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Comments
By the way, have heard bad things about both the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. Escape has already been recalled and they are not even really out yet. All that made my mind up to go ahead and purchase the CRV.
Roush Honda was recommended to me by a friend when I was searching out my new CRV a month ago. However, Columbus was twice as far as Cleveland was for me so that's why I didn't go to Roush However, the folks that went to Roush were THRILLED with them. They were from Toledo and tried to deal with the Honda dealer there and had no luck. They felt it was more than worth the 2 hour drive to purchase theirs in Columbus at Roush.
FYI to Michaelo1
I'm not sure about the price you got on the EX since I purchased and SE and didn't comparison shop the EX model. I only paid about $1,000 more for my SE though, so I would think you could get it lower.
I dealt with Sunnyside Honda and couldn't have been happier! I dealt with Chanin (pronounced Shannon). I have her card, but it's in my CRV so I don't have her last name handy at the moment. However, she does A LOT of internet sales and gives you a good price up front. She knows you have done your homework and what prices you are finding online, so she cuts through most of the haggling part and gets right to the sale.
I highly recommend this place! I couldn't be happier with my purchase or the professionalism they had at this dealership!
Good Luck! Let us know what you both do!
Varmit - Thanks for the plug about the meet! C'mon down if you're able!
Nah, the wife would probably protest, but thanks for the invite. Say "Hi" to Unca Georgie and the rest of the GoongalaGoongans.
Kyle
Honda is making plenty of money. Don't let them fool you into thinking that they can't afford to let these CR-Vs go at anything less than MSRP. American sales are at a record high.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/20000901/press024450.html
Side note: The CR-V seems to be doing extremely well despite the age of it's design and competition from the new kids on the block (Escape/Tribute and next generation Rav4).
I'd also like to add that not every dealer should be ruled out because of their bad attitudes. First off.... Honda dealers aren't known for their friendliness. The two Honda dealers I've purchased from were big time A-holes and didn't seem to care much about their customer (me) but only fattening their wallets. In both instances, I came away battle weary and disgusted, BUT, I bought the CR-V for UNDER Invoice and the Accord for $120 OVER invoice. If great attitude is what you're looking for, I wouldn't recommend either dealers, but if you're looking for great deals, I certainly would.
We decided to buy the CR-V after test-driving the Mazda Tribute. The V6 power was great, but my wife and I only like stickshifts. Also, getting ABS on the Mazda apparently requires purchase of the V6 model, which requires an automatic, and Mazda is packaging ABS with the luxury package (a $1,000 moonroof). I've also seen that the 25 mpg claim is way off base. We drove the Mazda before the dealer learned of the recalls over sticky cruise control and faulty steering wheel nuts. I saw in the paper today that Ford has made its third recall on the Escape/Tribute. What a confidence-inspiring roll-out (maybe that's why the dealers are charging so much -- to cover the repair costs).
The CR-V seemed the best value for the best package of features and delivered acceptable mileage. Honda of Oakland got me the car I wanted in the color I wanted at the price I had determined I would pay -- and in just two days. I love it.
As for recalls, everyone has them, but some definitly have more than others. The CR-V has had one recall (Under dash wire loom for a limited number of vehicles) since its introduction. As a counterpoint, my wife's '95 S10 is on it's forth recall now (Seatbelts, wipers, ABS, EGR valve). Perfection doesn't exist but quality varies greatly.
I contacted a salesguy in Enid, OK who offered to sell a CR-V LX auto for $18,997 (plus tax & title)in early July '00. His name is Willi K and his email address is: curttright@enid.com
Hondabro - Amen on the recalls. They happen, even to Hondas. However, the Ford Escape is now on its fourth recall (fuel leaking). Add that to the cruise control, the steering wheel, and the 4X2 components. Oh, and don't forget the preproduction transmission redesign (not a true recall). I was willing to forgive them for the prepreduction stuff, and I'd expect one or two recalls over the course of the first two years, but not this.
Since the Tribute/Escape was largely designed by Mazda (which has always been good for me), I was expecting the quality and engineering to be above typical Ford standards. That is obviously not the case. This is bad. Just plain bad. No matter what kind of spin we put on it, this is just a poor design.
Ford/Mazda should have sucked it up and put quality materials and design into this. It would have cost them more. Therefore the cost to the customer would be higher, but people would have paid for it. A V6 at $24K instead of $21K would still be very marketable.
http://www.honda-accessories.com/crv/crvarmrest.pdf
-Trevor
I bought accord there in 97 and test-drove CR-V several times there (although ended up buying a Subaru Forester), and the attitude of sales people was OK.
Subaru-Audi-Honda of Livermore is also OK. I like that they let you test drive w/o a sales person. Also great if you (like me) are cros-shopping CR-V and Forester.
Okay, I'm done complaining.
gas prices obtained at priceline.com, I tried it out. However, it seems that in my area I could not really get any savings. The price that priceline recommended was about average in my area.
I bid $1.20 and then $1.50 for 50 gals of regular
(87) gas (entered a LOT of gas stations to choose from), and both offers were rejected. Then
priceline.com kicked me out, saying to come back no earlier than in 24h.
Anyone has a better luck using priceline for gas in the SF Bay Area? Anyone can recommend a "best
kept secret" station where price is consistently
lower than average? Then of course it won't be a secret anymore ;-)
Here's some tips to getting the best price with Priceline:
1) DO NOT CHOOSE the gas station you want to use. Pick 3 stations that are in your area, but not your favorites. This improves your chance of getting the closest or best station.
2) IGNORE the 24 hr rule. After one try, Priceline will say come back in 24 hours, BUT ignore it. You can GO BACK to the HOME page, then start over. It will not work if you only go back to the Gas page.
3) BID on the 92 Octane. From my experience, I've noticed that the savings are more significant. The lowest price I've gotten for 92 is $1.36/gal.; 89 octane was $1.37 (higher than 92!!!!)... and $1.25 for 87 octane. As a general rule, bid about $.40 cents less than the retail price.
If you'd like, give me your ZIP CODE and I can find out what the lowest accepted price is.
----------------------------------------
crvse,
I think you're mistaken. The new Accord does NOT have the "cheesy" paper headliner nor the vinyl one. It actually has a velour-like cloth lining, similar to the ones in Cadillac's. I owned a '98 Accord, so I know. Having owned a '95 Acura Integra (vinyl) and the '98 CR-V (paper), I was quite impressed with the quality of the Accord. Btw, Accord has the intermitten wipers.
I was actually complaining out the wipers on the crv because it's not variable. Small gripe, but that's just me. Other than that, I love the CRV.
Of COURSE, dealers are trying to get MSRP (or MORE) on their cars. They'll charge what the market will bear, and with consumers likely to buy a record 17 million new cars & lt. trucks this year, the market will bear a lot. It's not greed, it's common sense. And when the prices get TOO high for TOO many consumers or the economy (and car demand)softens, they'll drop the prices.
I'm not suggesting anybody WANTS to pay so much for a car, I'm only saying that's what free markets are about...don't like the price, walk away! I don't hear people complaining when the markets drive DOWN prices or yakking about consumer greed at buying BELOW invoice (yeah, yeah, yeah, I know about holdbacks, etc.) when times aren't so good for car makers and dealers.
And no...I'm not a dealer or remotely related to one. I'm just a consumer who wants the best price I can get on the car I want, but realizes it's not dealer greed that push prices up...it's consumers' willingness and ability to pay the higher prices.
PS: I was out at the Jersey Shore this past weekend and due to Thursday nights storm the streets were flooded. This beautiful piece of machinery had no poblem getting through the trouble spots. What a great car.
The headliners in the CR-V and Accord are TOTALLY different. I suggest you re-check her Accord.
---------------------
macmom,
I believe when a dealer charges MSRP or OVER it is pure greed. The difference between Invoice and MSRP is wide enough that they'll make a healthy profit, even with a discount. Even if they sell at Invoice, they are guaranteed a profit. They will not go out of business by selling at a discounted price, especially since a large part of their income comes from used car sales and servicing. So, instead of making millions per year, they make millions + gouging bonus when they sell over MSRP. Sure, everyone would like to make some extra money, but to gouge customers would only alienate them and leave a bad feeling in their mouths.
Roadtest
Check inspection date
Reset maintenance light
Oil and filter change
Inspect front and rear brakes (they give a % worn)
Inspect and adjust clutch pedal, freeplay and release arm
Inspect brake hoses and lines
Inspect and tighten suspension mounting bolts and check struts/shocks
Check exhaust pipe and muffler
Inspect steering box and tie rods
Inspect power steering system and belt
Rotate tires
Set tire pressure
Adjust all belts
Adjust fluid levels
Lube hinges and latches
Check A/C freon and cooling efficiency
Check battery and connections
Tighten all hose clamps/Check cooling system
Check all external lights
Torque all lug nuts
Check condition of tires
Total cost was $89.95.
Dmcglynn - Sorry, my ride is bonestock. Try the CR-V Information Exchange. There are many members who have supe'd up their rigs with aftermarket toys.
www.hondasuv.com
http://www.alsnscale.com/CRVMEET/crvmeet.htm
Should I buy new, or buy 98+?
People who have recently bought one (new) please give me pricing information (what you paid). It is the end of the year, and I get the feeling Honda is not coming off the prices like they should. For example; 5sp LX = 18650. EX auto 20230. Need help!
Used CR-Vs hold their value, so prices are not too low on them. New prices are not much higher. Shop around a bit if you can. I've seen people getting an SE for just under 21,000. I've seen EXs for just under 19,000 (Baltimore-Washington area).
and versatility but dislike the bigger clumsier
SUVs.
Trouble is, I do tow a trailer. Other posts
I've seen have been somewhat helpful but
conflicting.
Some say reasonably sized trailers are OK, others
say you have no business towing anything with a
CR-V. I'd appreciate anyone's experience towing
with a CR-V.
Please mention your trailer's size and weight and
whether you drive in hilly or flat terrain.
My trailer is 920 pounds fully loaded. I
understand the CR-V is rated for 1000 pounds but
just 80 pounds to spare seems like cutting things a bit tight.
My trailer is a small boat trailer converted to
carry a plywood box 14 ft long, 4 ft wide, 4 ft,
high...so quite a bit of wind drag. It carries a
small car top style sailboat inverted on top, and a small kayak and a windsurfer plus an assortment of sails inside the box.
Thanks
I have not added anything to the CRV SE as of yet and want your opinnion on these accessories.
1. Cargo Cover (I know the one is cheep but someone awile back said they has one that came from overseaes and was retractable like the passport)
2. Gold package (looks good on white accord but not sure on the crv se because of that big "u" shaped silver piece.
3. Rear Spoiler (does it look good) From tthe pictures I thought that it did.
4. Cargo net (comments on this)
5. Passenger arm rest
(I would probally get the dealer to install them 1&5 are on the top of my list, MY salesman already said that when I get these done he will supply me with a rental car)
Anyone who is looking for a good honda dealer in ohio should checkout SUNNYSIDE HONDA IN MIDDLEBURG HTS. OHIO (cleveland area) (talk to Jim Basnika (wonderful man) There is also another lady who came down from sandusky to by a gold crv se there and was also extremely. If you live in this area skip the rest and head for the best ( I tried most when looking for a CRV.
When I got my service last week I saw the new 2001 civic and I think it is sharp people are saying that there is not anough change dont believe them it is very nice.
MY parents and I were strictly american only until I bought the CRV and they love the vehicle. (ISELL) I am looking for a vehicle to replace my mothers 93 Chevy Lumina 4 door with a honda. OF COURSE.
It is a basic 93 limina with PW/PL/CruseControl/cassette/3.1V6/hubcaps/split bench seat^^^^^^?NO ABS 73,000 miles. She does not want a sunroff. Would you recommond a
2001 CIVIC LX or a 2000 Accord SE or a 2001 LX/LX6 (I thought that when I was looking between these 3 hondas the 4 cyl accord had enough power and that the six was silky smooth and very nice.) Isell Next week when my sales person is back from vacation I will go test drive the civic for her.
I still have to register at hondasuv.com (have you all done this)
Infact I parked next to a white Rav-4 (drove one too and there is no comparisson the rav look wimpy)
Any ?s or comments on this long post you can e-mail me JEGAN98@aol.com or post me a message and I will be glad to share my experiance with you people.
Thanks
Jack
Honda specifies 26psi for the tires in order
to make it less easy (for bozos who want to corner
like they are in a sports car) to flip the vehicle. The tires wear faster with this low amount of air, (because of a bit higher heat buildup). If you are not out rat racing, try
29 or 30psi.
On accessories: I understand what you mean about the chrome clashing with gold. Ironically, what you may want to do is "downgrade" to the black grille surround like on the EX and LX models. And there's bound to be an LX or EX owner that would love to take your chrome surround -- just ask in the CRVIX. . . .
The cargo net is great for grocery trips. . . . Installation of the upper hooks involves pulling trim panels and drilling holes; I did it myself, but I could understand others leaving it up to the dealer.
Jack - The main page at www.Hondasuv.com is under construction, but the forum is still there (top right corner). There's also a link to the old page. From there you can find reveiws of most of the aftermarket and OEM stuff that's available.
Cargo Net - great for groceries. I didn't drill holes into the body panel - just used the hooks on the cargo floor.
Cargo Mat - also good when I was getting stuff to landscape my backyard.
Front Mudgaurds - gonna need it for the winters in Chicago
Wheel locks - gonna need it on the streets of Chicago
I'm still considering a roof rack but not sure if I'm gonna get much use out of it. Well, I'll post when I do.
Cargo Net - great for groceries. I didn't drill
holes into the body panel - just used the hooks on
the cargo floor.
=============
Question: Was this an after-market cargo net? I am seriously considering a CRV, and I am interested in this feature.
Thank you.
Marti
US OEM Cargo Cover-
Ordered / purchased this sight unseen when I ordered my SuperMarine Blue '99 EX. Compared to most Covers it is pretty cheap in quality - had I known that I would probably have passed on it. Basically only keep it in the vehicle so the wife doesn't question future accessory add-ons ! :-)
I found that the dark window tinting I had installed provides a good amount of privacy. From what I've seen, I'm thinking your SE's side tinting wouldn't quite do the trick. In addition, I've heard the EURO Cover is nicer and there have been some feedback on the CR-V Information Exchange at hondasuv.com.
Gold Package-
Definitely a nice touch. Only reason I didn't go for it was due to getting the OEM Side & Rear Sports Trim, as well as the Rear Spoiler, which has some 'chrome' on it. Would've been a bit of a clash.
Funny you mention the "big 'u' shaped silver piece". It's quite the accessory for those of us unfortunate enough not to get one standard - just put mine on last weekend. I think it was mentioned above that you can get one of the plain black ones cheap enough (Paid +/- $ 30 for the silver one)and swap it out in about 10 minutes - plus I guess that would make your SE unique !?!
OEM Rear Spoiler-
Had this installed prior to taking delivery and think it takes away from the 'notorious' boxy look. Haven't really seen many here in the SF Bay Area. In addition, since the Spoiler comes with a brake light it allows you to take out the standard 3rd light for better visibility out the back window.
Passenger Armrest-
Also had this installed. Since I have an A/T with the standard driver's armrest it only made sense to add this - passengers seem to like it. A lot of owners have installed it themselves, but it definitely isn't for 2-right thumb types like myself.
Other items you might consider, if not already purchased are:
Cargo Mat-
Definitely a good item to have. I have the OEM one, but I've heard there are some really good aftermarket models that also have a 'lip' to cover spills.
Sports Trim-
Had these installed all around. Looks good and even greatly minimized damage from a rear-end accident I was involved in - stopped the car from going more than a foot underneath me. Except for some minor scratches on my Hard Spare Tire Cover, there was only minor damage to the underbody and muffler.
Front Splash Guards-
A MUST !! CR-V's are known to kick up debris towards the front of the rear wheelwell.
Hope that helps - welcome to the 'club' and happy CR-V'ing.
/rich
I don't care for the US cargo cover. (when I picked up mine they had one on the showroom floor with it and it scratched up the sides easily. I want to find the euro one with the retractable one.
I actually like the chrome piece on the SE and thought about the gold package but think that the whole U in gold would be way too much, (what do you think?)
I also could probally install some of the stuff myself but would spend the money to do it because if they mess something up then its there problem to fix it.
Thanks
Jack
All of my accessories were installed by the dealer prior to delivery. I had major knee surgery the week we picked up our CR-V, and was off my feet for almost 2 months, so I would have been unable to do any of the upgrades myself. Plus, I too like the idea that if anything goes wrong it's on their dime!
I don't recall what color your SE is, but I heard at one time that the Rear Spoiler was either discontinued, hard to come by, or limited by color. There's quite a few on-line Honda Accessory outfits (usually a Dealership dba.....) that will save you a bit. Some folks have even haggled with Dealerships using internet information. Take a look at hondasuv.com for some great ideas and information.
Good luck and have fun with your new pride-n-joy !
Rich