Recent content by Looger

2026 Honda CR-V EX 1.5T. 28.8mpg, blend of city/rural/highway. This is the average over about 2900 miles. The computer shows about 1.5-1.7mpg higher. Not bad for such a chunky vehicle. Bob

Excellent advice from everyone. I've done most of the work advised above to my son's 10 CRV. Restore and protect (and perhaps a piston soak) really helped with oil consumption). I'm not sure if the 11 has this, but one other issue could be the evil steel coolant crossover pipe that runs under...

My current Honda with the GCV160 engine. 10 years old and starts 1st pull every time. Drives me a little nuts because I'm interested in trying an electric mower, but my Honda probably won't die for 20 more years...so I can't yet justify the purchase. Bob

My 87 year old, very wise shade tree mechanic friend used WD40 on belts to condition them. Would spray the belt until it started to slip. His very high mileage 1983 Silverado has the original power steering belt. His pristine low mileage 86 Silverado has the original belts. I haven't used...

Bit of a zombie bump here, but I tested a 2026 a few weeks ago, and the OP review was nicely done. I didn't have an issue with the drivetrain, overall. It was good enough. Honestly, it was a pretty nice car. But there were a few concerns. Mid-level and up trims push you into Evotex seats. I...

You are downplaying your responses. I did ask for opinions on a new vehicle. You gave your opinion and intentionally demeaned mine. It wasn't a simple disagreement, it was your crap attitude of superiority. I expressed discomfort in hybrid systems, and your response was to treat my concern as...

Yes, I do. I conceded that it may very well be an excellent and reliable system, but still harbor reservations. Even after I put the hybrid back on the table, you just keep pushing your point. Why the hell do you care what I think? You may be correct that an engine + transmission is less...

Sorry, I probably was not clear, but I mentioned at some point in this thread that a hybrid is back on the table. Edited to add: I did more research and Toyota's hybrid system is pretty robust. I really like the RAV4 looks and overall vibe. BUT! I test drove one (can't recall the year, but...

I'm interested in this as well for a 17 and 10 CRV, but don't have the special scan tool. Looks like it isn't too hard with the proper tools, but can open a can of worms without. Bob

Regarding the RAV4: I really like the looks! Kinda muscular. And it ticks a lot of boxes (large enough for a family of 4, mileage, power, etc). I test drove a hybrid only briefly...maybe a 2023 model. Seemed pretty nice, but I recall the cabin being a bit noisier than expected, so I wrote it...

That is part of my reluctance with the CRV. It looks like Honda sorted the engine issues...maybe. The (former?) head gasket issue with some 1.5T kinda weird me out. Having a tiny coolant passage between 2 cylinders leaves little surface area for good head gasket sealing. And of course, the...

No worries folks, I enjoy the spirited discussion. Regarding snow tires: I certainly could do that, and YES, they are insanely good. But I've never needed snows and honestly don't love the idea of having to swap them out and store them. I have a thousand other things to handle, and don't...

Ah, I forgot that I tested a Tiguan maybe 3 years ago (very short drivel, and it was darned impressive. Solid, quiet, decent acceleration and handling. Smooth and comfortable. Had not considered the Ford Escape... As far as the Subaru Nanny "pay attention" thing, can it can be disabled...

Oh yeah I forgot that I test drove a Tucson, I think maybe a 23 model? I remember it driving very nicely, and being comfortable and I think reasonably quiet. I recall it not feeling very powerful, which is okay. And if I'm not mistaken, I think that's the one with the weird electronic shifter...

Excellent advice, thanks everyone--i'll keep reading! I drove a RAV4 hybrid, and it was pretty nice. The system was seamless, and Toyota has it nailed. But, I'm still wary about another system that can fail. The CX50 is hot! BMW? WOW! So tempting...but my terrible frugality is... terrible...