When we bought our '99 CR-V we had to have a red 5 speed and were willing to wait. It took about three weeks, and was about a week earlier than the original delivery date. We went through the dealer's fleet sales department because of a purchase agreement through a credit union. When we picked it up the sales person told us that we got the earlier one because the guy who was in line ahead of us for a 5 speed was a jerk that called and bugged the sales guy every day about when the car would arrive. It pays to be nice, although it doesn't sound like that's a factor in your case.
Sharona, I'm not sure how many miles left before the light comes on. I haven't let it get down far the last few months I've had mine. Your mileage should improve as time goes on. Mine was about 21-22 at first, then increased. It did go back down to 22 now that I use the AC quite a bit. My highway has improved from about 26 to 28. I do tend to watch how heavy I am on the pedal too. I am at 4000 miles now. (BTW, I have the manual trans)
Obviously I can't prove it as I didn't see the other person drive away in the vehicle. I had a situation like hkjcrv described and what I said is what I believe happened.
You really think that scenario has never happened? When Hondas were really hot it was almost like they would have an auction and the vehicle went to the highest bidder. Money talks.
As for me being cynical. I'm sure you've heard plenty worse. You've been at it much longer than the typical salesperson. Your skin better be pretty thick.
When we picked it up the sales person told us that we got the earlier one because the guy who was in line ahead of us for a 5 speed was a jerk that called and bugged the sales guy every day about when the car would arrive. It pays to be nice,
You had me thinking. However, after careful revision of the events of the past two weeks, I can honestly say that I have never called there to check on the status of the vehicle. I have called to ask other questions about financing... which I would hope they wouldn't hold against me since this is my first new car. When I called yesterday, I was asking if the VIN# was available so that I could call my insurance company and *she* was the one who brought up the arrival of the car. A family friend of mine that sells cars for the same dealer, but for Acura is the one who set me up with this salesperson at Honda. I would hope that since I'm a friend of a friend that they wouldn't pull a "she's not nice so she doesn't get this car" kind of thing. That is sketchy service. In addition, I believe that most often, customer attitude is reflective of customer service. Had I been given a more accurate and honest estimate of the date of arrival to begin with, I wouldn't be an irrate customer.
Having owned both generations of CRVs, the warning light on the new one will drive you crazy.. Even though the engines/transmissions are different, I've found that both my old and new CRVs get about the same gas mileage and mileage per tank.... But, the darned idiot light comes on about 30 miles earlier on the new CRV. You can easily go 30-40 miles after the light comes on before stopping. I really think you could make 50-60 miles, but I've never tried it.
As far as mileage, I have an EX AWD, so it might not be comparable, but most tanks, I'm between 22-23 MPG, when using AC. It is hard to compare driving styles, but I've been able to boost it to over 25 MPG, just by limiting my speed on interstates and avoiding winding out the transmission. 21 MPG is not unusual, I don't think, in a mix of city and highway. If you drive over 65 MPH, it really drags your mileage down. Also, make sure you aren't turning off your overdrive (the button at the end of the stalk). This locks out 4th gear, and will kill your MPG. Either way, your mileage will likely improve with time.
Having owned both generations of CRVs, the warning light on the new one will drive you crazy..
I don't understand the whole warning light thing. It's probably just some stupid ploy to try to get you to keep filling up your gas tank all of the time. Where is the light? Is it easy to ignore, because I tell you, I like to let my gas tank get pretty empty before filling up again. When the warning light comes on, how does the gas tank level indicator read? Is it on E with 3 gallons left in the tank, or does it give a more accurate estimate of the gas remaining?
Wishing I actually *had* my CRV so that I could get annoyed with the gas light...
At one time Honda specified in the owner's manual how the low fuel light worked. They no longer give specifics, probably for legal reasons. It was something like when the light glows steady you have 2.2(US) gal. left. When the fuel gauge needle is on E you have 1.8 gal. left. The numbers may not be exact, I'm doing this from memory. I'll see if I can find it.
I imagine not much has changed in the technology so I'm not sure why there would be greater than 3 gals left now, but I know it occurs. You just have to adjust accordingly.
Well.. I thought I would seriously upgrade my tires. I bought Bridgestone Turanza LS-T in the stock 205/70-15 size. I already put Turanza LS-H on my Acura Legend, and like them a lot.
But, I'm having a big problem with them.. They have been balanced five different times by my tire guy (reliable) and on the latest Hunter road force balancer by Tire Discounters.. Neither one has any problems getting them to balance...
I can start feeling the vibration in the wheel and pedals at about 45MPH, and between 60-70 MPH (which is where I do most of my driving) it is at its worse.. Not a shimmy, like if you had a bad wheel... Just a harmonic type vibration.. We've rotated them, put two different tires on, etc, etc..
So, anyway... my tire guy has had my CRV for two days.. Today, he borrowed his niece's CRV that has the original Duelers and swapped them out with my tires... and.... the vibration is gone!!
So, long story even longer... I'm giving the Turanzas back.. According to three different tire "professionals" there is nothing wrong with them. My guy says he thinks it is just something about that tires sidewall and tread pattern that for some reason isn't working with the CRV. Not that he's ever seen it happen before.. Talk about frustrating..
Anyway, even though in general, I recommend the Turanza LS line, I would definitely NOT put them on a CRV.
So my CRV has finally arrived!! I'm leaving work 1/2 hour early today to go pick it up... I am so relieved that the waiting is over, and of course I'm excited to get my CRV!
I wonder if they'll have the nerve to ask that you give them nothing but perfect scores on the sales satisfaction survey...
Silly Varmint, of course they will! The Honda dealer I bought my CR-V tried to sweeten the request by offering to trade the blank survey for a free oil change.
Be fair, but let them know they've goofed. Absolutley. Be honest, fair, and make sure to return the survey after it arrives.
Just to be safe... and because he stocks them.. I'm putting on the BFGoodrich Touring TA.. Not a great tire, but I got 50K out of them on my first CRV ('98), and replaced them with them also, as I had a new spare and only had to buy three of them.
My current CRV is an '02 EX AWD...
I really thought I could improve the ride AND handling by going to a better T-rated tire. In the 205/70-15 size, the Turanza was the best I could find.. great ratings, etc... Still not positive why the car is reacting to them that way (and neither is anyone else), but there it is.. It really bites, because I researched tires for six months, and was positive I had the best one.
So I'm finally done with my tire decision/purchase/installation. My goal was to get a more quiet ride, slightly better handling, and spend around $300. I ended up ordering 215/65-15 Yokohama Avid Touring from discounttiredirect.com for $256 with free shipping. Today I went to Costco and got them installed for $40. It was all a great experience. Tires arrived in 2 days and the got them installed in 1.5 hours.
So far the ride feels great. It is definitely more quiet on the road and the center of gravity feels a little lower on turns.
I wonder if they'll have the nerve to ask that you give them nothing but perfect scores on the sales satisfaction survey...
Silly Varmint, of course they will!
Oh yes, this definitely happened and I read Varmint's post before I went to pick up the car. I was appalled by what was said to me, and I immediately thought of Varmint's warning!
She said "you will be surveyed in the next couple of days and you are asked to rate your salesperson on a bunch of scales ranging from 0 to 5... anything less than 5 is a zero. So I'd like you to tell me ahead of time if you think there is anything that you would give me less than a five on."
So basically, she was begging me not to give her anything less than 5s. I'm sorry, but if there is a question about the honesty or knowledge of the salesperson, I don't think I'd be able to give a 5. Will she know it's me? LOL I can't imagine a survey designed where everything is so cut and dry that anything less than a 5 equals 0. <rolling eyes> I was so ticked. She's lucky she was sending me out the door right then.
I know that there is great debate on whether to purchase an extended warranty on a CRV, so I won't get into that...
However, at the dealer, they were trying to convince me to spend almost $500 for an undercoating. For the time being, I decided to pass... but I wanted to ask... I was under the impression that cars were automatically undercoated in the factory these days... is this false information?
If the undercoating turns out to be a good idea, I can always shop around and go have it done somewhere else. I really didn't want to shell any more money into that dealer!!
SCAM, SCAM, SCAM .......... that's all I can say to describe "additional undercoating" on ANY new vehicle sold in the past 15+ years. The Dealer telling you this (or salesperson) should be "tared & feathered" with the same undercoating he is trying to SCAM you into buying. I'm sorry to admit, but "I" probably would have belted the guy in the face, or since I really don't want to get arrested, I definitely would have shouted several dozen foul and extremely abusive words at his face and then walked (ran?) out of that dealership !! The last time a dealer tried this crap on ME was in 1973 when I purchased a brand new Volvo 142EA. Volvo probaly had the world's FINEST FACTORY undercoating of ANY vehicle. It was done in THEIR factory, right after the vehicle "shell" was final painted, but BEFORE any drive train or suspension components were installed. It really was on the underside of the floor, UNDER the gas tank, UNDER the muffler, etc. the "shadowed" places MOST manufacturers ALWAYS missed and as it came near the rear of the vehicle (under bumper area) it was perfectly "masked" straight across. It really was a work of craftsmanship. Remember, Winters in Sweeden were damaging and brutal. Well THAT Dealer (Winer Motors - Stratford, CT) tried this "additional charge" for "additional undercoat" on me, and at that time I was 18 years old, NOT taking any high blood pressure meds, and actually pushed the guy back about two feet (something I'm sure I would get sued for this day and age) then went home and called Volvo of America and reported this dealer. Needless to say I DID purchase the new vehicle there ($3,800 - oh, those were the days). The OTHER "scam" is the "Lifetime Paint Protectant" ..... Oh yes, so many Dealers tried and still do) this crap, along with the side pin striping. I remember one Dealer in Milford, CT that ALWAYS adds about $800 - $1000 to each vehicle for the "Vehicle Protection Plan".... paint sealer, pin stripe, VIN etch & wheel locks. I wanted to buy a Toyota Solara (around 1999) from them and they said there was NO WAY I could get one (from THEM) without this "package". B.S. .......... yes sir, PURE B.S. !!!!
I am due for a new set of tires. I would like to get a wider tire for purely cosmetic reasons. What is the maximum sized tire that I can stuff onto the stock EX rims without problems? Of course I do not want a horrible ride... but would like a wider look.... any suggestions? experiences?
Hey wen I'm with you! I'd have belted that salesman in the face too! And I would have shouted all those abusive words you talked about. And I'd have gone further! Any salesman who actually asks you to buy something you don't want should be dragged through the streets! And to think the average wimp out there would just say no to the salesman. You tell 'em wen!
215/65-15 will fit, but will be slightly shorter overall. 225/65-15 would be just about perfect, but you'll find that size is virtually unavailable in any suitable tire.
You have to go much wider to move up to a 60 series tire, and then it won't fit on the 6" wide stock wheel.
When its my time for new rubber I plan to go with 215-70-15. Reasons being: overall diameter of tire will be .55 inches more (fills the wheel-well better), .4 in. wider (slightly bigger contact patch), speedo differential will only be 1.36 mph different (barely noticeable), won't need to swap the spare (specs are close enough so as no to kick in the 4WD), and finally the size is commonly available. Michelin Harmony's are great on the V based on Tire Rack reviews but the price is a bit high. There are many other choices.
Make sure the specific tire you want has those dimensions you posted (I'm guessing you did--but for others). Tires within the same size can have differing dimensions. Sure the difference will be small but since you are basing so much of your purchasing decision on the minor difference as compared to stock, make sure that really is what you are buying.
I can't imagine a survey designed where everything is so cut and dry that anything less than a 5 equals 0.
Actually, that part is more or less true. They figure if the sales experience wasn't perfect, then there must have been something worth complaining about. Isell may be able to elaborate more on how they treat less than perfect scores.
In this case, there obviously was something to complain about. Let 'em have it. Give them whatever ranking you think is appropriate. Just don't bash the whole survey because it will (in theory) impact more than just the one salesperson who worked with you.
New CR-V owner here... I read in the owner's manual that I only need to change my oil once every 10,000 miles or once a year. This seems *incredible* to me... do you all go by that standard or do you generally change your oil more often than that?
What new "technology" is available now that would allow a vehicle to go 10,000 miles or a year, compared to 3,000 and 3 months?
You can always follow the "severe" maintenance schedule if you wish. There are more frequent oil changes with that schedule. Still not every 3,000 miles though.
One of the most important times in the "life" of any engine is it's "break-in" period. That is the time you "baby" it and not kick-down the transmission or needlessly rev it high, and try to vary the RPM's, etc. With my NEW '04 CR-V (about 400 miles as of today) I plan to do my FIRST oil/Filter change at 5,000 MILES !! Naturally I am going to be "super-paranoid" about fitting the new (genuine Honda) oil filter in place and wiping every drop of oil, as NOT to cause any of those potential "fires". Remember, if you take out the break-in oil too soon the new engine really does not "seat" or "bed-in" correctly. I think 10,000 miles of initial "break-in" oil is much too long. As mentioned previously, using the SEVER DUTY (Schedule recomendations will never harm the vehicle and in fact will definitely help longevity, at the small price of spending a few extra dollars. My '03 Acura MDX recomends 3,750 "severe" and 7,500 "normal" oil & filter changes. I think 10,000 miles on the Honda CR-V is totally insane and would suggest using the 5,000 mile even in "normal" conditions. For what it's worth, I have always used MOBIL 1 (synthetic) right after removing initial "break-in" oil in ALL my Acura's -and- Honda's and try to change oil/filter at around 4,000 miles. MANY say this is "overkill" and call me "wastefull". Well to many it is, but I am a fanatic and my vehicles are super clean, inside and out. I just sold my 2000 Acura 3.2TL (38,500 miles) for $18,500 and it was nearly showroom condition. We plan to have our '03 MDX for many. many years as well as our new '04 CR-V EX !!
One suggestion, don't do your first oil change yourself, have the dealer do it. But then double check everything yourself when they're done. I don't believe we know what is causing the fires yet.
I've driven company cars a lot of miles over the past 15 years and done a lot of oil changes.
The leasing companys when they have to absorb maintennace and repair costs recommended 5K intervals.( oil and filter). I'm pretty sure that this figure is based on extensive analysis of toal maintence costs of a very large number of vehicles.
The 3000 mile interval appears to have been invented by the Quick oil change companies to boost revenue and utilization of their fixed assets. Technically , there is probably an advantage in engine wear, but not enough to justify the extra cost.
There is some argument for an initial 1000 mile oil and filter change, but modern manufacturing techniques make this less important than in decades past.
1) It keeps me on the 10K service schedule otherwise. I only do the oil changes at 5K, everything else goes according to schedule.
2) It puts me into the dealer every 4 months. I almost never have to top fluids, air tires, etc, as they do this with the oil change. For an extra $26, you can't beat it. I basically just gas up and drive.
When the interval was 7500 miles, I went in every 3750 for oil changes to stay on schedule.. but, even then I thought it was overkill.
There are still some cars that can use 3,000 mile oil changes, even today. I believe the Ford Taurus has 5K mile oil changes on the normal schedule and the severe schedule is every 3,000 miles.
I did my first oil change at 10k miles since I was mostly doing hwy driving. I expected the oil to be completly black but it was more like dark dark brown. I've been changing oil at every 5k miles.
I think paying more for synthetic oil is complete waste of money. I have never used synthetic oil and I have had no problem driving over 150k miles with proper maintenance.
This from NHTSA website - Let me get this straight -32 leaks as of 2/28, Honda Id's 14. That leaves 18 not accounted for (more than 50%), not counting any since 2/28 and the 04's. Call me crazy, something is still fishy...Notice the cause of the fires - Heat from the exhaust system. Did the exhaust system location change in 03 and 04 from MY 01 and 02? Bad oil change = destroyed car and almost dead. Couldn't they use a warning light instead? Also, why did this take a year to issue a warning.
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED 32 INCIDENTS OF OIL FILTER LEAKAGE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION, WITH 22 RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRES. ALL OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED FOLLOWING OIL CHANGES. HONDA'S INVESTIGATION OF 14 OF THE FIRE INCIDENTS DETERMINED THAT "FIVE OIL FILTERS HAD STACKED SEALS (DOUBLE-GASKETING), AND NINE OIL FILTERS HAD DISTORTED OR PINCHED SEALS." ACCORDING TO HONDA, BOTH CONDITIONS RESULT FROM FAILURE TO FOLLOW NECESSARY REPAIR PROCEDURES. STACKED SEALS RESULT FROM FAILURE OF THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO REMOVE THE OLD SEAL PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE NEW FILTER AND SEAL. DISTORTED OR PINCHED SEALS RESULT FROM FAILURE TO PROPERLY LUBRICATE THE NEW SEAL PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. OIL LEAKAGE FROM A STACKED, DISTORTED, OR PINCHED SEAL CAN BE IGNITED BY HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH IS LOCATED NEAR THE OIL FILTER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. HONDA WILL ISSUE COMMUNICATIONS TO ITS DEALERS WARNING OF THE NECESSITY TO FOLLOW CORRECT PROCEDURES WHEN REPLACING OIL FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND OF THE POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE FIRES TO RESULT FROM IMPROPER REPAIRS. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2003 AND LATER CR-V VEHICLES. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
I use the 10,000 mile or twice a year schedule. I also use synthetic oil and a fram or mobile1 filter, never have used the Honda filter. I use different types of synthetics, at present I am using Royal Purple. The engine is real clean and runs great. I average about 23 MPG around town and HWY use. I have the valves adjusted every 30,000 miles. Sense this is my Toad, I add the accumulated mileage of the motor home to my CR-V mileage and have about 65,000 trouble free miles, no major problems at all. The synthetic oil helps the engine to run smoother and cooler, at least that has been my experience.
The Post is one of those online papers where you have to register, so I thought I'd include some of the article here:
At least 27 Honda CR-V sport-utility vehicles from the 2003 and 2004 model years burst into flames shortly after getting their first oil changes, according to records provided to the federal government by the manufacturer.
While no injuries were reported, many of the vehicles were destroyed, usually with 10,000 miles or fewer on their odometers.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration investigated the situation and concluded July 1 that the cases were the fault of dealerships or others who improperly installed oil filters. The agency agreed with American Honda Motor Co. that oil from the filters most likely leaked onto the vehicles' hot exhaust systems, quickly igniting -- in some cases as the owners drove the small SUVs home from being serviced.
"We consulted with Honda. Honda concluded it was a technician's error, and they have taken steps to make sure service technicians who work on this vehicle understand that they need to be particularly diligent when they replace the oil filter," NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson said.
But auto safety advocates say they're dismayed that the agency didn't take a stronger stand. "Relatively new cars catching on fire? Running the risk of injuring their occupants? It's a very unusual and a very dangerous situation," said Sally Greenberg of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. The fact that a routine oil change could have such catastrophic results suggests "a dire and a dangerous situation that both the automaker and the auto safety agency should have looked much more closely at," she said.
Honda, whose products are consistently rated among the safest vehicles, doesn't know why the fires are happening in only the two most recent CR-V models, spokesman Andy Boyd said. "That's the part we're still investigating. Honestly, that's something we're still trying to understand," he said, adding that there have been no major design changes.
While Boyd said the problem is "absolutely not a design defect," he said the CR-V's engine is configured "such that there is a higher likelihood of oil spraying onto the manifold than . . . on other vehicles." Honda has no plan to recall the vehicles and install a barrier to block the oil from hitting the hot exhaust manifold, he said.
"At this stage I don't believe we think a recall is warranted," Boyd said "We think with a little more communication and education with the dealers, the problem can be eliminated."
CNN.com is featuring this story today as well. For those of you who've had a fire, I'm curious to know something - the 2.4 liter engine used in the CR-V is the same engine used in the Element, and Accord, correct? And in substantially the same form, it is also used in the Si (as a 2 liter) and Acura TSX... have I missed some cars? I assume the "design issue" is Honda's decision to put the oil filter on the exhaust side of the block - not real smart, but not uncommon by any means. Given all this, does anyone know why only the CR-V seems to be catching fire?
Comments
You really think that scenario has never happened? When Hondas were really hot it was almost like they would have an auction and the vehicle went to the highest bidder. Money talks.
As for me being cynical. I'm sure you've heard plenty worse. You've been at it much longer than the typical salesperson. Your skin better be pretty thick.
You had me thinking. However, after careful revision of the events of the past two weeks, I can honestly say that I have never called there to check on the status of the vehicle. I have called to ask other questions about financing... which I would hope they wouldn't hold against me since this is my first new car. When I called yesterday, I was asking if the VIN# was available so that I could call my insurance company and *she* was the one who brought up the arrival of the car. A family friend of mine that sells cars for the same dealer, but for Acura is the one who set me up with this salesperson at Honda. I would hope that since I'm a friend of a friend that they wouldn't pull a "she's not nice so she doesn't get this car" kind of thing. That is sketchy service. In addition, I believe that most often, customer attitude is reflective of customer service. Had I been given a more accurate and honest estimate of the date of arrival to begin with, I wouldn't be an irrate customer.
As far as mileage, I have an EX AWD, so it might not be comparable, but most tanks, I'm between 22-23 MPG, when using AC. It is hard to compare driving styles, but I've been able to boost it to over 25 MPG, just by limiting my speed on interstates and avoiding winding out the transmission. 21 MPG is not unusual, I don't think, in a mix of city and highway. If you drive over 65 MPH, it really drags your mileage down. Also, make sure you aren't turning off your overdrive (the button at the end of the stalk). This locks out 4th gear, and will kill your MPG. Either way, your mileage will likely improve with time.
regards,
kyfdx
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I don't understand the whole warning light thing. It's probably just some stupid ploy to try to get you to keep filling up your gas tank all of the time. Where is the light? Is it easy to ignore, because I tell you, I like to let my gas tank get pretty empty before filling up again. When the warning light comes on, how does the gas tank level indicator read? Is it on E with 3 gallons left in the tank, or does it give a more accurate estimate of the gas remaining?
Wishing I actually *had* my CRV so that I could get annoyed with the gas light...
Hang in there, you'll better know what to expect if you follow these threads once you do actually get it. :-)
-juice
I imagine not much has changed in the technology so I'm not sure why there would be greater than 3 gals left now, but I know it occurs. You just have to adjust accordingly.
But, I'm having a big problem with them.. They have been balanced five different times by my tire guy (reliable) and on the latest Hunter road force balancer by Tire Discounters.. Neither one has any problems getting them to balance...
I can start feeling the vibration in the wheel and pedals at about 45MPH, and between 60-70 MPH (which is where I do most of my driving) it is at its worse.. Not a shimmy, like if you had a bad wheel... Just a harmonic type vibration.. We've rotated them, put two different tires on, etc, etc..
So, anyway... my tire guy has had my CRV for two days.. Today, he borrowed his niece's CRV that has the original Duelers and swapped them out with my tires... and.... the vibration is gone!!
So, long story even longer... I'm giving the Turanzas back.. According to three different tire "professionals" there is nothing wrong with them. My guy says he thinks it is just something about that tires sidewall and tread pattern that for some reason isn't working with the CRV. Not that he's ever seen it happen before.. Talk about frustrating..
Anyway, even though in general, I recommend the Turanza LS line, I would definitely NOT put them on a CRV.
regards,
kyfdx
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Be fair, but let them know they've goofed.
Silly Varmint, of course they will! The Honda dealer I bought my CR-V tried to sweeten the request by offering to trade the blank survey for a free oil change.
Be fair, but let them know they've goofed.
Absolutley. Be honest, fair, and make sure to return the survey after it arrives.
And congrats on the new CR-V.
Someone grinds out a nothing deal. The car arrives and it gets sold to another customer who is willing to pay a lot more for it.
Any decent store wouldn't do this however.
My current CRV is an '02 EX AWD...
I really thought I could improve the ride AND handling by going to a better T-rated tire. In the 205/70-15 size, the Turanza was the best I could find.. great ratings, etc... Still not positive why the car is reacting to them that way (and neither is anyone else), but there it is.. It really bites, because I researched tires for six months, and was positive I had the best one.
regards,
kyfdx
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So far the ride feels great. It is definitely more quiet on the road and the center of gravity feels a little lower on turns.
On the looks of the tires, they don't look much different from the stock. Here are some pics
http://www.silicore.com/photos/my_honda_crv_jerry/
Thanks for all the suggestions regarding a good size to get, I'm really happy with them!
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Silly Varmint, of course they will!
Oh yes, this definitely happened and I read Varmint's post before I went to pick up the car. I was appalled by what was said to me, and I immediately thought of Varmint's warning!
She said "you will be surveyed in the next couple of days and you are asked to rate your salesperson on a bunch of scales ranging from 0 to 5... anything less than 5 is a zero. So I'd like you to tell me ahead of time if you think there is anything that you would give me less than a five on."
So basically, she was begging me not to give her anything less than 5s. I'm sorry, but if there is a question about the honesty or knowledge of the salesperson, I don't think I'd be able to give a 5. Will she know it's me? LOL I can't imagine a survey designed where everything is so cut and dry that anything less than a 5 equals 0. <rolling eyes> I was so ticked. She's lucky she was sending me out the door right then.
However, at the dealer, they were trying to convince me to spend almost $500 for an undercoating. For the time being, I decided to pass... but I wanted to ask... I was under the impression that cars were automatically undercoated in the factory these days... is this false information?
If the undercoating turns out to be a good idea, I can always shop around and go have it done somewhere else. I really didn't want to shell any more money into that dealer!!
The last time a dealer tried this crap on ME was in 1973 when I purchased a brand new Volvo 142EA. Volvo probaly had the world's FINEST FACTORY undercoating of ANY vehicle. It was done in THEIR factory, right after the vehicle "shell" was final painted, but BEFORE any drive train or suspension components were installed. It really was on the underside of the floor, UNDER the gas tank, UNDER the muffler, etc. the "shadowed" places MOST manufacturers ALWAYS missed and as it came near the rear of the vehicle (under bumper area) it was perfectly "masked" straight across. It really was a work of craftsmanship. Remember, Winters in Sweeden were damaging and brutal. Well THAT Dealer (Winer Motors - Stratford, CT) tried this "additional charge" for "additional undercoat" on me, and at that time I was 18 years old, NOT taking any high blood pressure meds, and actually pushed the guy back about two feet (something I'm sure I would get sued for this day and age) then went home and called Volvo of America and reported this dealer. Needless to say I DID purchase the new vehicle there ($3,800 - oh, those were the days).
The OTHER "scam" is the "Lifetime Paint Protectant" ..... Oh yes, so many Dealers tried and still do) this crap, along with the side pin striping. I remember one Dealer in Milford, CT that ALWAYS adds about $800 - $1000 to each vehicle for the "Vehicle Protection Plan".... paint sealer, pin stripe, VIN etch & wheel locks. I wanted to buy a Toyota Solara (around 1999) from them and they said there was NO WAY I could get one (from THEM) without this "package". B.S. .......... yes sir, PURE B.S. !!!!
any suggestions? experiences?
You have to go much wider to move up to a 60 series tire, and then it won't fit on the 6" wide stock wheel.
regards,
kyfdx
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Actually, that part is more or less true. They figure if the sales experience wasn't perfect, then there must have been something worth complaining about. Isell may be able to elaborate more on how they treat less than perfect scores.
In this case, there obviously was something to complain about. Let 'em have it. Give them whatever ranking you think is appropriate. Just don't bash the whole survey because it will (in theory) impact more than just the one salesperson who worked with you.
What new "technology" is available now that would allow a vehicle to go 10,000 miles or a year, compared to 3,000 and 3 months?
Will certainly save me a lot of money...
If you really are concerned, do an oil analysis before dumping what may otherwise be perfectly good oil out.
More oil wars talk in Engine Oil - A slippery subject Part 2.
Steve, Host
The leasing companys when they have to absorb maintennace and repair costs recommended 5K intervals.( oil and filter). I'm pretty sure that this figure is based on extensive analysis of toal maintence costs of a very large number of vehicles.
The 3000 mile interval appears to have been invented by the Quick oil change companies to boost revenue and utilization of their fixed assets. Technically , there is probably an advantage in engine wear, but not enough to justify the extra cost.
There is some argument for an initial 1000 mile oil and filter change, but modern manufacturing techniques make this less important than in decades past.
5000 mile intervals for me.
2) It puts me into the dealer every 4 months. I almost never have to top fluids, air tires, etc, as they do this with the oil change. For an extra $26, you can't beat it. I basically just gas up and drive.
When the interval was 7500 miles, I went in every 3750 for oil changes to stay on schedule.. but, even then I thought it was overkill.
regards,
kyfdx
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-juice
I think paying more for synthetic oil is complete waste of money. I have never used synthetic oil and I have had no problem driving over 150k miles with proper maintenance.
There's another school of thought that says you should drive a new car like a rental to loosen it up good and increase its power and longevity.
I don't have a break-in wars link off-hand :-)
Steve, Host
Bad oil change = destroyed car and almost dead. Couldn't they use a warning light instead? Also, why did this take a year to issue a warning.
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED 32 INCIDENTS OF OIL FILTER LEAKAGE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION, WITH 22 RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRES. ALL OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED FOLLOWING OIL CHANGES. HONDA'S INVESTIGATION OF 14 OF THE FIRE INCIDENTS DETERMINED THAT "FIVE OIL FILTERS HAD STACKED SEALS (DOUBLE-GASKETING), AND NINE OIL FILTERS HAD DISTORTED OR PINCHED SEALS." ACCORDING TO HONDA, BOTH CONDITIONS RESULT FROM FAILURE TO FOLLOW NECESSARY REPAIR PROCEDURES. STACKED SEALS RESULT FROM FAILURE OF THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO REMOVE THE OLD SEAL PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE NEW FILTER AND SEAL. DISTORTED OR PINCHED SEALS RESULT FROM FAILURE TO PROPERLY LUBRICATE THE NEW SEAL PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. OIL LEAKAGE FROM A STACKED, DISTORTED, OR PINCHED SEAL CAN BE IGNITED BY HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, WHICH IS LOCATED NEAR THE OIL FILTER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. HONDA WILL ISSUE COMMUNICATIONS TO ITS DEALERS WARNING OF THE NECESSITY TO FOLLOW CORRECT PROCEDURES WHEN REPLACING OIL FILTERS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND OF THE POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE FIRES TO RESULT FROM IMPROPER REPAIRS. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2003 AND LATER CR-V VEHICLES. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
-juice
go to http://washpost.com/index.shtml then to "latest news"
BTW, I am not any of the people in the article.
FINALLY!!!!!!!!
At least 27 Honda CR-V sport-utility vehicles from the 2003 and 2004 model years burst into flames shortly after getting their first oil changes, according to records provided to the federal government by the manufacturer.
While no injuries were reported, many of the vehicles were destroyed, usually with 10,000 miles or fewer on their odometers.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration investigated the situation and concluded July 1 that the cases were the fault of dealerships or others who improperly installed oil filters. The agency agreed with American Honda Motor Co. that oil from the filters most likely leaked onto the vehicles' hot exhaust systems, quickly igniting -- in some cases as the owners drove the small SUVs home from being serviced.
"We consulted with Honda. Honda concluded it was a technician's error, and they have taken steps to make sure service technicians who work on this vehicle understand that they need to be particularly diligent when they replace the oil filter," NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson said.
But auto safety advocates say they're dismayed that the agency didn't take a stronger stand. "Relatively new cars catching on fire? Running the risk of injuring their occupants? It's a very unusual and a very dangerous situation," said Sally Greenberg of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. The fact that a routine oil change could have such catastrophic results suggests "a dire and a dangerous situation that both the automaker and the auto safety agency should have looked much more closely at," she said.
Honda, whose products are consistently rated among the safest vehicles, doesn't know why the fires are happening in only the two most recent CR-V models, spokesman Andy Boyd said. "That's the part we're still investigating. Honestly, that's something we're still trying to understand," he said, adding that there have been no major design changes.
While Boyd said the problem is "absolutely not a design defect," he said the CR-V's engine is configured "such that there is a higher likelihood of oil spraying onto the manifold than . . . on other vehicles." Honda has no plan to recall the vehicles and install a barrier to block the oil from hitting the hot exhaust manifold, he said.
"At this stage I don't believe we think a recall is warranted," Boyd said "We think with a little more communication and education with the dealers, the problem can be eliminated."
LOL Sabrina.
I can get you a print copy if you really want it that badly. Mail it to you or whatever.
A CR rep commented on it so I bet it'll appear in a future issue of Consumer Reports, too.
-juice
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1895&ncid- =1895&e=5&u=/nm/20040709/us_nm/autos_honda_fires_dc
http://money.cnn.com/2004/07/09/news/international/honda_fires.re- ut/index.htm?cnn=yes
I think that one works without a subscription. There is also a link on the home page, the 7th listed under Top Stories.
Edit: mike beat me to it.
On the Post's web page, guess what? It's the #1 e-mailed article!
You're not ballot stuffing, are you Sabrina? ;-)
-juice