Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester?

[bikemonster]

Hi All

The next monster-mobile will see me driving something eminently sensible. TBH I'm a bit embarrassed to be on PH asking for advice on something that will be reliable, dependable, fuss-free and staid, but I know that there is a wealth of knowledge out there.

I won't be buying in Blighty, so price-related stuff is not so relevant, but I'd like to hear from people who have owned/driven one (or better yet both) and can advise me.

Most likely I will be buying a 2-3 year old example.

TIA

James

[JRM]

How funny, I'm having the EXACT same discussion!

We need a family motor out and these are my front runners. The CRV because I've had an S2000 for years and it has been bullet proof and cheap to run, so I figure the CRV will be much the same. It's my wife's fav as well.

However I went out in a Forester XT (the 2.5l turbo) the other day and it was was Fantastic fun, so enjoyable going quick in a big car, plus it's got a better AWD system than the honda, which only engages the rear wheels if the front start to stilp, whereas the Forester is always on (and symmetrical apparently)

Anyway, had a hoot coming off a roundabout and was amazed that it had some decent poke about it. Was comfy and smooth as well and seems like a great option to me, but I need to drive a CRV before I can decide. I just don't think the Honda will be as much fun.

[JRM]

This thread came up on the search, which yo may find interesting:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[bikemonster]

THanks JRM - that thread was a good read indeed.

It's a tough choice. JD Power rates the Honda at a nose ahead of the Subaru, but like you, I prefer the Subaru's permanent AWD to the FWD with assistance setup of the Honda.

Oh well, I've got months of enjoyable research ahead of me before it's time to make the decision. Knowing the way things work, I will prefer the drive of the Forester and Mrs. bikemonster will prefer the look of the CR-V.

James

[Bill]

No contest IMO. You're comparing a fwd (to all intents and purposes) shopping trolley/soft roader with a rally bred car with genuine ability. In non-T form the Subaru even has a low-range box.

[bikemonster]

Bill, if I was a farmer your post would be telling.

I'm not disputing what you say, but as I will be driving on tarred roads, with only the occasional foray onto dirt roads, the additional capability of the Subaru is not enough to seal the deal.

James

[LuS1fer]

It's a question of credibilty and image.

Forester - tough, out-doorsy, bit of off-road ability, rugged, credible.

CRV - soft ponce.

[edo]

I've driven a few CRV's and whilst dependable and reliable, there is nothing interesting or fun about them in the slightest. Just transport.

[bikemonster]

LuS1fer said:

It's a question of credibilty and image.

Forester - tough, out-doorsy, bit of off-road ability, rugged, credible.

CRV - soft ponce.

Now that makes perfect sense and adds to me slight preference for the Forester.

and then Edo said:

I've driven a few CRV's and whilst dependable and reliable, there is nothing interesting or fun about them in the slightest. Just transport.

For once, dependable and reliable are at the top of my citeria, but if I will die of boredom then the (hardly risky) Forester looks more like it.

Acshly, I think I'm pretty pleased at the anti-CR-V sentiments I'm seeing here.

[LuS1fer]

The original CRV had a shower in the back. I think you have all the information you need. The CRV always strikes me as a wannabe 4x4 who arrived at the hairy biker's ball wearing make-up.

[cptsideways]

Like chalk & cheese

Honda: Gay front wheel drive (with a bit at the back occasionally) reliable good to drive white goods type car that look ok. Nothing special at all to drive but they work perfectly well & wont upset anybody or ever go wrong.

Subaru: Proper 4wd system & in that I mean a really good 4wd system about the best you'll get, with drive to all the wheels all the time. A decent handling sports car in an estate body. Proper sporting fuel bills & potential for big bills too.

[bikemonster]

cptsideways said:

Proper sporting fuel bills & potential for big bills too.

The fuel bills aren't too worrisome (non-UK fuel prices), especially as I don't even own the car yet ;-) but the potential for big bills is a bit of a concern.

Are there known weaknesses with Foresters? I understand that clutches can take a hammering on turbo cars but I am looking at NA. I also read that 1998 cars (which would be too old for me) had a head gasket issue. Is there anything else?

James

[frosted]

But does the forester come with a picnic table in the back ?

Trust me , the crv has it's place . If you go camping , hunting , fishing it swallows all your kit and there's some room left . There's a reason why there are so many on the road

[LuS1fer]

frosted said:

But does the forester come with a picnic table in the back ?

Trust me , the crv has it's place . If you go camping , hunting , fishing it swallows all your kit and there's some room left . There's a reason why there are so many on the road

True. A direct correlation with OAPs and people not interested in cars, life or breathing.

[Bill]

bikemonster said:

Bill, if I was a farmer your post would be telling.

I'm not disputing what you say, but as I will be driving on tarred roads, with only the occasional foray onto dirt roads, the additional capability of the Subaru is not enough to seal the deal.

James

I meant on road handling as TBH I'd go for the XT and enjoy a more practical Impreza without the iffy image.

[GravelBen]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Thats not how it works at all, its a valve in the brake system which is activated by the clutch, ie clutch in, pump brake twice, brakes stay on until you release the clutch. Subaru have been using the system reliably since the early 80's, it doesn't wear anything out faster unless its out of adjustment.

My boss has had a 2005 2.5 manual Forester from new, which as far as I know has cost him pretty much nothing to run except regular servicing costs. Nice car to drive, plenty of torque low down etc. I still prefer the extra space and refinement of the Legacy, the tighter handling and the extra pace of the turbos though.

Edited by GravelBen on Thursday 19th August 12:08

[GravelBen]

My '86 Leone used a valve in the brake circuit, my mates '99 Outback has a suspiciously similar looking valve in its engine bay...

Edited by GravelBen on Thursday 19th August 12:28

[GravelBen]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Good link that, I hadn't seen the inside workings of the valve before. Apparently Subaru America didn't get it until 2003 based on that, bit behind the times!