Time for a New Car

[Marc]

For the missus, not me.

She has a 13 year old Honda CRV and took it in to get an oil leak looked at. Turns out the the root of the problem is the it needs a gearbox rebuild. The place she took it to don't do it, they told her she needs a specialist and that's going to cost a fair bit. Not really worth it given the age but it's a little annoying as there are 8 monthly payments left on it.

So she's in the market for a new (used) car. She's not too bothered about getting another CRV but she does need something with a decent sized boot and have enough to get down some bumpy tracks as she visits Equine clients. It also has to be an automatic as she doesn't want to go back to a manual.

Any recommendations? The budget is £10k plus trade-in if she can get anything for it given the gearbox issue.

 

[Sky]

Pick up a Range Rover for a couple of grand and then she'll have £8,000.00 for regular repairs on it.

I love Ranger Rovers, but they're a PITA and completely unreliable.

Good luck in your quest - it's a minefield. I shall be selling my WAV Berlingo soon as I need to get a 'drive from wheelchair' model. I'm not looking forward to the fun and games that it entails that's for sure.

 

[Marc]

Pick up a Range Rover for a couple of grand and then she'll have £8,000.00 for regular repairs on it.

What about after the first 6 months?

Good luck in your quest - it's a minefield. I shall be selling my WAV Berlingo soon as I need to get a 'drive from wheelchair' model. I'm not looking forward to the fun and games that it entails that's for sure.

Not Motability?

 

[Sky]

What about after the first 6 months?

Good point - she'll have run out of money.

Not Motability?

Considering the amount of money I've spent over the last few years on maintenance and repairs on my (recently sold) minibus and the Berlingo, I shall certainly be looking into it Marc.

 

[andya700]

Skoda Octavias have massive boots, are very reliable and have low running costs.
Our 2005 1.9d has 185,000 miles on it, one clutch and master cyclinder change, plus discs and pads and minor front suspension parts.

 

[RWDW]

Have a really good think about this Marc.

Honda are probably the most reliable cars on the roads.

Sending the Gearbox to a specialist will be expensive but there are several low mileage gearboxes available for the CR-V and you should be looking atpaying 500-700 pound for one of these; fully fitted should cost circa 1200-1500 pounds.

With the CRV in it's current state it won't be worth a great deal but if you get it fixed it will provide years more motoring.

The only other car I can think of would be a Skoda Yeti but Honda 'knock the socks' off the VW/Audi group cars in terms of reliability.

TBH; the reliability of VW/Audi is a bit of a myth and when you look at the stats. German cars aren't very reliable in comparison to others and VW/Audi group are the worst of them all.

Stick with the Japanese cars for reliability.

 

[Marc]

Skoda Octavias have massive boots, are very reliable and have low running costs.
Our 2005 1.9d has 185,000 miles on it, one clutch and master cyclinder change, plus discs and pads and minor front suspension parts.

Thanks, I'll get her to have a look

 

[Marc]

Have a really good think about this Marc.

Honda are probably the most reliable cars on the roads.

I agree. I bought a Honda Civic new in 2002, had it for 4 years before I had to switch to an automatic. The missus kept it for another 10 years and it didv 150k miles. Absolutely brilliant car.

Sending the Gearbox to a specialist will be expensive but there are several low mileage gearboxes available for the CR-V and you should be looking atpaying 500-700 pound for one of these; fully fitted should cost circa 1200-1500 pounds.

With the CRV in it's current state it won't be worth a great deal but if you get it fixed it will provide years more motoring.

She'd always planned on trading it in once the finance was paid tbh.

The only other car I can think of would be a Skoda Yeti but Honda 'knock the socks' off the VW/Audi group cars in terms of reliability.

TBH; the reliability of VW/Audi is a bit of a myth and when you look at the stats. German cars aren't very reliable in comparison to others and VW/Audi group are the worst of them all.

Stick with the Japanese cars for reliability.

Again I agree. She's been looking online and she quite likes the Toyota Auris. Frustrating that the dealers are closed atm so she can't have a look at one.

 

[lindsay]

I was thinking of the Yeti, like Robert. Reliability wise, I believe Mazda are pretty much top of the pile, yet have terrible depreciation (as I know to my cost), so a not very old CX-5 might fit the bill.

 

[Marc]

I was thinking of the Yeti, like Robert. Reliability wise, I believe Mazda are pretty much top of the pile, yet have terrible depreciation (as I know to my cost), so a not very old CX-5 might fit the bill.

Cheers Lyndsay, she'll have a look

 

[woof woof]

I used to always have a nice car but these days I like the anonymity of the ordinary. I inherited a Hyundai Getz and it is very ordinary but also capable and reliable.

If avoiding envy and aggravation could be something to think about something functional and ordinary might be worth looking at. These days a posh car or a posh anything for that matter just doesn't impress me and seems to attract agro anyway. I would like a Range Rover type car though as that's one thing I haven't had.

Good luck choosing.

 

[Marc]

I used to always have a nice car but these days I like the anonymity of the ordinary. I inherited a Hyundai Getz and it is very ordinary but also capable and reliable.

If avoiding envy and aggravation could be something to think about something functional and ordinary might be worth looking at. These days a posh car or a posh anything for that matter just doesn't impress me and seems to attract agro anyway. I would like a Range Rover type car though as that's one thing I haven't had.

Good luck choosing.

Cars have never been much more than a means for getting from A to B for us so not looking for anything posh but never say no to any additional creature comforts that may be on offer.

 

[lindsay]

Thats what I like about Mazda's. Loads of extras. I have adaptive cruise control, lane assist, head-up display, seat warming, steering wheel warming, seat cooling (!), nappa leather upholstery, all-round cameras and parking sensors, as well as all the usual stuff, in my Mazda 6 estate, all for a new price around £26k but easily obtained s/h for £14-16k about 2 years old.

 

[andya700]

I was thinking of the Yeti, like Robert. Reliability wise, I believe Mazda are pretty much top of the pile, yet have terrible depreciation (as I know to my cost), so a not very old CX-5 might fit the bill.

We had a 58 plate Mazda 3 (still in warranty at the time) which we got rid off before buying the Skoda. The paint finish was very thin, it had a couple of minor electrical problems and a major inlet manifold leak, which the dealership refused to put right.

 

[lindsay]

That's a shame Andy. My experience is that a lot depends on the dealership - my one in Northampton is not very good, need ca lot of prodding about anything that needs attention, whereas one in Watford and another in Berkhamsted in the past were very proactive.

 

[wibbly]

Just get it fixed, providing you can get it done for a reasonable cost and keep it for a couple of years.

 

[mj4456]

Kia Sportage? Good ground clearance, some are 4wd and balance of a 7 year warranty.

 

[the black fox]

Toyota CHR hybrid , ,Kia shortage, but as others suggest there are plenty of gearbox reconditioners around that would be the better option

 

[JohnC6]

Thanks, I'll get her to have a look

Marc.. Just so you're aware of these problems with Octavia'1.5 TSI gearboxes.. Skoda is,generally ,up there for reliability with Toytota but this problem has been ongoing . It doesn't manifest itself in 2.0Lt petrol engines because there's a different gearbox in them. Not the problematic DQ200..DQ 250. I'm sure it's the DQ500 in the 2.0Lt engines..Have a read of the comments too.

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/new-cars/2019-07/no-end-in-sight-for-volkswagen-15-tsi-engine-problems/

 

[jakeblu]

What about a Dacia Duster, same engine as the Qashquai and I think the x-trail. Extremely good value and a decent switchable 4x4 if she needs it. We've had ours just over three years and its never skipped a beat and no work needed yet.

 

[Marc]

What about a Dacia Duster, same engine as the Qashquai and I think the x-trail. Extremely good value and a decent switchable 4x4 if she needs it. We've had ours just over three years and its never skipped a beat and no work needed yet.

Yes, she did vask about that but we can't seem to find on in an automatic.

 

[ancient_mariner]

The Skoda Octavia is available in 'Scout' 4x4 format with bash plates. Might be good for bumpy tracks.

Consider also a VW Tiguan, plenty of clearance, big boot etc.

 

[Marc]

A few of her horsey friends have recommended a Skoda Yeti which she seems quite taken with although some are semi-automatic.

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

My 2016 company Skoda Octavia estate has done 130,000 miles and hasn't needed anything other than brake pads....
Great car. I love the dsg gearbox....

 

[ancient_mariner]

A few of her horsey friends have recommended a Skoda Yeti which she seems quite taken with although some are semi-automatic.

I looked into the Yeti befor ebuying a Karoq earlier this year. They seem very thirsty for a relatively small car (30-35mpg) where I get 40-45mpg, but OTOH if she doesn't do big miles then it could be a very good option.

 

[Marc]

I looked into the Yeti befor ebuying a Karoq earlier this year. They seem very thirsty for a relatively small car (30-35mpg) where I get 40-45mpg, but OTOH if she doesn't do big miles then it could be a very good option.

She looked on Auto Trader and it says combined 51mpg. Her CRV does 29mpg!

 

[ancient_mariner]

She looked on Auto Trader and it says combined 51mpg. Her CRV does 29mpg!

It may be that the sources I saw were incorrect, but poor fuel economy came up several times. I suspect it will be very similar to the CRV.

This is a potentially useful page - looks like the 2L diesel is the one to go for - most of these look a lot better than what I'd read: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/skoda/yeti-2009

 

[srichards]

A 13 year old car could be end of life. At that age a lot of things can die unexpectedly.

If it's only used for local trips then it's also worth looking at the Nissan Leaf if you have off road parking at home. Boot is decent and it will be peanuts in fuel costs. I accidentally went up quite a few crap roads in mine and it seems to be fine with them. Anything with half decent ground clearance should be ok.

 

[Marc]

It may be that the sources I saw were incorrect, but poor fuel economy came up several times. I suspect it will be very similar to the CRV.

This is a potentially useful page - looks like the 2L diesel is the one to go for - most of these look a lot better than what I'd read: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/skoda/yeti-2009

Thanks for that. Looks like the real world mileage is around 42mpg, I'd take that.

 

[Marc]

A 13 year old car could be end of life. At that age a lot of things can die unexpectedly.

If it's only used for local trips then it's also worth looking at the Nissan Leaf if you have off road parking at home. Boot is decent and it will be peanuts in fuel costs. I accidentally went up quite a few crap roads in mine and it seems to be fine with them. Anything with half decent ground clearance should be ok.

It's not just local though and she drives to conferences (although obviously not at the moment) which can be anywhere from Northumberland to the west country so the Leaf isn't an option.

 

[srichards]

It's not just local though and she drives to conferences (although obviously not at the moment) which can be anywhere from Northumberland to the west country so the Leaf isn't an option.

Few EVs would with those distances without a lot of effort and inconvenience.

 

[Marc]

Few EVs would with those distances without a lot of effort and inconvenience.

Indeed. Would be ideal in the current circumstances.

 

[nilagin]

For the missus, not me.

She has a 13 year old Honda CRV and took it in to get an oil leak looked at. Turns out the the root of the problem is the it needs a gearbox rebuild.

I don't know anything about CRV gearboxes, but that strikes me as being a very odd diagnosis. Surely an oil leak just means it needs a new oil seal. If it is still changing gear ok, why would the gearbox require a rebuild? That seems a bit drastic.


I'd get a few other things checked first.

Honda CR-V: Transmission Fluid Leak Causes | Drivetrain Resource

If you've found red fluid under your Honda CR-V, you probably have a transmission leak. A transmission leak is a big deal. If you let too much transmission fluid leak, the transmission will begin to slip, which can quickly cause long term damage. Unlike oil, transmission fluid is flammable, and...

www.700r4transmissionhq.com

 

[Marc]

I don't know anything about CRV gearboxes, but that strikes me as being a very odd diagnosis. Surely an oil leak just means it needs a new oil seal. If it is still changing gear ok, why would the gearbox require a rebuild? That seems a bit drastic.


I'd get a few other things checked first.

Honda CR-V: Transmission Fluid Leak Causes | Drivetrain Resource

If you've found red fluid under your Honda CR-V, you probably have a transmission leak. A transmission leak is a big deal. If you let too much transmission fluid leak, the transmission will begin to slip, which can quickly cause long term damage. Unlike oil, transmission fluid is flammable, and...

www.700r4transmissionhq.com

The seal was replaced last year which was why she questioned it when it came up again on the MOT a few months ago. It was only when she took it back in to get it sorted that the investigated further.

It's a local garage that she's been using for many years and they've always been excellent. They've nothing to gain as they wouldn't be able to carry out the work and they even lost out on the sale of a couple of tyres.

 

[Steve2]

Also look at Toyota Rav4, we have had a MK1 and a Mk2 and both have been brilliant

 

[broc]

My wife bought a pre-registered Qashqai last year, the new 1.3 engine is a peach, 140BHP and >50mpg on long runs, around 40mpg urban. The 1.3 engine is a joint venture between Nissan, Renault and Mercedes.

 

[Marc]

Looks like she's get her heart set on a Skoda Yeti. Going over to a dealer in the morning to have a look at a 66 plate one.

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions.

 

[Marc]

Also look at Toyota Rav4, we have had a MK1 and a Mk2 and both have been brilliant

Sadly nothing available in her price range.

 

[Nod]

She looked on Auto Trader and it says combined 51mpg. Her CRV does 29mpg!

Bleedin' 'eck! My Jag does better than that, even on local trips (current tankful is showing as 33.4 MPG average with an average speed of 23 MPH.) Have a look at Honest John's website where there's a section for people to send in their real life consumption figures rather than looking at manufacturers' figures.

 

[Marc]

Bleedin' 'eck! My Jag does better than that, even on local trips (current tankful is showing as 33.4 MPG average with an average speed of 23 MPH.) Have a look at Honest John's website where there's a section for people to send in their real life consumption figures rather than looking at manufacturers' figures.

It may be that the sources I saw were incorrect, but poor fuel economy came up several times. I suspect it will be very similar to the CRV.

This is a potentially useful page - looks like the 2L diesel is the one to go for - most of these look a lot better than what I'd read: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/skoda/yeti-2009

Thanks for that. Looks like the real world mileage is around 42mpg, I'd take that.