2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

theracoon · June 2003

What about the MDX? Premium fuel?

The Acura website says the MDX uses "Premium 91 Octane" fuel.

There's a footnote concerning the Pilot on the Hondacars website:

Premium unleaded fuel increases engine torque and is recommended when towing above 3500 lbs.

tomf11 · June 2003

I would like to add a additional plug that is always on.

I found the fuse the feeds the plug, jumped it to a always on terminal,@ the fuse panel.
worked great for about 6 weeks then one morning the battery was dead.

When I first did this I heard a relay click as I powered up the plug. So I
am back to square one .

I want a always on plug for my radar detector, so it will stay in city mode.

ateixeira · June 2003

Thanks, theracoon.

So Honda must use a knock sensor to retard timing if 87 octane must be used on the MDX, but it sounds like they don't recommend it.

I'd guess the Saturn Redline will also require premium, if only because of the performance application.

-juice

aggie1995 · June 2003

I just paid $342 including tax for a 30,000 mile service including:

Engine Service Inspection
Quaker State Semi-Synthetic Oil Change
Top off all Fluids
Tire Rotation
Brake Syste Fluid Flush
Replace Spark Plugs & set gap
Inspect filters, PCV cannister filters
Inspect ingnition timing and cables
inspect basic idle specifications
Inspect emmissions control systems
Remove residual crankcase oil and byproducts
remove piston deposits
servicevalve train and sludge control
Transmission Service
Valve Adjustment
Diagnostic Inspection
New Air Filter

Is this too much? What should I pay for the 60k service?

stever · June 2003

Aggie1995, dealers generally recommend you do more than the manual requires. Whether the extra stuff is worth it is debatable.

The Edmunds Maintenance Guide will tell you what the factory advises and what we think it should cost.

Steve, Host

mikefm58 · June 2003

Just my opinion on the 30K service items you listed:

Engine Service Inspection - what's this? fluff?
Quaker State Semi-Synthetic Oil Change - yeah, gotta change the oil, but what's semi-synthetic?
Top off all Fluids - OK, lotsa places include this with an oil/filter change
Tire Rotation - OK
Brake System Fluid Flush - OK
Replace Spark Plugs & set gap - OK, but don't all plugs come pre-gap'ed?
Inspect filters, PCV cannister filters - fluff
Inspect ingnition timing and cables - well OK, but I think it's fluff
inspect basic idle specifications - fluff
Inspect emmissions control systems - OK
Remove residual crankcase oil and by products - what's this? did the dealer put too much oil in? and what by products?
remove piston deposits - what are piston deposits? never heard of this.
service valve train and sludge control - more fluff, what's sludge control?
Transmission Service - OK, but what exactly did he do? should be just the fluid change on an auto., not sure with a manual.
Valve Adjustment - Not needed until 105K miles, according to my '99 CRV manual
Diagnostic Inspection - part of his boat payment
New Air Filter - OK

I'd recommend following your owner's manual, not what the dealer recommends.

william21 · June 2003

The LX 2 wheel drive has everything I want except keyless entry. Has anyone on this board had keyless entry added by the dealer(if they will do it) or by a car audio store? The EX is nice, but cannot justify the extra cost since most all of the extras are not needed. My wife really wants the Santa Fe(friends just bought one), but we will decide after driving the CRV, Escape and Santa Fe.

theracoon · June 2003

The Keyless Entry can be added to an LX as an accessory item. It should cost less than $90 plus installation, or you could install it yourself. It's not very difficult.

xccoachlou · June 2003

Have you considered the Subaru Forester?

Even the base Forester X gives you keyless entry, ABS, Side Air Bags for the driver and front passenger, cargo cover, AM/FM/CD (and weatherband?), rear wiper de-icer, and I believe roof rails.

- Lou

william21 · June 2003

The LX 2 wheel drive has everything I want except keyless entry. Has anyone on this board had keyless entry added by the dealer(if they will do it) or by a car audio store? The EX is nice, but cannot justify the extra cost since most all of the extras are not needed. My wife really wants the Santa Fe(friends just bought one), but we will decide after driving the CRV, Escape and Santa Fe.

tomsr · June 2003

Last time I had my Acura in for service the dealer tried to pull that crap on me.Being knowledgeable about cars they could not BS me so I
wound up paying only half of the original quote.Educate yourself and Edmunds is a good place to start.Going by the CRV owners manual it is a very low maintenance vehicle.Is it my imagination but my V seems to have a surge of power at 4500 rpm? Is that a Vtec thing?So far my only gripe is it doesn't handle like a Porsche,but then you can't haul much in a porsche.

hnachtigall · June 2003

My dealer threw it in at N/C when we bought our EX. I would at least ask for it.

kyfdx · June 2003

Its not your imagination, it definitely surges around 4500rpm. Its definitely a vtec thing. The difference between my '02 and my '98 is unbelievable. I guess thats what 20% increase in displacement and 33 horses will do for you.

regards,
kyfdx

icvci · June 2003

Keyless entry is standard on all EX CR-Vs.

saber86 · June 2003

you might see if the dealer is willing to throw in the keyless entry and tint the windows to seal the deal. The tint and keyless entry probably cost the dealer no more than $200 at most.

carman54 · June 2003

I want to lease a LX 2 WD 0 down...36 mos 15k...what should I pay?? Thanks for the help..

linda303 · June 2003

Purchased new 2002 CRV in December. Only have about 1800 miles (work from home office). I was ready to go in for first service(6mo) but dealer said oil should not be changed until the first 5000 miles is reached, and that this would not void the warrenty.

Honda manual states "replace engine oil every 5,000 miles OR 6 months". I understood this to mean whichever comes first.

Can anyone clarify?

kyfdx · June 2003

Well... 5000 miles would be the severe service schedule. The basic service interval is 1 year or 10K miles. I happen to change my oil every 5000 miles (nope, no good reason), but I drive about 15K miles per year. I'd agree with your dealer.. No reason to change the oil until 5000 miles, or possibly at one year, if you haven't got to 5000 yet.

regards,
kyfdx

aggie1995 · June 2003

"........No reason to change the oil until 5000 miles, or possibly at one year, if you haven't got to 5000 yet."

Here we go again.....

linda303 · June 2003

I drive mainly 5miles or less per trip, so I am using the maintenance schedule for severe conditions. If first oil change is not until 5,000 miles, that might be about 18 months for me.

Isn't the time factor important too? Or else why does Honda state OR six months?

Just want to be sure not to void the warranty

kyfdx · June 2003

Don't worry about warranty issues. No one can decide if you need the severe service schedule but you. That said, oil changes are cheap. If you want to do it every six months, then go ahead. I'd say your service advisor is being pretty upfront, if he's turning down a chance to service your car.

regards,
kyfdx

gary_william · June 2003

we need to know about the agreed upon price, the residual price, your credit rating, etc. There are many free lease calculators on the web, and one on this site if memory serves me well. It all depends on too many factors, most of which you failed to mention.

tidester · June 2003

Here it is!

tidester, host

twhan · June 2003

Is $12000 a good price? I am in California.

aggie1995 · June 2003

Is $12000 a good price?

NO!

$7-$8 would be fair

lorto · June 2003

Nope. I just bought a loaded 1998 EX with 50,000 miles for $12,899. For that price I was able to get them to change all the fluids (oil, antifreeze, differential fluid, throw on new tires, and a third keyless remote. Here's another steal http://www.findcars.com/a.php3?q=46876

twhan · June 2003

I guess cars are more expensive in California than in Minnesota. I am still driving my old Galant bought three years ago at a wonderful price in Minneapolis. Anyway, thinks for the inputs. Will keep looking.

2002hondas · June 2003

Has anyone changed their speakers in the '02 or '03 CRV? I want to upgrade mine with the Infinity Kappa 635I's and wanted to see if installing is a pain. Thanks!

icdchess · June 2003

My 2003 CR-V was serviced by my local mechanic but the Maintenance Required warning light on my dash is lit up. How do I shut that off?
Thanks.
Steve

lel1962 · June 2003

I'm thinking of purchasing a 2003 or 2004 CRV and I have to lug around 2 six foot folding tables where only the legs fold in for my job. Is the cargo area long enough for them?
Also, I do a lot of highway driving. Can the 4 cylinder give me the power I need to get on and off and in and out of traffic so I don't feel I need a push?

Thanks

kyfdx · June 2003

icdchess....it tells how to reset the light in the owners manual..takes about 15 seconds.

lel1962.. not sure about the cargo, but plenty of torque and power..that won't be a problem.

regards,
kyfdx

budgell · June 2003

I just purchased an 03 EX-L (Canadian) and I noticed that the manual listed 5W20 as the required engine oil. I am looking for a full synthetic oil, but I can't seem to find a brand that carries 5W20. While looking into the oil issue, someone told me that the same engine (2.4 litre) in the 2002 CRV requires 5W30 (which I can easily find in synthetic). Is this true? And is anyone using 5W30 in their 2003 CRV? Why change from 5W30 in 2002 to 5W20 in 2003?

Thanks,
Budge

crv139 · June 2003

02 crv takes 5w-20.

aggie1995 · June 2003

The folding table should fit but I would take a table to the dealer and try and fit it into one to be sure.

icvci · June 2003

I've looked for full synth 5w-20 but can't find it either. Currently I use Motorcraft blend. Honda doesn't even sell a full synth.

lorto · June 2003

I've used Amsoil synthetic motor oil for years. Both in racing and street engines. They offer a 5w-20 and a 5w-30 synthetic in their XL-7500 line. http://www.amsoil.com/

aggie1995 · June 2003

Why do you plan on running synthetic?

Do you regularly keep your vehicles for 250,000+ miles?

Are you trying to do extended drain intervals? Honda recommends 5k and 10k depending on Severe and Normal service. How much further do you plan on extending it?

Go look at the Synthetic oil thread. The debate between dino and syntheic is relentless. The general rule of thumb is that if you are the type of person who keeps a vehicle 10 years or more, or to 200,000 miles or more the added cost of syntheic might be justified. However if you are like the average consumer who only keeps their vehicle for 4-7 years and till the odo hits 80 to 150k, regular oil at the manufacturers recommended drain intervals will do just fine.

Either way it's your $$. Check out bobistheoilguy.com also

tidester · June 2003

Here's the link: Synthetic motor oil

tidester, host

icvci · June 2003

I've used it in every car I've ever owned with narry a problem. I drive about 15,000 miles a year, if I change at 7,500 the cost is minimal.

I've heard all the arguments and, until I have a major engine problem, I'll continue to believe in the benefits.

www.mobil1.com

BTW I used Mobil1 5w-30 in my 6hp B/S OHV Toro mower. I haven't changed the oil in 8 years and it still starts by the second pull every time. No winterizing. 1 new plug. 3/4 of a dusty acre that takes me 1.3 hours to mow. (I take MUCH better care of my cars.)

Plus, I drove a 1986 Fiero 168,000 miles with synthetic. (Sold it still running strong.)

kyfdx · June 2003

Holy cow!! I'm going to change over to synthetic immediately. You've sold me!! LOL

Seriously, thats amazing for a Fiero.

kyfdx

icvci · June 2003

That was with absolutely NO work to the internal parts of the engine. (The "wet" stuff.)

aggie1995 · June 2003

"I've heard all the arguments and, until I have a major engine problem, I'll continue to believe in the benefits"

The same can be said for dino oil.

But since you've made your decision.

You can safely use 5W30 Mobil1 until more manufacturers come up with a 5w20. My dealer uses 5w20 Quaker State Synthic Blend.

It is a little thicker but should give you better protection if you deal with Texas summers like I do.

AMSOIL makes a 5w20 synthetic
www.americansyntheticoil.com

jian0041 · June 2003

My 2003 CR-V got 1,500 miles on it,and I am thinking of driving it down to Indianaplis from Minneapolis. It is about 600 miles one way, a long drive. Will such a long trip on the high way be fine for my car? I checked with the sales person with Honda. He said it should be totally fine, but a service person there told me not to exceed 65MPH on the high way. I need some advice. Thanks!

kyfdx · June 2003

Unless you are planning on driving the entire 600 miles at exactly 60MPH (not possible, considering the size of the fuel tank), you have nothing to worry about. At 1500 miles, you are ready for anything. I'd keep it under 80MPH, in consideration of your drivers license. Other than that, enjoy your car. Highway trips have a lot more variance in speed than you think.

regards,
kyfdx

jian0041 · June 2003

Thanks for your advice. It made me feel more comfortable about the trip.

jian0041

jian0041 · June 2003

Is it important to only use good brand gas? Some told me Ameco gas is of better quality. But I can only find SuperAmerica and Holidy stations in my neighborhood.

Also, the Honda ownerlink mentioned that using more expensive gas (higher than #87) will just make driving more costly and would not have any effect on engine life an performance. Is that true?

Thanks!

kyfdx · July 2003

I personally only use national brands for gas if possible (Shell, in my case), after having a problem with a discounter many years ago. Honda is correct. Paying for more octane will not do anything but empty your pockets quicker.

regards,
kyfdx

joey2brix · July 2003

Unless you drive in arctic desert or city taxi cab conditions, Synthetic oils sound like a waste of money to me. I would rather get the crud out of the engine every 3K miles with a new filter then wait 7K to 10K miles. The price of the synthetic oil must be at least 4 or 5 time the cost of a good name brand motor oil.

aggie1995 · July 2003

WalMart average Pricing for Mobil1 or Pennzoil

$3.99 a Quart or 18.99 for a 5 quart jug

robmarch · July 2003

all opinion to follow, please don't take as expert advice.

I'm a synthetic user. I haven't switched the CRV over yet, since Mobil doesn't make the grade required yet. I don't do the extended 7-10k + change intervals, though, on my Nissan. I use the highest manufacturer recommended change interval, which is 5k. The CRV is rated for a pretty long change interval, which is great for saving money on changes. But, when I look at the 2 primary reasons to do an oil and filter change, I think synthetic is worth it in this car.

First, conventional oil breaks down into thicker stuff with temperature. Synthetic is much much better at resisting this effect. for a vehicle with such a long change interval, I'd go with the synthetic for insurance. I'm sure the longer intervals are fine with conventional if everything in your car is in top shape. As the car ages, who knows?

Second, your oil filter traps particles. Even the ultra synthetics that last ~25k-30k miles between oil changes (due to excellent breakdown resistance), recommend filter changes every 10-15k or so. Why? Because the oil filter still traps particulate even when you're using synthetic, and a clogged filter reduces your oil pressure, which can lead to engine failure. I think 10k is a good upper limit for filter change on the CRV, which was designed for that service interval. I change my filter with every oil change on the nissan.

sure the cost is higher. for myself, it's $16 for 4 quarts in the nissan, every 5k. That's probably $12 more than I'd pay for regular oil. If you drive 25k per year, that's $60 per year. I've had good success with synthetic, and I'm not willing to change for that $60.

Have a good one.

2001 - 2006 Honda CR-Vs

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