Has anyone recently financed their new CR-V thru Honda Finance. I'm curious what their 48 and 60 month loan rates are and whether or not they are competitive with other banks. I can find nothing on HondaFinance.com.
It been many years since I've taken out a car loan and my new V will be in shortly. I want to be prepared when I walk in to pick it up and sign the dotted line. If anyone can provide advice on avoiding mistakes at this stage would be most appreciated.
Isellhondas: It is not a matter of trying to get a vehicle below MSRP. If the dealer wants full pop for his Honda, than good for him. The logic used is that the vehicle is well built, reliable and has high resale value because of demand. Fine. Well, my wife and I own 2 Hondas, and I would argue that if I have tp pay full pop for a Honda, my trade-in Honda should also have high value (ie. be realistic). I do resent the argument being applied in only one direction i.e. favoring the dealer! After witnessing this with a Honda and an Acura dealer (2 for 2), I am looking elsewhere. Proposing the auction price for a well-maintained, low milage vehicle is NOT the way to retain my family in the Honda family.
I believe you are referring to the Honda Accord LXA and LXA-SSRS models. ABS may not have sold well several years ago, but a lot more manufacurers are making ABS pretty available today. Note: all Subarus, VWs, Saturn L's, etc., just to name some of the non-Mercedes type cars. I think we'll see more of it on the new 03 Accords, now that Camry's have made ABS, side air bags, and head curtains more of a staple on the new Camrys (save for the base LE perhaps). The point is, you shouldn't have to take a hole in the roof to get the safety extras.
zircon2: consider selling your car to CarMax. They love Hondas, and you can sell yours even if you don't buy there.
For me, the sales experience has never (not yet, anyway) been pleasant. Next time around I'm strongly considering the no-haggle route.
My dad did this recently, and it was refreshing to walk in and pay the price on the windshield for the car you like, no advertising fee, no processing fee, no accessories or add-ons. Even freight was included. Instead of arguing over price the sales guy focused on getting him exactly what he wanted. And to top it off, the price was competitive.
So, if I consider the Odyssey route, anyone know such a dealer in the DC area? I wish the Fitzgerald network had a Honda dealer, but they don't.
Q for isellhondas: any word on a moonroof option for the Ody?
varmit: the Forester L invoices for $1300 less than the CR-V EX. I realize the EX had more equipment, but you've been implying the prices are the same.
Juice - I stopped writing "1st gen" before CR-V when the discussion was going back and forth between Bob and I. You have to go back a ways, but this is how it started, "The Forester L was the mid level trim and actually had close to the same equipment and price tag as the 1st gen CR-V EX." (This was before you corrected me about the Subaru not actually offering a stripped model.) The Forester L was $21,620 and the CR-V EX was $21,990 in the last sales year.
Does anyone have feedback on the Honda all-weather mats for the '02 CR-V... coverage, etc. Is the only color gray? How does this look with the tan interior? It seems aftermarket makers like Catch-All and Husky haven't started production for the '02.
On the Honda.com website, I found certificates for Civics and CR-V's. I printed out the 3.9% 60 month certificate. When I recently bought my 2001 EX,I presented the certificate. The salesperson seemed surprised. I got the 3.9% financing through Honda Finance. I believe the certfiicates expired on January 2nd, but my advice is to keep checking the Honda website.
The last time I used Honda Finance (98) their policy was that they would beat any other rate that you could find for that car by 1/4 percent. It may depend on your credit rating also.
It's hard to conduct a "conversation" via the internet and we probably didn't understand each other.
Hondas traditionally have outstanding resale values when compared to most other makes. Did I miss something here?
ABS...? Well, I wouldn't be surprised to see it as standard equipment on everything in a few years.
Still, there are people who simply do not like it.
I recently sold a 2002 CRV to a fireman. He drives AID trucks. He said some have ABS and some don't. He said the ABS models take a far greater distance to stop then the non ABS trucks.
Interesting comments.To isellhondas: the reason everyone wants a discount is the same reason Honda dealers want to sell for the highest price,to save money. Plus the one thing that is an absolute given,the vehicle will depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot,so why pay more for something that will lose value within minutes after purchasing. This is unique to autos. BTW,if the dealers feel that they can sell you used Hondas for the same price as new,then how come they offer you didley when you go to trade in that 'great Honda' which they swore had 'great resale values' when it was sold new.In fact,if they really believed in their rhetoric,then it would cost you almost nothing to lease an ODY or CRV since there would be very little depreciation in 1 or 2 years,and Depreciation is what determines leasing price. The Honda dealers can talk all they want,but do not forget folks that we are talking about an asset that depreciates instantly. On the supply and demand issue,do not believe for a minute that once Honda starts making more CRV's and ODY's that the selling price will come down. They will still charge sticker no matter how many they make,until they have them sitting on their lots unsold,which they will not allow. In a way,they are using a smart marketing strategy,but it may hurt them later on if the entire auto market goes in a recession. On ABS,until the experts agree which is actually best,then No one will be able to determine which is right for them. However,if Honda says that too many people did not want them on the LX,then why would they make them standard on their entire EX line,forcing customers to take what they do not want?
I have only bought 2 new cars in my life and helped a friend buy his new car. I have to say that i would have loved to go back to the salesperson i bought my fist honda to buy the CR-V, but he hopped about a few dealerships before i gave up on trying to find him. The salesperson i bought my CR-V from went to a another dealership a few weeks after i bought my car. so, i can't say that it is the customer alone that doesn't want to go back to the same dealership, it is the salespeople too. the salesperson who sold my friend's car was excellent, but the finance manager at that dealership was kind of sneaky, so i didn't even bother going there after such a sour experience. On the contrary, my girlfriend comes from a "ford family" everyone in her family drives a ford. they have been buying fro the same dealership and same salesperson for years. and the salesperson would send out christmas and birthday cards. he would call her and ask if she is ready for maintenance, and if she would need to, he would pick up her car from her job and bring it back when done. and the best thing, he gave her the price she was ready to pay. yes, i know it is a ford, but why can't honda dealers treat its customers like that? honda does have some good salespeople, i mean the first time i bought my new car, i had no ride to the dealership to pick it up, the salesperson drove all the way from NJ across the GW bridge to pick me up, that was nice, and i was willing to give him more business (I referred a few people to him while he was there), but he was gone from the dealership and moved around a few times, when i was ready to buy again.
Got it, varmit, thanks for clearing that up. IMHO the current engines (size and power/torque) are more comparable, and more available, though I guess you can still find some left over 2001s on the lot.
I can't seem to talk my wife into a minivan, she's too image conscious. So I guess I'll be taking a close look at the Pilot.
It's not uncommon for our store to pay over wholesale book for a nice used Honda that we can use. They hold their values better than any other car that I know of.
But if the trade is rough and abused the values can be a lot less.
Anh...
Ah....well...you can offer 500.00 over invoice if you like I guess. Just don't get upset when that offer is turned down!
I have had great reliability on my 2 previous hondas (no extended warranty) but this is a totally redesigned CRV which is why I'm considering the extended warranty. Any comments.
Check out the Pilot pics, looks sort of plain, not pretty, not ugly. It has hints of CR-V, Grand Cherokee, and Audi styling, but is very boxy and practical, with cargo space even behing the 3rd seats.
If the price is right, I'll be interested, but I imagine there will be a long line.
zops: the first year CR-V was reliable last time around, but the Odyssey and Civic were only average in their first year. Version 1.0 is always a risk, but it seems less so in many Hondas.
Rutger - You're trying to sell back to the dealer. They have to turn around and make a profit on the vehicle after they buy it back from you. So if they give you retail value for it, they'd have to mark it up above retail value when they try to sell it to someone else. Regardless, "good resale value" is a relative thing. Take a Taurus off the lot and come back three years later.
I was recently invited to my honda dealer to see the new 2002 crv. While there I filled out a little form and dropped it into a box nearby. I stayed about an hour and helped myself to some wine and little sandwiches and some veggies and dip. I was impressed with the 2002 and went home after about an hour of browsing around. The following morning my sales guy called me and told me I had won a 5 HP honda snowblower. I picked up the blower the same day and the sales guy asked me if I was ready to buy the 2002 to which I replied nope not for another year as my 98 crv has only 75,000 kilometers on it and is in great shape. Since that time we have had a few little snow storms and believe me that little snow blower is just great and seems to be of top quality just like Honda cars and suv's.
Some 2000 Odyssey owners are getting 100% of MSRP even with 18k miles and 2 years of use. Now that's resale. Then again the 2000s may have carried a markup.
I'm sure a CR-V will depreciate, but no more than any other good compact SUV.
The catch is you have to be able to find a new replacement. Get on a wait list, then pay the now higher MSRP for one.
I don't recall a supply/demand curve ever working to the advantage of a manufacturer for such a long time. 2002 is the 4th model year and there are still wait lists.
We'll be taking a look at the Pilot (as will just about everyone else), and if the wife likes it I'll try the United Buying Service this guy on the Ody threads recommended. And be patient, of course.
Hi all, I just purchased a 2002 Blue CR-V LX for my wife. I drive a '96 Civic LX. We pick up the CR-V today. WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!! We live in BUFFALO, NY where we NEED A 4x4!!!!! LOL
I have been reading these posts for awhile now. I figured out pretty quickly that the CR-V was the vehicle for us. It beats every other mini-SUV hands down and can even hang in many ways with mid-sized SUVs that cost 10 grand more...
I must comment though on the conversation about dealers. I have never been impressed with Honda dealers in the past, but I gotta tell ya, the guy I bought our CR-V from impressed the heck out of my wife and me. I tried the Edmunds suggested method of pitting the local dealers against one another over the phone. When I got this guy on the phone (we'll call him "Al,") he gave me the MSRP of 20,440 and asked me if I had a trade-in. I said no, I'm going to sell it myself. He asked what I had anyway and said, "I think I have a friend that might be interested." His friend came over the same day, test drove it, and bought it, just like that. Paid in cash and gave me what I wanted for it. I was VERY impressed that this salesman would help find a private buyer for my trade"-in."
And after calling around to every dealer to find that they all aren't budging from the MSRP, it actually allowed for a very painless and almost pleasant experience. No fuss, no haggling, no worry that I got a bad deal, just a set price, some quick paperwork and a "congratulations."
Now if I can just get my wife to let me drive it sometimes! LOL
waiteland - Congratulations! Every dealer is different and every customer has different expectations. I, for example, do not like to be called with service polls and the enevitable, "Are you happy with your new car?" call. Listen mister, if I wasn't I'd be calling you! But other people love this stuff and consider it good followup.
My dealer has a decent service department and they pretend not to recognise me when I come through and pretend to be interesting in buying an S2000. That's all I need.
It was nice what your salesman did, but he should have merged the 2 transactions and save you the taxes on the price you got on your old car. (I assume the law is the same as up here where if you have a trade you only pay taxes on the difference)
Can someone tell me when to use the OD button on the shifter (auto)? Not an explanation of what it does or how it works, that will confuse me, just when to turn it on and off.
On my previous car, OD stayed on all the time and I would turn it off to get a little boost of power climbing a hill or passing on the highway. Does this one work the same? Have to say, though, that the power in the new CRV doesn't seem to need any help, at least not the way I drive. Very perky.
I had an interesting experience when I bought my new accord from the dealer. I filled in the post sale survey form and returned it to get my promised full tank of gas. On this exhasuitve survey I gave the dealer and salesman almost a perfect score for everything except on a couple of points. I overhead the saleman going balistic, "why did he do that to me" etc. etc. Question, what to the results of these surveys mean to salesmen and how are they graded? Seems to me that unless the buyer gives a perfect score the sales guy gets screwed.
Just curious... does the maintanence schedule for the 2002 call for valve adjustments every 15,000 miles as most if not all 4 cyl vehicles do? This has become a real turn off for getting a 4 cyl as the price for the adjustment has doubled over the past few years in my neck of the woods. Negates the savings one gets with the extra gas mileage with a 4.
For the 2002 CR-V, Honda calls for valve inspection at 110,000 miles. (The spark plugs are replaced at the same time.) FYI the '97-'01 CR-V requires the same inspection at 105,000 miles.
Hello, my wife and Iare in the process of looking for a new car. We have just recently looked at the CRV, and my wife was impressed by it. We also have been very impressed with the Santa Fe by Hyundai, and were wondering if anyone here compared the two before buying, and would appreciate any input about their comparison, paticularly drivability, and safety. We already know about the Honda dependability Vs. Hyundais past record. Anyway thanks in advance.
Just saw my first 2002 CRV today and I really gotta say that it is the ugliest SUV (aside from the Aztek and Buick blunders) that I have seen. What's with the starship ground-to-roof taillights and the ugly squinting headlights? I was also dissapointed in the materials used inside. Looks like Jeep has outdone Honda this time. Especially since the Honda only has 160 hp to haul around 3500 lbs.
Ok ateixeiria, you are right, so I will share his name. My salesman who found a private buyer for the vehicle that the new CRV was replacing is Albert Alexander from Ray Laks Honda in West Seneca, NY. I picked up the CRV last night so I wanted to ask him if it was ok if I used his name on the 'net and he said sure. My wife and I drove through the snow covered country side until well past midnight! I love it!
Whether it's a 4 or a 6 or a 2 cylinder, who cares? It's peppy, has tons of power, great gas mileage, and it IS SO FUN TO DRIVE! My wife and I were so impressed that as soon as you get in the driver's seat and turn it on you feel like its the car you've been driving for 5 years. There isn't any "getting used to" it with this vehicle. Wow. Great vehicle! I mean really, when it comes down to it, how many people sit there and think about towing capacity or the size of their engine? I sure don't! I just sit back and enjoy the ride...
As for its looks, the Aztec is the fugliest vehicle I have ever seen in my life, and the Honda is simple and attractive. Form follows function in the CRV I think. I love it. I like the tail lights up high because people won't miss them, and the headlights are great.
When I'm done paying on my 96 Civic (got it used 3 yrs ago) I am definitely going to buy a 2nd CRV!
Oh about the survey, I believe Honda has a policy that if you don't get a perfect rating, it's as bad as getting the worst possible rating. Something like "if it's not perfect it's not good enough." A service tech said that to me after doing some stuff on my Civic a month ago.
I bought my 2002 CR-V in December - when I picked it up, both the salesman and the manager went over the survey with me and said I "had to" give them an "excellent" or "very satisfied" answer on everything because Honda won't accept anything less. The dealer would somehow be penalized (they didn't try to explain) if that happened.
Ok, did I mention all the things I especially like about our 1 day old 2002 LX CR-V?
The fold down arm rests!!! Thumbs up to Honda on the armrests! My arms are just short enough that when driving my '96 Civic, if I put my right elbow on the center divider and stretch my fingers out, I can *almost* touch the steering wheel. The car I had before my Cicivc that I drove for 5 years was a Saturn and I got used to driving with my right hand, elbow on the rest on the center divider. I had to get used to not having that in my Civic and I have always missed that. So when I learned the CR-V has fold down arm rests, it was great!!! Kudos to Honda on the arm rests!
(Can you tell I'm an excited new CR-V owner?? LOL)
Post sales survey - Ditto. Though it was the dealer who told me that Honda/Acura considers anything less than perfect to be a "bad" review. Given the source, I took it with a grain of salt. I gave them the marks that they deserved (which were basically good).
CR-V vs. Santa Fe - The Santa Fe is a good vehicle for the price, but, as posted earlier, watch out for the option packaging. It's more like a mid-sized SUV priced as a mini-ute. It's got tons of cargo space compared to anything else in the class and decent performance. Don't assume that the 6 cyl is going to get you better acceleration, though. It might give you decent grunt off the line, but it'll run out of steam quick. The Santa Fe is one heavy beast and even a six will have trouble moving it.
In terms of drivability, that could be a toss up. Both have reasonably smooth drivetrains and will handle well enough. I've never driven the Santa Fe, but based on reviews and reports here on the web, I'd have to give the advantage to the CR-V. It may not be a significant difference to you. Both will have the usual SUV body roll, but the CR-V will handle better. I'd also have to the CR-V the advantage in safety. Honda's in-house testing predicts that the CR-V will achieve top scores in the three major indepentent crash tests. The tests haven't been performed yet, but Honda doesn't make claims like that unless they can back it up.
A first time car buyer. I like the 2002 CRV very much and would like to buy one. The local dealers wouldn't even consider anything less than MSRP. I was able to get one to quote $18,900 for a 2WD LX with side air bag, also with $300 process fee. Added it up, that would be MSRP or very close. Then I got a quote from an out-of-state dealer, who is 8-hour-drive away, to quote $18,358 for the same vehicle and only $49.00 process fee.
After the initial excitement, a few questions poped to mind: 1) it would cost me to travel to the dealership and drive the CRV back to where I live. Is it worth it? 2)How would I handle the registration issue? Do I register it over there, then register again when I get back? 3) The local dealer said buying from out-of-town would complicate matters when I bring the CRV for warranty service locally. is that true?
Anyone has this buying-from-out-of-state-dealer-experience and is willing to share the story? Thanks in advance.
honda warranty is honored all over US unless you have to go to another state by ship. you can register your car yourself in your own state. you also have to pay local tax even if you bought it out of state.
if you are worried about the cost of traveling to your out of state dealer, weigh it over the cost of purchasing your V locally. if you have 8hrs driving to do, consider that your break-in period.
Comments
It been many years since I've taken out a car loan and my new V will be in shortly. I want to be prepared when I walk in to pick it up and sign the dotted line. If anyone can provide advice on avoiding mistakes at this stage would be most appreciated.
TIA
One problem...it didn't sell.
In those days, insurance companies were giving (very small) discounts for ABS.
Most have stopped this since studies indicate ABS has not reduced the number of accidents.
Today, ABS is available on Accord LX models. We try to keep one or two on the lot but they are still not very popular.
And...here in Seattle we do get some ice, some snow and a whole lot of rain.
I would guess in the southern states the dealers don't bother ordering any.
For me, the sales experience has never (not yet, anyway) been pleasant. Next time around I'm strongly considering the no-haggle route.
My dad did this recently, and it was refreshing to walk in and pay the price on the windshield for the car you like, no advertising fee, no processing fee, no accessories or add-ons. Even freight was included. Instead of arguing over price the sales guy focused on getting him exactly what he wanted. And to top it off, the price was competitive.
So, if I consider the Odyssey route, anyone know such a dealer in the DC area? I wish the Fitzgerald network had a Honda dealer, but they don't.
Q for isellhondas: any word on a moonroof option for the Ody?
varmit: the Forester L invoices for $1300 less than the CR-V EX. I realize the EX had more equipment, but you've been implying the prices are the same.
-juice
Eric
Hondas traditionally have outstanding resale values when compared to most other makes. Did I miss something here?
ABS...? Well, I wouldn't be surprised to see it as standard equipment on everything in a few years.
Still, there are people who simply do not like it.
I recently sold a 2002 CRV to a fireman. He drives AID trucks. He said some have ABS and some don't. He said the ABS models take a far greater distance to stop then the non ABS trucks.
He specifically went with an LX for that reason.
Not the first time I've heard this.
Myself...I can take ABS or leave it.
Should I request to see the invoice price and offer $500 over it?
Thank you for any suggestions or thoughts.
Anh-Tuan
On the supply and demand issue,do not believe for a minute that once Honda starts making more CRV's and ODY's that the selling price will come down. They will still charge sticker no matter how many they make,until they have them sitting on their lots unsold,which they will not allow. In a way,they are using a smart marketing strategy,but it may hurt them later on if the entire auto market goes in a recession.
On ABS,until the experts agree which is actually best,then No one will be able to determine which is right for them. However,if Honda says that too many people did not want them on the LX,then why would they make them standard on their entire EX line,forcing customers to take what they do not want?
On the contrary, my girlfriend comes from a "ford family" everyone in her family drives a ford. they have been buying fro the same dealership and same salesperson for years. and the salesperson would send out christmas and birthday cards. he would call her and ask if she is ready for maintenance, and if she would need to, he would pick up her car from her job and bring it back when done. and the best thing, he gave her the price she was ready to pay. yes, i know it is a ford, but why can't honda dealers treat its customers like that?
honda does have some good salespeople, i mean the first time i bought my new car, i had no ride to the dealership to pick it up, the salesperson drove all the way from NJ across the GW bridge to pick me up, that was nice, and i was willing to give him more business (I referred a few people to him while he was there), but he was gone from the dealership and moved around a few times, when i was ready to buy again.
I can't seem to talk my wife into a minivan, she's too image conscious. So I guess I'll be taking a close look at the Pilot.
-juice
It's not uncommon for our store to pay over wholesale book for a nice used Honda that we can use. They hold their values better than any other car that I know of.
But if the trade is rough and abused the values can be a lot less.
Anh...
Ah....well...you can offer 500.00 over invoice if you like I guess. Just don't get upset when that offer is turned down!
"They will still charge sticker no matter how many they make,until they have them sitting on their lots unsold,which they will not allow."
All I can say is: huh?
Any comments.
If the price is right, I'll be interested, but I imagine there will be a long line.
-juice
-juice
I'm sure a CR-V will depreciate, but no more than any other good compact SUV.
Lucky duck: time to buy a lottery ticket.
-juice
I don't recall a supply/demand curve ever working to the advantage of a manufacturer for such a long time. 2002 is the 4th model year and there are still wait lists.
We'll be taking a look at the Pilot (as will just about everyone else), and if the wife likes it I'll try the United Buying Service this guy on the Ody threads recommended. And be patient, of course.
-juice
I have been reading these posts for awhile now. I figured out pretty quickly that the CR-V was the vehicle for us. It beats every other mini-SUV hands down and can even hang in many ways with mid-sized SUVs that cost 10 grand more...
I must comment though on the conversation about dealers. I have never been impressed with Honda dealers in the past, but I gotta tell ya, the guy I bought our CR-V from impressed the heck out of my wife and me. I tried the Edmunds suggested method of pitting the local dealers against one another over the phone. When I got this guy on the phone (we'll call him "Al,") he gave me the MSRP of 20,440 and asked me if I had a trade-in. I said no, I'm going to sell it myself. He asked what I had anyway and said, "I think I have a friend that might be interested." His friend came over the same day, test drove it, and bought it, just like that. Paid in cash and gave me what I wanted for it. I was VERY impressed that this salesman would help find a private buyer for my trade"-in."
And after calling around to every dealer to find that they all aren't budging from the MSRP, it actually allowed for a very painless and almost pleasant experience. No fuss, no haggling, no worry that I got a bad deal, just a set price, some quick paperwork and a "congratulations."
Now if I can just get my wife to let me drive it sometimes! LOL
waiteland - Congratulations! Every dealer is different and every customer has different expectations. I, for example, do not like to be called with service polls and the enevitable, "Are you happy with your new car?" call. Listen mister, if I wasn't I'd be calling you! But other people love this stuff and consider it good followup.
My dealer has a decent service department and they pretend not to recognise me when I come through and pretend to be interesting in buying an S2000. That's all I need.
-juice
On my previous car, OD stayed on all the time and I would turn it off to get a little boost of power climbing a hill or passing on the highway. Does this one work the same? Have to say, though, that the power in the new CRV doesn't seem to need any help, at least not the way I drive. Very perky.
What a goofy argument in favor of a V6. I guess if you patrol these boards long enough you hear it all.
When you are upside down in your flipped over Liberty that has already been in the shop half of it's life, don't come a calling. Good luck.
You are REALLY the minority in this case!
> to haul around 3500 lbs.
Actually, I think the maximum for the CR-V is 1,500 lbs.
Bob
Whether it's a 4 or a 6 or a 2 cylinder, who cares? It's peppy, has tons of power, great gas mileage, and it IS SO FUN TO DRIVE! My wife and I were so impressed that as soon as you get in the driver's seat and turn it on you feel like its the car you've been driving for 5 years. There isn't any "getting used to" it with this vehicle. Wow. Great vehicle! I mean really, when it comes down to it, how many people sit there and think about towing capacity or the size of their engine? I sure don't! I just sit back and enjoy the ride...
As for its looks, the Aztec is the fugliest vehicle I have ever seen in my life, and the Honda is simple and attractive. Form follows function in the CRV I think. I love it. I like the tail lights up high because people won't miss them, and the headlights are great.
When I'm done paying on my 96 Civic (got it used 3 yrs ago) I am definitely going to buy a 2nd CRV!
Oh about the survey, I believe Honda has a policy that if you don't get a perfect rating, it's as bad as getting the worst possible rating. Something like "if it's not perfect it's not good enough." A service tech said that to me after doing some stuff on my Civic a month ago.
The fold down arm rests!!! Thumbs up to Honda on the armrests! My arms are just short enough that when driving my '96 Civic, if I put my right elbow on the center divider and stretch my fingers out, I can *almost* touch the steering wheel. The car I had before my Cicivc that I drove for 5 years was a Saturn and I got used to driving with my right hand, elbow on the rest on the center divider. I had to get used to not having that in my Civic and I have always missed that. So when I learned the CR-V has fold down arm rests, it was great!!! Kudos to Honda on the arm rests!
(Can you tell I'm an excited new CR-V owner?? LOL)
CR-V vs. Santa Fe - The Santa Fe is a good vehicle for the price, but, as posted earlier, watch out for the option packaging. It's more like a mid-sized SUV priced as a mini-ute. It's got tons of cargo space compared to anything else in the class and decent performance. Don't assume that the 6 cyl is going to get you better acceleration, though. It might give you decent grunt off the line, but it'll run out of steam quick. The Santa Fe is one heavy beast and even a six will have trouble moving it.
In terms of drivability, that could be a toss up. Both have reasonably smooth drivetrains and will handle well enough. I've never driven the Santa Fe, but based on reviews and reports here on the web, I'd have to give the advantage to the CR-V. It may not be a significant difference to you. Both will have the usual SUV body roll, but the CR-V will handle better. I'd also have to the CR-V the advantage in safety. Honda's in-house testing predicts that the CR-V will achieve top scores in the three major indepentent crash tests. The tests haven't been performed yet, but Honda doesn't make claims like that unless they can back it up.
Carguy62 - The trouble is rolling over in a Jeep is considered the best way to improve its looks.
After the initial excitement, a few questions poped to mind: 1) it would cost me to travel to the dealership and drive the CRV back to where I live. Is it worth it? 2)How would I handle the registration issue? Do I register it over there, then register again when I get back? 3) The local dealer said buying from out-of-town would complicate matters when I bring the CRV for warranty service locally. is that true?
Anyone has this buying-from-out-of-state-dealer-experience and is willing to share the story? Thanks in advance.
John
have to go to another state by ship. you can
register your car yourself in your own state. you
also have to pay local tax even if you bought it
out of state.
if you are worried about the cost of traveling
to your out of state dealer, weigh it over the
cost of purchasing your V locally. if you have
8hrs driving to do, consider that your break-in
period.
IMHO.