Looking for compact SUV to replace Civic

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redhat

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Our 2014 Civic is in the body shop. Wife loves the car, but we are in search of a nice compact SUV for her. I am strongly considering a 2010-2014 CRV and selling the Civic once all set. I am interested in travelling south and would love to find a 2010 AWD with about 100k for around 10k.

Even though they are two different generations, looks like the same drivetrains are in them years. A K24 variant and a 5-speed automatic. How are the 5-speed automatics? Are the AWD systems decent? I know the K24 may or may not have a VTC actuator issue, however, I can remedy that without an issue.

I like Ford Escapes, but wouldn't really consider anything except the European Kuga and up model years.

Any other SUVs I should be looking at besides a Honda?
 
Originally Posted By: redhat
The Golf alltrack? Never knew this was a car.


I had some issues with the one I had but also... check out the VW 4motion sportwagen. It will come in cheaper than the alltrack, but still have all of the functional goodies like 4motion, heated seats/mirrors/wipers and same 1.8T engine. It sits a bit lower and doesn't have the showy cladding though.

I've driven a couple CRVs and the sportwagen drove worlds betters. But of course you're sitting lower to the ground than a crossover.
 
Hyundai Tuscon is a great value SUV with a good warranty that has been a popular seller for Hyundai. Kia Sportage which is similar from their sister company. Something slightly bigger is the Santa Fe Sport. (Also comes in an XL version)

That said my mother-in law has a 2009 CRV and loves it.
 
You definately want to test drive the Tuscon. Great car and warranty. 30K miles on mine and flawless. Also has a larger car feel.
 
Subaru Foresters are the perennial favorite in this class. I'd look at a 2015 or later model because of oil burning issues on the 2012-2104 2.5 engine, unless the recall has been performed or it is under the extended warranty.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: HemiHawk
Originally Posted By: redhat
The Golf alltrack? Never knew this was a car.


I had some issues with the one I had but also... check out the VW 4motion sportwagen. It will come in cheaper than the alltrack, but still have all of the functional goodies like 4motion, heated seats/mirrors/wipers and same 1.8T engine. It sits a bit lower and doesn't have the showy cladding though.

I've driven a couple CRVs and the sportwagen drove worlds betters. But of course you're sitting lower to the ground than a crossover.


For $10K?
 
Before you go south and look for one, drive one and really pay attention.

They are miserable cars. My grandmother had a 2011, it was in immaculate condition. It rode like a horse carriage and was horribly underpowered. If you're tall, you won't be comfortable, because the front seats don't scoot back very far. The stereo was a joke and a $20 battery powered radio from Walmart would have been better.

But for my grandma it was perfect because she just needed a little run around car that was as easy for her to get in and out of.
 
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
For $10K?


Completely missed the 10k piece. I was adding to someones suggestion of the VW alltrack.


What is the intended use for the crossover? To just sit up a bit higher? snow?
 
Originally Posted By: NO2
Subaru Foresters are the perennial favorite in this class. I'd look at a 2015 or later model because of oil burning issues on the 2012-2104 2.5 engine, unless the recall has been performed or it is under the extended warranty.

nah...willing to bet op would hate the cvt....
 
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Before you go south and look for one, drive one and really pay attention.

They are miserable cars. My grandmother had a 2011, it was in immaculate condition. It rode like a horse carriage and was horribly underpowered. If you're tall, you won't be comfortable, because the front seats don't scoot back very far. The stereo was a joke and a $20 battery powered radio from Walmart would have been better.

But for my grandma it was perfect because she just needed a little run around car that was as easy for her to get in and out of.


and I here the seats are not comfortable, at least in certain model years.
 
choices are many + what you want + are willing to $$$ is the answer! i would STAY away of any car with a CVT as they have issues at low miles let alone over a 100 thou!! i like VW's as they are built better IMO + in 2001 i bought a jetta 1.8T 5 spd MANUAL traded @ 200 thou running well for a 2001 TT another volkswagen auto group product, tested an 01 impreza but it was a TIN CAN IMO. my brother-in-law buys high milers + expect repairs from wear + tear after a 100 thou of a few thou, you may get lucky, todays cars are a crap shoot but new ones have a warranty. i would look for an affordable small new car, skip the AWD it adds cost + complexity, if needed 4 SNOW tyres work great on FWD cars.
 
Seems at this point an AWD CRV is pointless if the AWD never kicks the rear wheels in, ha!

Escapes look like they do the AWD/rear wheel thing right. Do 13-Present Escapes have that same DCT trans that the Focus does that stinks?
 
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