Honda CR-V

[Phoenix1]

Can anyone give me their opinion on the crv please? I'm thinking of putting a used one on my list of possible tow cars. It would be about 5 years old to fit my budget. I need an everyday family car as well as one suitable for towing. I regularly drive on motorways as well as in town. Heard good reports about the latest model but want some opinions on the older ones. Any comments much appreciated.

 

[Alan Partridge]

Prior to the facelift around 2005 model year, when the grille became slightly squarer and acquired an extra horizontal louvre, the max noseweight was only 48kg (auto) or 60kg (manual); the maximum towing weight was also only 1200kg on the auto, compared with 1500kg for the manual. Note that I am referring to the 2002-2005 models, not the "Mark 1" version.

I owned a petrol auto from early 2003 to Dec 2005 - fuel consumption was typically 27mpg, it took a real effort to better 30 solo. I didn't tow a caravan with that car so I can't give you a guide to the mpg towing but it could easily be sub-20. I have been told that the manual version was quite a bit better for mpg.

I did 52,000 miles in the car and the only thing that went wrong was that the airbag light came on - the "clock ring" under the steering wheel was replaced under warranty to cure it. Apart from having to stop every 270 miles for fuel, I really liked the car (I now have a diesel version, but those were not available until 2005 model year IIRC).

In summary, a good car, but make sure the towing weights meet your needs and you can put up with the fuel consumption if you are contemplating the auto.

 

[parker1158]

Hi Phoenix

I have a 2000 CRV had it just over three years and done 55000 miles in it. I only tow 1300kg loaded and it copes quite well I don't think I would want to tow much more. Its fine on the strait and I get a very stable tow but it struggles a bit on steeper hills, although its always got me there. You have to be prepared to change gear and use all the rev's but it is a strong engine.

I'm in the process at the moment of trying to find a replacement, I will probably go for something a bit bigger and a diesel at that(A CRV diesel is on the list of possibles) to make towing a bit less of a chore but that's just me being lazy.

The down side of the Honda is without a doubt the cost of repairs. I do most myself being ex motor trade background but pattern parts are few and far between and a visit to the Honda dealer always leaves me gasping but that said it don't go wrong that often which is a blessing.

 

[WilliamTups]

Hi,

With the CRV's you need to check your tow weights, on the Mark II, the first models only had a 60kg nose weight and a 1200kg tow, whilst the second generation (2004 -2007 - I think) had a 100kg nose weight and a 1500kg tow weight - best way to tell is the rear number plate - if it is in the middle it is a second generation, if the number plate is to the left then it is one of the first models.

I was luckily enough to have a 2005 diesel model as a company car, no faults in 20k miles, cheap to service and run, towed very well but mainly used 5th gear rather than getting into 6th whilst towing. The diesel averaged 38 mpg (real world driving) and 29 mpg whilst towing a 1324kg van

Hope this helps

 

[parker1158]

I will tentatively disagree with you William as I may be wrong but from the handbook in my 2000 model CRV the Max towing weight is 1500 kg with the manual transmission and the 1200kg with an Auto transmission. Again from the vehicle handbook max 'vertical load on coupling device' is 50kg for autos and 70 kg for Manuals. So I think your info is correct for the auto but the manual has more acceptable criteria. For sure its widely accepted that the auto model is not the one to opt for when towing

 

[senga_374296042]

regarding your query on the CRV, ive owned one for the past 4 years!!! i always towed a horsebox with no problem i must add, ive now purchased an older swift challenger 520 twin axle, it tows no problem at all, i,m just back from holiday, touring britain!!! i would certainly buy another, it can be a bit greedy on fuel at times when towing, but nothing major, my car has now done 98000 miles with not one bit of bother and has been from one end of the country to the other on numerous occasions, it tows the caravan just as well as the horsebox, i personally would recommend them, but its personal preferance.