Thread: CRV or Rav 4 ?

Looking at a new puddle jumper for the mrs . Swinging towards a crv as they seem to drive nicer . We only can afford older models 96 Ish . Any one no what to look out for in the models ie rust , cracked heads etc

RAV over CRV if its going to see any off-road use, they seem to be built a fair bit tougher. Always see vulnerable exposed bits hanging downlow underneath CRVs and think I wouldn't want to take one offroad. But I'd probably go for a Forester instead really!

I cant offer any tech advice Munsey, but I did have a Honda CRV on hire for a month or so, and swore then that I would never buy one. It was like driving a boat.
Of course it is possible I just got a lemon.

Susuki

We have a crv I like driving it. It's like an arm chair

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

Susuki

Id have a look at a few of these too. Kind of like the rem 700 of small 4wds i reckon. Fairly cheap and a heap of baxkground in aftermarket parts etc. That may however be of no interest if it os stricktly for mrs

If you just want bulletproof (but ugly), try and find a Lada cossack.

My Mrs looked at a Rav and ended up buying a CRV and I give my 2 cents to the CRV, the RAV was smaller inside and really tinny, the CRV is much bigger and comfier, also having the V-Tech model its more powerful. We've had it down some pretty rough back country farm roads (being from chch have you driven the track to loch katrine? It got through that) as she works in rural areas mainly and clearance hasn't been an issue.. Only big issue with it so far is it's thirsty

yip I went Suzuki escudo. the ability to be in two wheel drive was what I liked, I don't like full time 4x4. it was very much sought after when selling too. the motorhomes like towing them in neutral I hear, and cockies like them too.

The era of CRV you are looking at are getting long in the tooth now and will be a big money pit. Severe oil leaks and oil burning issues are common to name a couple of things.
The Rav of the same era would be a slightly better option. But working on them at the dealership every day I know the ins and outs of the Rav's a bit more.
The better option, though, would be a Suzuki Vitara/Escudo.
Don't look at the v6's though -they have a serious drinking problem.
The 1600's are far better. But better still if you can find a 2.0 4cyl - grab it!

Ive not long had my 1600 94 escudo, I bought it knowing I had to do a little bit of work as it had been a bit neglected but the internet is a wealth of knowledge and Im able to do most of the work myself as they are pretty simple but effective little machines. Ive found its got awesome economy and drives as nice as you'd expect.

Also looked at rav's and crv's but I really didnt like the idea of the crv's automatic 4wd when the front wheels slip and theyre interior setup is f*ckin gay. Rav would have been my second choice if I didnt find a suzuki but yea still didnt like the full time 4wd and they just didnt look as simple or easy for a diy bloke like myself.

We (the Missus) had a Pajero 2.8TDi SWB (1995), Damn fine 4WD and great shopping cart to boot. She loved it. Only thing went wrong was the front seal in the mech diesel pump. Local Mitsi garage wanted arms and legs to replace the seal only (from memory quote was day to get it off, 600 to replace from seal in pump and only that and day to put it back on. $2500 roughly. I got it pulled off by local mechanic, took it to a local firm services pumps and got the while thing reon'd for the very same $600 and total labor was 10 hours. Ran like a top after that and although I wanted to keep it when we briught the new 4X4 was not allowed cause I would just wreck it

quite cheap to buy and underrated

We just sold our 1994 Rav4. Was a awesome little runner, reliable, OK on gas, OK to drive. Would hate to be in a crash in one though.

We sold ours for $1800 and had 180K and new tyres. pity this thread wasn't up a week earlier.

As its only for the missus and not for anuything special like hunting
Lada Niva 1990 | Trade Me

Is the one in Whites clearing still there or is just a wee red pile?