Hi team,I have a Honda CRV 2006 with a head gasket problem, the repair will cost me between $2,000 - $2,500 and that is assuming they don't find anything else. So, I think I might buy a new one. I'm trying to decide between the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. I have watched most of Scotty's youtube videos about Japanese cars and other channels talking about them but couldn't find a comparison from a mechanic's point of view. Most of these videos are about how they look, how they feel when you drive them, and storage space, but nothing about which one is better to repair, which one breaks more often, and that kind of stuff. I love Honda CRV but 2022 models only have turbo and this could be a future problem. Toyota is a reliable brand but I really don't know too much about it and people started to talk about the CX5 recently. Could you please give me some advice base on your knowledge and experience with these brands? Thank you beforehand.
Clarification: Current mileage?
If reliability and longevity is your main focus, stick to the Toyota RAV4.
Why would you consider $30-40K on a new car when you can get yours fixed properly for $2500 and have it for another 100K miles?
Thank you for the advice but that is the problem here. It's $2500 if they didn't find anything else, and from my experience with them I have a 95% chance they will. Also, a family gave me the car, so I don't know what happened before I got it. I know it's a big expense but I plan to buy it and keep it a good amount of years.
Who exactly is the "they" you are speaking of?
If you want to buy hybrid then no concern regarding the turbo engine on the cr-v since hybrid cr-v doesn't have turbo engine. Toyota is the best when it comes to hybrid technology but I would say Honda is number two and it's very good too. I personally prefer Honda interior and the 2023 cr-v is getting new body style and interior and it's going to be like the new Civic interior which is very nice and spacious.
If you want to buy gasoline only version and you plan on keeping the car for a long time then Rav4. But if you don't keep your car for a very long time then Honda is best choice when it comes to turbocharged engines.
One thing in this crazy new car market is that with Honda if you select a certain trim there are no factory packages to be added on the car unless you want something like a oem floor mat or trunk tray or something which the dealership can order along with the car for you. With Toyota the dilemma is factory added packages and also depending on where you are located possibly port added packages which these are all non-removable because they'll be on the monroney sticker.
You can't factory order with Honda or Toyota so it's based on what the dealership you are buying from is allocated. If you want to avoid the surprises of additional packages and additional cost then definitely go with Honda.
But whichever one whether cr-v or Rav4 they are good cars and it comes to personal preferences. As for the cx-5 again personal opinion but I don't like the design at all tbh.
I’m not a mechanic. Just a DIYer that has direct experience with the 4th Gen CR-V, 4th Gen RAV4.
CR-V 2015: 100K+ miles. Basic maintenance. Rear electronic latch needed to be replaced. Dead lights on shifter, just living with it. Not perfect or flawless, but not bad at all.
RAV4 2015: 57K+ miles. Basic maintenance. And that’s it. Mileage is kinda on the lower end though. I do think I may need to replace the PCV valve eventually. They seem to get clogged up. But so far so good!
With that said here are my thoughts on the latest.
CX-5: I really like the overall approach of Mazda. From the design standpoint. To the engineering philosophy of milking the efficiency and performance of the ICE. Probably the most innovative company when it comes to focusing on the last legs of the ICE. And part of that comes my biggest concern is the direct injection and potential carbon build up on the valves and intake.
CR-V: I love Honda, but hate that they had to go to turbo. I don’t blame them though because they have to meet regulations, and a turbo is the easiest way to achieve that. I love the interior of the next generation CR-V. It seems so timeless, IMHO.
RAV4: the current Gen RAV4 had some issues early on, so this year is probably the best you can get. They had some issues with the drive shaft u joint or something like that. And Toyota seems to be getting bad windshields from Canada. They seems to be a large number that crack at the slightest tiny rock. But mechanically, it is a Camry under there, so a rock solid car (no pun intended). My only concern is the crazy oil change intervals (10K). Most mechanics recommend 5K. And the other thing is the notorious PCV valve eventually clogging up.
Thank you for your reply. I was thinking about buying a used car but based on today's prices I prefer to go for a new one. Now I have a better understanding of these cars.
Let us know which one you decide on!