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I may have to change cars as it’s very difficult for my parents to get in and out of the current kilo-wagon, a Honda Accord and the mother in law is likely to cause similar problems soon.
Needs to be something a bit higher up, obviously a crew cab pick up truck would be the ideal but Mrs Kilo isn’t going to wear that one so thinking of a Honda CRV. Seems to be same ish vtec engine which to my accord which is pretty reliable and my four previous Honda have been fairly reliable so I lean towards them, any one had one? Any issues?
Need something easy for old folks to get into, reliable, easy to drive , not fussed about mph, top end or looks particularly. Alternatives seem to be RAV4 or maybe a Volvo xc although they are a bit more speedy. Again any suggestions welcome.
New?
Ours is 12 or 13 years old now and we've been advised it probably won't pass its next MOT due to sub-frame corrosion (there was actually a recall in Canada for models of a similar vintage for this reason). We also had to have fuel pipes replaced (on warranty) and some other works, maybe totalling £3-4k in 5 years which was fine by us as we were practically given it by the in-laws.
It has never let us down on the road and has been a pleasure to own and drive, I'm not a car buff so can't say much more than that, although I do enjoy it despite it being a relatively heavy/underpowered model (I'm shocked at how punchy smaller cars with similar sized engines are, but none of them cruise as comfortably or as quietly).
Had two (mk2 and now a mk3). My FIL can get in OK after his stroke. Useful for bikes but a pain on the roof. The mk2 was more practical with a higher roofline. The new mk4 is even lower and car-like. Both have been reliable, but mk2 died of timing chain failure that was uneconomic. The mk3 seems to carry on forever (150k now, 100k from us, replaced clutch). Both have been diesel. I'm going for something smaller next time like the HR-V and most likely a hybrid or full electric.
Focus Cmax is often recommended for ease of entry. Nicer drive than a crv for sure. Petrol auto would be my choice for ease of driving.
Defo not new, I am being dragged from the bangernomics world kicking and screaming. I really struggle paying more than a couple of grand for a car but accept I’m a bit stuffed here.
Petrol auto is my preferred choice, seems to be quite a scattering of prices from dealers with some quite high mileage stuff being strangely strong compared things a few years older.
Nissan X-Trail?
My dad had one, 64 plate I think. He loved it, which was just as well as it was the last car he ever owned. I found it horrendously uncomfortable compared to my 5 Series but it did drive well for such a large, top heavy vehicle.
C max looks interesting but I think I’m veering towards CRV. Any love for RAV4’s? Will research x trails, looks quite nice at first glance.
Not sure which generation it was, but the mother in law had a petrol/auto one.
The engine didn't match the vehicle at all - typical Honda V-tec jobbie that needed revs for power, trying to propel a hefty brick with substantial drive train losses courtesy of the 4x4. Basically you needed to thrash it and motorway MPG was pretty awful. Cant help but feel that SUVs benefit from torquey diesel lumps.
There was also an issue with that particular generation where the aircon gubbins basically filled the passenger footwell. At 5'10" I found it uncomfortable. My 6'2" FIL simply didn't fit...
My dad has an 08 plate diesel manual, currently on 230k miles. Really nice piece to be, as a passenger or driver. Easy to get in and out of (my bro has mobility issues and didn't struggle) and lots of room.
Nice car, not sure I'd get have a petrol auto though, you'll be burning tenners for fun.
Suzuki Vitara?
Always comes near the top of reliability lists, simple (apart from having a turbo) and very pleasant to drive.
Dealers seem to be excellent so far and it's extremely pleasant to drive.
Ours is the 1 litre turbo and is fast enough with plenty of torque. Mid 40's mpg, very practical inside.
Good value too. Dealer prices appear to mirror those of Motorpoint etc.
Ours was nearly 8 grand off list at 18 months old and 20k miles.
Budget's not clear but Mazda added an auto option to their petrol CX-5 a couple of years ago. Probably £20k+ for one from a main dealer. Great cars, surprisingly frugal, lovely interior (if you can live with the slightly clunky sat nav).
Get a RAV4.
The exhaust gas manifold can go on the diesels
Alternative is the mitsubishi outlander gx4 (don't get a phev or other model). Big bus but goes well, does 40's mpg, diff lock, tailgate drops for seating. Both the kids and I miss mine, trim is crap.
We had an outlander on one of my old teams, lovely comfy big thing. Fastish but a bit wobbly and wide. Had the optional hidden blue lights and siren which improved speed through town immensely.
My dad had 1st, 2nd, 3rd gens of CRV, all petrol autos. Switched to a Civic tourer a few years ago though, more because it was easier for the dog. No issues with any of them.
I have the K20 petrol/auto in my Stepwagon, same as 2nd/3rd gen CRV. Not great on mpg but very reliable, fine for around traffic and cruising but it doesn't have the torque of a diesel.
Lexus RX400h or 450h worth a look too IMO, bit bigger but they get reasonable mpg with the hybrid system, keeps you away from nasty diesel and they seem ridiculously well built.
Had a 64 plate 2.0 petrol AWD. Really roomy. 100% reliable. 40mpg possible if you click the 'eco' button on the dash and drive like a saint, but 35mpg more likely if driving motorway speeds or round town. Decent spec in mid SE form (rev camera, all round sensors, dual climate etc.). Not a car for 'making progress', but a great family car. Think that version was in top 10 for most reliable cars when I bought it. My ex still has it, it's still not had a penny spent on it other than routine servicing. Feels very luxurious compared to the French built DIY campervan I drive round in now 😂
61 plate 2.2 diesel here owned from new. No major problems but a few niggles like corroded power steering line and split suspension gaiter type of things. Comfy, tows a caravan beautifully, free revving diesel but fuel consumption nothing to shout about. Drives like a regular car and nice high seating position. If you can overcome SUV prejudice then it’s a great motor. Also rides over our third-world potholed roads well. Larger boot than most of its ilk.
Amazingly well timed review of the mk4 CRV that's just gone up. The guy runs a used car business, does decent reviews of older stuff.
My sister swears by the Rav 4. She's had them for going on 20 years, only changing once to a BMW X1 (first gen) which she hated and quickly traded for her current Rav.
Ford Kuga's worth a look. We had one for 5 or so years and it never let us down. Very competent, very beige. Great car for people that don't have any interest in cars.
Subaru forester?
Rav4, x trail, crv all good solid choices.
So for closure, tried to hunt down a CRV, fair few around but not keen a diesel and all the petrols were high mileage. Missed out on one nice one so looked at a FRVs and have just picked up one with 72k mileage, years mot and a full Honda service history for three grand.
Not going to set one’s pulse racing but as a functional vehicle looks ok.
Very happy with my 2013 CRV
Feels solid, interior stands up to kids and dog but still looks fairly classy - it's a nice place to be
Nothing has gone wrong with it
Bikes can fit inside easily - but hard to get them on the roof like with all tall cars.
I've a 1.6 diesel, and its way quicker and also way more frugal than my smaller 1.6 petrol ford focus
I see no reason not to buy another when I eventually need to change it.its the only car I've owned that I've said that about.
I'm a terrible retro grouch but I really like the look of the Mk1 CRV (and Rav4 as it goes)
Also love the 3 front seats interior of the FRV.
Work colleague has had a few of them - MK2's used as tip run/ house renovation cars, abused and run forever. Rust killed the first one.
A good friend of mine also has a MK2 petrol - owned for 10years and very little gone wrong with it.
Good cars - on my future short list.
I’ve owned a mk2 and mk3 also owned a 20010 Rav 4.
They all drove well loved the mk2 the mk3 was very reliable but a little boring. I lost a lot of money on the mk3 as depreciation was high. The Rav 4 was my favourite to drive I had a petrol auto and had no issues at all.
Had a mk2 petrol - bought ex-demo from a Honda dealer, ran it for 8 years. Apart from annual servicing at the local independent garage, the only thing it cost us was a passenger side seatbelt stalk thing where the old one was sticking.Every year the mechanic would offer to buy it. Depreciation was pretty good - it sold on eBay literally within minutes when we came to sell it.
Super reliable. Ace family car for kids + dog. Not exactly an inspiring drive but did everything asked of it without issue - country roads in the snow, long holiday trips etc.
My parents had the mk2 diesel with all the bells and whistles - leather interior etc - which was a lot nicer than our poverty-spec version. They had the exact same experience. Not particularly refined to drive and reliable if rather dull.
Rust is apparently going to claim ours (2010), mechanic reckons we won't pass next MOT due to a corroded sub-frame ☹
Apparently there was a recall/buyback in Canada for same issue.
Would be gutted, perfect family car as above
I had a MkII one for six months.
Easily the worst car I've had - unreliable shit-box with vague, slightly weird steering and the handling of a canal boat. I didn't even look back when I dumped it on a dealers forecourt after it had been to 3 garages (including Honda) to sort a non-starting issue (unless you used Easy-Start).
On the other hand my sister-in-law has the same vintage CRV and that just keeps going despite her doing sod-all maintenance to it! 🙂
As for the OP's question - don't automatically assume a 4x4 will be any easier for your parents to get in to. Getting up into a seat can be just as hard as they may not have the strength to pull themselves in. My parents struggled to get in my Freelander.
Perhaps the currently popular faux 4x4 SUVs may be more appropriate - something in between height wise.
Bikes can fit inside easily – but hard to get them on the roof like with all tall cars.
That is interesting because my wee bike van is going to th garage on Monday for a diagnosis ( https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/van-problem-diagnosis/#post-11848798)and if it’s terminal I was thinking of a cheaper, older CRV and whipping out the rear seats as a replacement. Is it front wheels out and what size bikes are you putting in (our tallest would probably be a 58cm cross bike)
Just been to measure up...this is a 2013 model
The lowest height in the boot is 90cm which is in the centre just inside the tailgate
The boot opening is narrowest at the top where its 80cm wide, increasing to 100cm in the middle
With back seats down (it splits in a 2/1 so the the seat behind the driver can be folded separately and the centre and left hand seat fold together) you have about 170cm depth
I've put my MTB in with seats down and front wheel still attached and bars turned so the wheel faces upwards if you see what I mean...but only when its clean! usually i'll take the front wheel off and the extra space just makes it easy to load up
Many thanks 🙂
I'll just echo what Rustyspanner said about the Vitaras. I also have the 1.0l turbo engine, MPG can be in low-mid 50s on a steady run (my wife manages to get that down to low-mid 40s though).
My father, who had a stroke a few years ago, has no problems getting in/out, same for our elderly neighbour who my wife takes shopping once a week
Decent spec on them and well priced, though some interior plastics/trim probably isn't up there with the Honda for quality it is nowhere as poor as Citroen. Avoid the diesel, unless you want to hand over £1200 at a dealer for the timing belt change at 5 years - £6-700 at independents
Bad gateway - double post thing
Got a 2016 1.6d.
Review is perfect. For all the reasons he said. Bikes fit in the back fine.
When on big trips put the bikes on a thule rack attached to towball. Kayaks go on tgule roof bars. Biking, camping and kayaking equipment goes comfortably in the back - and I've driven it like that around scotland and down through the alps.
Great car tbh. Replaced my boy racer EP2 type-r that did 250,000 unserviced miles over the 16 years I owned it.
Don't miss it.