura TSX
4) Subaru WRX
5) New Honda Accord
6) Mazda 6
7) Toyota Highlander
8) VW Passat

HTH ;)

[kimpOy]

Since Brand new at 27K
my choice would be
the Honda Pilot
Pilot and MDX are clone except for some luxury thingies.

[Supierreman]

Ayus! galing mo talaga Macky! ganda pa engine ng CR-V dyan sa US... 2.4L VTEC! :whoa:

[Rediesel]

Thank you po sir Macky

Pilot actually was also one of my choices pero entry level lang yung 27K+ di ba?

nakaka intrigue kasi yung XT 2.5 TIC 210 hp, can out accelerate daw the WRX.

sige isip muna matagal tagal pa naman e.

Thanks ulit

[mbt]

macky,

you're so right about the cupholders... pinoy gen2 cr-vs don't have any hehehe (save for the ones in the 2nd row center armrest)

[Rediesel]

Macky,

question ulit.

How's the performance of the 2.4 Vtec engine of the CRV?

Does it have adequate passing power?

any more comments about the engine?

Thank you ulit.

[kiper]

masmaganda makina ng 2.4L..ung 2.0L palang dito ganda na ng performance pano pa kaya ung 2.4L..sarap siguro nun..


...pero masmaganda V6 ng escape..:lol..hehe..

[Macky]

Correction pala..... The CR-V is second only to the Pilot for 2003 crash test result from NHSTA http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2003SUVs.html The MDX, even though sharing the same platform with the Pilot was demoted as well as the X5.

[Macky]

Originally posted by Rediesel
Macky,

question ulit.

How's the performance of the 2.4 Vtec engine of the CRV?

Does it have adequate passing power?

any more comments about the engine?

Thank you ulit.

To be honest, I don't like how the exterior looks. Kung hitsura lang, I should have gone with the RAV4 pero the CR-V's engine won me over. As I've posted earlier, the '01 MDX with its 3.5L SOHC VTEC A/T can do 0-60mph in 8sec ('04s go as fast as 7.2sec) which is quite fast at that time (second only to the X5 4.4i). I've seen '02 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC A/T CR-V do 8.7sec in 0-60 :whoa: So you can just imagine how fast the CR-V is (in the world of SUVs) off the line. In terms of mileage, I usually get 20mpg (8.5km/l) in city and up to 25mpg (10.625km/l) in highway driving which is exemptional compared to other 4WDs. Passing power....... for a 4-banger SUV, I have nothing but praises. The only things that bugs me are the speed limiter which takes effect when you reach 109mph (masyadong maaga IMO, even the speedometer shows speed of up to 140mph) and medyo nage-exhibit din ng konting body roll when driving hard in curves (which is common on almost all SUVs) :mad: Then again, I might just be expecting too much :D Cost of maintenance is also a non-issue unlike dyan sa atin na medyo may kabigatan ang maintenance cost ng Honda. Also, try to put some tints on the front windows. Unlike the MDX (with 19,000 BTU A/C system which slightly exceeds the heating and cooling capacity found in the average American home), the CR-V comes with a less powerful A/C system but it's nothing that a simple window tint can't handle.

Power lock switch in the passenger side is new for 2004.

[Rediesel]

ok thanks so much.

[jesi]

REdiesel. If you really want to have an SUV for that much money, I'd say I'll go for the Toyota Highlander. It may not be the top of the line but the engine will be the same. It is the [twin] SUV of the Lexus RX330 [minus all the luxuries]. Maganda pa ride nito dahil it is a car-based [Camry]. This is in between the RAV4 and the 4RUNNER. But it is almost a full-size. Halos tingnan mo eh parang Jeep Cherokee.

[Rediesel]

Yup I'm familiar with the Toyota Hilander , my brother has one. Its the clone of the RX300, it gets REALLY expensive when you avail of the optional equipments.

kaya lang kasi 27K is already a stretch.

realistically more like 25K+ at most. (25,XXX.00)

yun lang we will be heading towards the East coast, so weather would be like snowy, I really prefer an SUV / car with AWD or 4WD for added traction and safety (so if Hilander, I must choose the 4wd version).

I plan to keep the SUV / Car for like 5 - 7 years, more like papagamit ko ke Mrs. on the 3rd year when I buy a REAL SUV (after I really settle down and begin a new contract, more leverage for an increase or know the ropes on how to do extra OT work).

anyway Thanks din sa suggestion.

[Macky]

Originally posted by Rediesel
Yup I'm familiar with the Toyota Hilander , my brother has one. Its the clone of the RX300, it gets REALLY expensive when you avail of the optional equipments.

kaya lang kasi 27K is already a stretch.

realistically more like 25K+ at most. (25,XXX.00)

Actually, lahat ng Toyota cars nagmamahal once you get the optional accessories. This is more of a marketing gimmick. Syampre when you look at websites and see their prices, you'd think na mas mura sya compared to other brands. This is done to lure you to their dealership. Even the RAV4 comes without A/C tapos may mga packages kang pagpipilian which jacks up the price significantly.

Originally posted by Rediesel
yun lang we will be heading towards the East coast, so weather would be like snowy, I really prefer an SUV / car with AWD or 4WD for added traction and safety (so if Hilander, I must choose the 4wd version).

I plan to keep the SUV / Car for like 5 - 7 years, more like papagamit ko ke Mrs. on the 3rd year when I buy a REAL SUV (after I really settle down and begin a new contract, more leverage for an increase or know the ropes on how to do extra OT work).

'Real' SUV ba??!! Since nabanggit mo na you chose an SUV primarily because of its all-weather capability (aka 4WD), I am assuming na bandang taas ka sa US right? Sa baba lang kasi maraming 'Real' SUVs. Usually puti sila na balbas sarado at may shotgun sa bed (kung pickup) or sa cargo area (kung SUV). Basic characteristic..... no-read, no-write :D Seriously, Toyota and Nissan are doing a great job on building full-sized trucks (the Titan and Pathfinder Armada are sweet). Since you are planning to keep your car for an unusually longer period of time, I would suggest taking some time and look at a Tundra, Tacoma, or even an Xterra which are rugged (but functional) and fits your budget nicely. The Sorento and Freelander (S styles starts at about $24K with proper haggling) are also nice but their reliability and resale value are still suspects.