Help Us Help Our Daughter - Rav 4, CR-V, CX-5/50, or Other?

[rstcso]

Our oldest daughter is going through a divorce, has two kids, and working three jobs. We're not rich, but have been helping her by paying her mortgage so she can stay in her house and the kids can continue going to their schools. (Her husband has done her really dirty)

She's driving an older model CR-V with almost 200k miles on it. Unfortunately, it's been mostly in the shop the past couple of months for one thing or another. The other morning I drove it back to the shop with it having the same problem, and it felt like a rolling death trap (maybe a bit overdramatic). Besides the issue it was going back to the shop for, there's a pronounced clunking from the left front, mainly when braking and going over bumps, and the shocks are completely worn (front left may very well be shock-related). Counting this car, her past two have been CR-Vs. The first was ours and we gave it to her at 100k and it held together for over 250k miles before she bought this one used. It's on its last leg at 200k without throwing a bunch more money at it.

We want to buy her a new, reliable car. I like the idea of a naturally aspirated engine and conventional transmission, which the CX-5 and Rav 4 offer, but the CR-Vs have served her good for a long time. I just don't like the smaller turbo and CVT tranny. Due to cost to buy, we want to go no higher than a mid-trim model.

Comparing models on Edmunds, the CR-V and Rav 4 has a slightly lower 5-year, cost-per-mile average than the CX-5, but I think part of that is the CX-5 has a higher depreciation.

Anyway... If you were trying to help a loved one with a new vehicle that was going to be reliable, relatively low cost to own, and carrying your grandkids, what would you buy?

I'm open to other model suggestions. Thank you.

 

[trd1zz]

Rav4 dominates this segment for good reason and the N/A 2.5L is a no brainer over the Honda 1.5 turbo.

The only question is it worth waiting for the 26 Rav4 redesign.

 

[Marcozi]

Make sure what ever car you decide to buy (good on you!) undergoes a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable independent shop that specializes in the car brand. Use the inspection results as bargaining chips. Make sure it has lots of tread remaining on all tires. Make sure the spare tire is in good shape.

IMHO

 

[walterjay]

I would avoid the Mazda. Have seen quite a few negative reports about them lately.

 

[Patrick0525]

Rav4 dominates this segment for good reason and the N/A 2.5L is a no brainer over the Honda 1.5 turbo.

The only question is it worth waiting for the 26 Rav4 redesign.

Agree. U need to avoid direct injection and CVT. The RAV4 uses both DI and port.
The 25 Mazda CX5 hybrid’s power train is equivalent to the 25 RAV4 except for the battery material and it is cheaper. Confirmed by a Mazda salesman.

 

[rstcso]

Make sure what ever car you decide to buy (good on you!) undergoes a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable independent shop that specializes in the car brand. Use the inspection results as bargaining chips. Make sure it has lots of tread remaining on all tires. Make sure the spare tire is in good shape.

IMHO

Good advice, but we're buying new. We'll do a good once-over as suggested in another thread.

 

[rstcso]

Agree. U need to avoid direct injection and CVT. The RAV4 uses both DI and port.
The 25 Mazda CX5 hybrid is power train equivalent to the 25 RAV4 except for the battery material and it is cheaper. Confirmed by a Mazda salesman.

This is good to know. We're doing a balancing act on keeping our cost as low as reasonably possible, but getting something she doesn't have to worry about continuing to have a wrecker on speed-dial. Based on data I've found on visor.vin, there are a lot more CX-5s on the lots than Rav 4s, but at least the Rav 4s can be found vs a year or so ago. Also, I believe a lot of people bought new when the tariffs were announced, so the demand is significantly lower at the moment.

 

[maineiac]

Our oldest daughter is going through a divorce, has two kids, and working three jobs. We're not rich, but have been helping her by paying her mortgage so she can stay in her house and the kids can continue going to their schools. (Her husband has done her really dirty)

She's driving an older model CR-V with almost 200k miles on it. Unfortunately, it's been mostly in the shop the past couple of months for one thing or another. The other morning I drove it back to the shop with it having the same problem, and it felt like a rolling death trap (maybe a bit overdramatic). Besides the issue it was going back to the shop for, there's a pronounced clunking from the left front, mainly when braking and going over bumps, and the shocks are completely worn (front left may very well be shock-related). Counting this car, her past two have been CR-Vs. The first was ours and we gave it to her at 100k and it held together for over 250k miles before she bought this one used. It's on its last leg at 200k without throwing a bunch more money at it.

We want to buy her a new, reliable car. I like the idea of a naturally aspirated engine and conventional transmission, which the CX-5 and Rav 4 offer, but the CR-Vs have served her good for a long time. I just don't like the smaller turbo and CVT tranny. Due to cost to buy, we want to go no higher than a mid-trim model.

Comparing models on Edmunds, the CR-V and Rav 4 has a slightly lower 5-year, cost-per-mile average than the CX-5, but I think part of that is the CX-5 has a higher depreciation.

Anyway... If you were trying to help a loved one with a new vehicle that was going to be reliable, relatively low cost to own, and carrying your grandkids, what would you buy?

I'm open to other model suggestions. Thank you.

We own 2021-year models of both the RAV4 and the CRV and are happy with both of them as we approach 100K miles. Neither has required any work other than routine maintenance, neither burns any oil or has any other “untoward” behavior. We are happy with the economy and performance of both (close enough in our experience to be roughly equal overall) as well as transmission behavior of both.

We have owned over 10 turbo vehicles long-term (beginning with a Volvo 740T and a 760T and up through a VW GTI and a Lexus NX300 most recently) and the aversion to turbos displayed on this site is mistifying - we have never had any issues with any of them. I think most of the dislike of turbo applications is by thread-clogging armchair QBs who love to pontificate to boost their post counts ;-).

My daughter owns a 2015 CRV that we got her based on the exact same criteria you list and it has been perfectly flawless as well. Maybe get her the one that SHE prefers (seating position/color/price/ cargo space, ride quality, noise, etc) as they’re a coin-toss in our experience. You can’t go wrong with either.

 

[THORROMIG]

All I can say is I am averaging between 45 and 49 MPG with my 2023 Rav4 Hybrid XSE. That is with the air conditioning on full blast, being in sport mode 90% of the time and running 0W20 weight oil.

 

[Patrick0525]

This is good to know. We're doing a balancing act on keeping our cost as low as reasonably possible, but getting something she doesn't have to worry about continuing to have a wrecker on speed-dial. Based on data I've found on visor.vin, there are a lot more CX-5s on the lots than Rav 4s, but at least the Rav 4s can be found vs a year or so ago. Also, I believe a lot of people bought new when the tariffs were announced, so the demand is significantly lower at the moment.

A few months ago, I was shopping for a 2nd back up car - a 2023 CX-5 with 36k mi. It was an early lease return (daughter sent poor dad to the retirement village) at the Mazda dealer and was sold as a re-certified vehicle with their 100k power train warranty. CARFAX said dear old school dad did meticulous 5K dealer documented oil changes. There was prior accidents. The CX5 had no start/stop provision or cylinder deactivation because the 8th digit of the VIN was the letter ‘L’.

The wife kiboshed the deal since she balked/refused to drive it. She was strongly adamant that I don’t need three cars. It sold for $23k. Every night I cry myself asleep. She is such a party pooper! All a guy want is a little happiness and have a different experience. It is not like I had plans to attend a Coldplay concert with my gym-rat GFs. Lol

 

[rstcso]

My daughter owns a 2015 CRV that we got her based on the exact same criteria you list and it has been perfectly flawless as well. Maybe get her the one that SHE prefers (seating position/color/price/ cargo space, ride quality, noise, etc) as they’re a coin-toss in our experience. You can’t go wrong with either.

Absolutely! She and the girls are visiting her sister (another daughter) in Wisconsin and I'm trying to gather data before she gets home Tuesday evening. I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[Nukeman7]

My daughter owns a 2015 CRV that we got her based on the exact same criteria you list and it has been perfectly flawless as well. Maybe get her the one that SHE prefers (seating position/color/price/ cargo space, ride quality, noise, etc) as they’re a coin-toss in our experience. You can’t go wrong with either.

Absolutely! She and the girls are visiting her sister (another daughter) in Wisconsin and I'm trying to gather data before she gets home Tuesday evening. I appreciate everyone's input.

Unfortunately, 2015 was the first year that Honda put a CVT in the CR-V. However, Honda's CVT has not been problematic like Nissan's. If the OP wants to avoid all CVTs, the CR-V is off the list.

 

[ATex7239]

RAV4 all day. She won’t have to worry about it and neither will you.

Good luck.

 

[Passport1]

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Lots cheaper than Toyondas and way better warranty.

Redondo Mitsubishi

 

[t1snwrbrdr12]

Agree. U need to avoid direct injection and CVT. The RAV4 uses both DI and port.
The 25 Mazda CX5 hybrid’s power train is equivalent to the 25 RAV4 except for the battery material and it is cheaper. Confirmed by a Mazda salesman.

No clue if your battery material story is true or not, but never rely on information obtained from a salesman.

 

[userfriendly]

Cadillac xt6 lease returns at half the price of a new one, or Chevrolet Blazer and 23 & older Acadia with 3 row seats and the 3.6L LGX.

 

[Dgzrt]

It seems I go against the grain in Cars . Having the youngest daughter going through a divorce last year we chose a Hyundai because of the dealership and warranty. No worries for basically 100k or 10 years . The family has had 4 Hyundai/kia and never had a problem whatsoever. Do the maintenance and they just run . The internet would have you believe they all blow up .

For the middle daughter we needed a SUV with more room . After much research the Mitsubishi Outlander won out . Good price and good warranty. 50 k miles so far and zero problems. Changing the CVT fluid is almost as easy as an oil change.

If I had the money to choose anything I wanted I would lean Toyota but many times there 10 to 12 k more and no deals at all .

Good luck with your choice!

 

[researcher]

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Lots cheaper than Toyondas and way better warranty.

View attachment 290513
Redondo Mitsubishi

Warranty? That's IF you can even find a Mitsubishi dealership in your state! lol..

 

[Patrick0525]

A few months ago, I was shopping for a 2nd back up car - a 2023 CX-5 with 36k mi. It was an early lease return (daughter sent poor dad to the retirement village) at the Mazda dealer and was sold as a re-certified vehicle with their 100k power train warranty. CARFAX said dear old school dad did meticulous 5K dealer documented oil changes. There was no prior accidents. The CX5 has no start/stop provision or cylinder deactivation because the 8th digit of the VIN was the letter ‘L’.

The wife kiboshed the deal since she balked/refused to drive it. She was strongly adamant that I don’t need three cars. It sold for $23k. Every night I cry myself asleep. She is such a party pooper! All a guy want is a little happiness and have a different experience. It is not like I had plans to attend a Coldplay concert with my gym-rat GFs. Lol

Fixed typo.