What would you recommend (model and year range please)? I like having newer technology like apple car play, but reliability is important. I don't do a lot of hauling and don't have a heavy foot. I've been looking at toyota rav4, but they are expensive and the 2019 I hear has transmission problems, also hear prior year models are slugs. I also looked at CRV, but then it has the stupid CVT transmission, which I know I do not want. Currently driving a Nissan Altima (wish I watched your channel before I bought it) w/ ~95k miles and trying to ditch it while it still runs.
The RAV4 is excellent. And yes, the computer does need to learn your driving style before it will start shifting smoothly all the time.
I would stick to Toyota or Honda. If you don’t like the RAV4 or CRV, check the CHR and HRV.
I have a 2017 Rav4 AWD and it has enough get up and go. It won't win you any drag races, but it does its job.
I would recommend one - they are loaded with features even on the base trims.
I know they categorize the RAV4 and CR-V as a crossover, I see them more as a compact SUV. But whatever they are labeled, they are both great.
I've driven a RAV4 and CR-V regularly for the past 5 years. RAV4 has 50K+. CR-V has 90K+. Both great.
CR-V has a more "premium" feel to it (not luxury), and the RAV4 has more of a sporty feel to it.
With the RAV4, I step on the gas, and the feedback feels almost instantaneous. It's kinda scary because I almost floor it, and it looks like it is about to redline, and then it shifts down. (I usually drive a manual, so any automatic kinda trips me out how it just knows.)
The CR-V, I don't think I have ever come close to redlining. The acceleration doesn't feel as powerful but the car doesn't have the jolt like you would feel in an automatic and manual.
Usually Honda's are a little more fun to drive, but in this case, the Toyota takes the cake. With that said, I enjoy the cursing highway experience of the Honda.
Try them both, and see what you like.
I would stick only to the Toyota models and Honda models they're both accidentally made you just have to see what's out there in that price range. Just do not buy a hybrid of either cuz they cost a fortune to fix as they age
Thanks Scotty! What do you think of the 2019 - 20 Rav4? Still a good buy? Or would I be better to stick with the 2018? Any particular year to look at for the CR-V?
"2019; Transmission hesitates and lurches
By Kerem Topic starter 27/01/2021 2:01 am " Post: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/progressive-common-and-major-problems-toyota-and-honda-vehicles-not-to-buy/
"The 2018 Toyota RAV4 was the last year of that generation, and the kinks were worked out. The XLE improved upon the car and I think its definitely an excellent choice.
By Kerem 01/03/2021 2:41 pm " Post: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/2018-toyota-rav4/#post-70342
Hope this helps.
Scotty unfortunately doesn't respond to comments on his own answers.
Regarding the last generation CR-V, stick to the 2017-2019 LX trim only. This trim had the naturally aspirated 2.4 engine, while the other trims had the 1.5 Turbocharged engine with GDI and the combination of the pressure creates oil dilution.
Also try to avoid the first year of the CVT (2015). 2012-2014 had some engine grinding issues but it doesn't really cause much damage. With ANY car, avoid the first year of the generation. So you might want to stick to the 2018-2019 for the CR-V, and 2020+ for the RAV4.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Did you actually test drive the RAV4 & CR-V or are you just going by online reviews & websites?
I test drove a new (21) RAV4. I really liked the vehicle over all, but am concerned about the way it shifts. The whole car shook/vibrated as I was slowing at a light and also jerked a bit on an up-shift during a 5-10 minute drive. A review said that this gets better as the computer learns your driving habits, but I'm not convinced. I like the body style a lot more than the 2018, but wonder if I should stick with that 6 speed transmission instead of the 8 speed on the 2019+.
I have not test driven the CR-V, but have priced and researched it online. I do not like the CVT in my Altima, so am wanting to stay away from that type of transmission. I understand that Honda does not use Jatco, but the online reviews sound similar to how my Altima performs.
Before you write off Honda’s own CVT in the CR-V, I’d recommend you test drive it anyway, so that you can form your own opinion of it. Good luck!
Mazda? CX-3, CX-30, CX-5
I also want to test drive the CX-5, if I can get my hands on the larger, non-turbo engine. It sounds like it'd be more fun to drive, but I am concerned about long term reliability. I kept my Ford Fusion for 10 years, and only got rid of it because of an accident. That tells me I'll probably keep this next one for a long time as well.
The newer Mazdas are pretty well made and should last a long time.
Mazda and Toyota have been partnered since 2015, and the Mazda comes with a 6 speed automatic proven transmission. If you don't want a CVT, I guess the RAV4 8 with speed is your only other option and arguably your best option, just stick to later 2019 and 2020/2021 models to avoid the early transmission problems. The ones before had transmission problems (2019), but later the adaptive transmission is fine after it 'adapts' to your driving style.
If you are willing to get a manual transmission, there is also the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek.
If I were in your situation personally, I would have saved a few thousand dollars and get a 2016-2018 RAV4 with the proven 6 speed automatic, or got a manual transmission subcompact SUV. Mazda is a good choice as well.
Remember, the RAV4 transmission is adaptive so you need to drive it a while to have it fit to your liking. You could always rent one for a week or so and see if you like it.
You can get a used Lexus RX350 for less than $20,000.
Mazda CX-5 was mentionned, 2017-now are good choices, it uses the 2.5L (I think) however for reliability I'd avoid the newer ones that have cylinder deactivation (2018 and up for the mazda 6, don't know about the CX-5) and obviously avoid the turbocharged one too.
All Mazda Skyactiv 2.5 engines (US) since 2018 come with cylinder deactivation, and a couple hundred thousand of them were recalled for their PCM.
Good to know! Also might create a post later, but my uncle is looking for a midsize sedan and wants a 2016-2017 mazda 6 40-60k miles. He's worried about maintenance cost and price and he doesn't drive all that much. What do you think?
You should create a question to get more answers but from what we can see now (since the newer Mazdas haven't aged a lot) they are great cars. If he doesn't drive much I doubt he will need to get 200 300k miles out of the car so it should last.
Just do your research on which engines have turbos and cylinder deactivation etc. and you should be fine.
He might also like the 2016-2017 Camry but oddly enough the Mazda transmissions are stronger than the 6 speed U660E units.
2016-2017 is a sweet spot. 2015 Toyota partnership, 2014 redesign, 2012 Skyactive engine, but before the cylinder deactivation in 2018.
My stance would be that Mazda is still considerably above average on quality, below Toyota's reliability, but above brands like Subaru (by a small but considerable amount), and Nissan, Hyundai, Volkswagen by a lot.
Good luck. You can get more responses and more opinions on a new question on the forum.
My 2012 BMW X-3 325i is a SAV {German for full time 4WD }. I got it for about 15K. And it might win a Drag Race in Sport+ Mode. 😎
