Mk2 RX300 vs Mk2 CR-V

[xxlukexx]

Evening All,

I need a family car, will only do about 5k a year, and fancy a 4x4. I'll be looking at 03-06 cars with 60-100k on the clock, and have £7k to spend. I realise that an older, high-miler will likely need more money spent on it in the next couple of years than a younger car, which is fine, but I'd like something reliable.

To that end, I'm thinking of either an RX-300 or a 2.2. diesel CR-V (both Mk2s). The Lexus is much more luxurious, but the SE-L has air suspension, which at these miles feels like something to go wrong. I've had a good experience with Hondas in the past, but then suspect that Lexuses (Lexi?) are probably quite reliable, too.

I realise both will be slow and uninspiring to drive, I'm more bothered about comfort and reliability.

Any opinions gratefully received!

Cheers,

Luke

[village idiot]

firstly... don't go for a diesel.

i have a crv and we do 10k per year and having worked through all the angles (purchase cost, depreciation, servicing, insurance, tax, fuel etc etc), petrol was cheaper.

they are buttons to buy too, so you can sniff out an ex version which has absolutely everything as standard.

[xxlukexx]

village idiot said:

firstly... don't go for a diesel.

i have a crv and we do 10k per year and having worked through all the angles (purchase cost, depreciation, servicing, insurance, tax, fuel etc etc), petrol was cheaper.

they are buttons to buy too, so you can sniff out an ex version which has absolutely everything as standard.

The only reason I'm considering a diesel is the fact that the petrols are so slow. Definitely an ex, though!

[T5GRF]

If you are looking for comfort, value for money and reliability have a good look at a Subaru Tribeca. Your budget should stretch to a nice SE7 model which comes loaded with toys including rear aircon, factory entertainment for the kids and seven seats.

[Yadash]

xxlukexx said:

The only reason I'm considering a diesel is the fact that the petrols are so slow. Definitely an ex, though!

There's a lot of love for the i-CTDI unit and it was considered one of the best units out there at the time. Things to look out for are though are DMF's and faulty timing chains. I would definately say go for the diesel over the petrol if you do long distance trips or have to use the m'way a lot

[xxlukexx]

T5GRF said:

If you are looking for comfort, value for money and reliability have a good look at a Subaru Tribeca. Your budget should stretch to a nice SE7 model which comes loaded with toys including rear aircon, factory entertainment for the kids and seven seats.

Thanks for the recommendation. There are very few sub 100k mile cars out there, and the looks of them remind me a bit of Walt's Pontiac Aztek from Breaking Bad. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing!

[T5GRF]

Agreed the Tribeca is not a looker but go and see one in the metal, they look better than they photograph if that makes sense. The interior is a class above anything in your price range IMHO in terms of design and build quality.

Used prices are all over the place, be patient and you will find one within budget with sensible miles.

Get yourself a black hat and Heisenberg status awaits!