CRV or RAV-4?

[Dottore]

On the theory that I am a "car guy" I have been charged with supervising the purchase of a car for my college-age niece. She is quite petite, and likes to sit high, so has narrowed down her choices to either the Honda CRV or the Toyota RAV-4.

From the little I've read about them, both seem to be bullet-proof. The Toyota has the V6 engine option, but the niece wants the four-pot for fuel efficiency reasons.

The CRV is the front runner at the moment because it's "cuter".

Does anyone have experience with either of these that might be relevant?

(Her parents are springing for a new - or slightly used - model, so we're looking at the latest versions.)

[HardDrive]

How about a used Lexus RX 330? These can be had for less than $30k, and she will have a very nice car that will last her for years. My wife is small as well, and likes the high seating position. Plus, if you find one with navigation, it has a back up camera, a feature that *ahem* the ladies seem to like for parking.

(ps, I like the back up camera as well)

[Steve F]

For what it's worth, the Rav-4 does have a timing"chain" vs the Honda timing belt. My daughter just bought an 2004 Rav-4 and couldn't be happier,. Yes, I'm Toyota partial as you can tell from my sig.

[onewhippedpuppy]

The CRV is fugly, but apparently she likes it. I vote for the RAV4, but really you can't go wrong with either. Doesn't the niece know that SUVs are passe'?

[id10t]

Friend just went thru this, he ended up with a '09 Subaru Forrester with just about all the options. Used AAA to get a price, ended up paying 2% over dealer cost - about $5k less than sticker. He chose the Subie based on the seats (lumbar seats), gas milage, and the fact that its towing capacity is just about 2x the Toyota and Honda

[Pazuzu]

I had an ex with a Rav-4, musta been about a 1998. It was basically a Camry with better visibility. It was effortless to drive, park, maneuver, etc. It had fine power with the 5 speed. I even did a bit of hi-speed sand running with it (tires aired down to about 10psi). It was a 2WD version BTW.

Did I feel gay as a kite driving it? Yes. Was it an acceptable vehicle for carry lots and lots of crap and doing good on gas? Yes.

[NICKG]

rav 4 or crv? can't go wrong with either one honestly

[Mule]

Wouldn't a Volga make the political statement you need?

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Mule

Wouldn't a Volga make the political statement you need?

You sir, are relentless.

I like Hondas

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by Dottore

On the theory that I am a "car guy" I have been charged with supervising the purchase of a car for my college-age niece. She is quite petite, and likes to sit high, so has narrowed down her choices to either the Honda CRV or the Toyota RAV-4.

From the little I've read about them, both seem to be bullet-proof. The Toyota has the V6 engine option, but the niece wants the four-pot for fuel efficiency reasons.

The CRV is the front runner at the moment because it's "cuter".

Does anyone have experience with either of these that might be relevant?

(Her parents are springing for a new - or slightly used - model, so we're looking at the latest versions.)

Pics or ban!

Seriously, my son and my brother-in-law both have CR-V's and have found them to be good reliable cars. My son's is the first generation, and my BIL has the 2nd generation CR-V (better looking car, IMO). The 3rd gen CR-V's look ass.

[schamp]

I have just been thru this and decided on the Rav-4. Honda is good, don't get me wrong but parts are much higher than toyota and the toyota gets better mile per gallon. Look at the Rav-4 limited. Nice car. I would recommend the 6 cil instead of the 4. The four seems to be reving higher and I think you can get better mpg with the six. Good luck.

[VincentVega]

the Rav-4 does have a timing"chain" vs the Honda timing belt

So you replace a $40 belt every 100k miles.

Both are great cars, although neither is really good on gas.

I prefer working on Honda's, but there is nothing wrong with Toyota either.

[Zef]

Originally Posted by Steve F

For what it's worth, the Rav-4 does have a timing"chain" vs the Honda timing belt. My daughter just bought an 2004 Rav-4 and couldn't be happier,. Yes, I'm Toyota partial as you can tell from my sig.

No problem with a timing belt...just replace it at called interval and you'll never have trouble with. Needless to say, Honda and Toyota still the best two brand on the planet...RELIABILITY wise.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by schamp

I have just been thru this and decided on the Rav-4. Honda is good, don't get me wrong but parts are much higher than toyota and the toyota gets better mile per gallon. Look at the Rav-4 limited. Nice car. I would recommend the 6 cil instead of the 4. The four seems to be reving higher and I think you can get better mpg with the six. Good luck.

Thank you for all the helpful comments.

The above is a great point. The V6 adds almost 100hp but has almost identical mileage.

[Porsche virgin]

We looked at the '07 RAV4 and CR-V before we ended up buying an '06 CR-V SE. I've always felt the Toyotas had cheap interior materials. Either way, they'll last a dozen years. Your niece will be sick of either one before it needs to be replaced.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by porsche Virgin

i've Always Felt The Toyotas Had Cheap Interior Materials.

+1

[Mule]

Originally Posted by Tobra

You sir, are relentless.

Gracias

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by Mule

Wouldn't a Volga make the political statement you need?

Excellent comment! He needs a Volvo or Suburu to stick with his political leanings!

The Honda is a very nice vehicle if you like the SUV sort of things... a friend has one and he likes it. Course he is a whimp...

[rusnak]

just don't get her a Subaru unless she wants to change her name to Becky. I read in the Wall St. Journal that lesbians call them "Lezbarus" and this was confirmed to me by my auntie, who is gay.

[RKC]

Just went through this with my mother-in-law. Always been partial to Hondas as they drive sportier and are plain on the inside (less to break). Toyotas are equally good, more luxurious (generally) but drive softer - more like Buicks.

My mother-in-law is 72, so we went Toyata (the Buick age group anyway).

Both are flawlessly well-built. But for a young person I'd always go Honda (got my son a Civic) in the secret hope that it leads to a sports car addiction someday.