I really want a TE but wife wants a Honda CRV! :(
- Thread starter chmura
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chmura
New member
Yes I know, that is why I'm seriously considering the CRV for her. In my mind getting the car she wants is the right thing to do.
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philsey
New member
^^ Sorry, I kinda piled on there. Appreciate that you didn't scorch me. Good intentions, yada yada.
EDIT: I was just mentally comparing my 4R and her CRV.
Don't know how tall your wifey is, but 1) the 4Rs tailgate vs the Vs tailgate makes a huge difference - my wife can barely reach the 4Rs, plus it's much heavier, and 2) ingress/egress - even with RBs, the 4R is harder for her to get in/out of vs her V. Yeah she's short. She CAN drive my 4R, but really, really prefers driving her V.
EDIT: I was just mentally comparing my 4R and her CRV.
Don't know how tall your wifey is, but 1) the 4Rs tailgate vs the Vs tailgate makes a huge difference - my wife can barely reach the 4Rs, plus it's much heavier, and 2) ingress/egress - even with RBs, the 4R is harder for her to get in/out of vs her V. Yeah she's short. She CAN drive my 4R, but really, really prefers driving her V.
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chmura
New member
My wife is 5'6. She is not so short but yeah the 4runner might be a little hard to get the baby in and out of for her.
Is the height of the 5th gen 4runner the same as the 4th gen 4runner?
Agree with philsey but may have put it a different way. On second thought, he sort of hit it right on the head
Knowing what we now know - you are buying a CRV. Period.
I think so too.
westwind77
New member
If you are going to let her get a CRV I HIGHLY suggest you take a look at the FORD ESCAPE (gasp, I know, Ford on a Toyota site).
My wife had an 07' Escape that was flawless, but also stripped out with the v4. We traded it in on an 11' Escape Limited with the v6, that little thing is quick!
She did not want a 'big' SUV either, we looked at EVERY small SUV, and the Ford came out on top (for us). We test drove the CRV a few times, but hated the exterior & interior plus she really wanted the power of the v6. The Escape has a TON of usable room inside as well. A lot of the small SUV these days have 'hatch back' style doors on them, which is useless when trying to load thing in the back (say like baby furniture!), the CRV being one of them.
They are changing the Escape to be ugly as $&%^ next year, so if you are going to do it, get one of the 11'/12's. I would at least let her drive it to consider it.
034RUNNER
New member
I don't know much about the CRV besides; never driven one or anything. I would stress to her how much better the 4runner is for off road (and thus for bad road conditions; although I see you're in CA).
The 4Runners seem extremely reliable, people LOVE these things (like we do) for a reason. I don't see threads on even non-Toyota forums talking about what an amazing car/SUV the CRV is.
I don't have kids, and I may be old-school with this thought but I'd want bigger if my kid was going to be in there. The CRV's seem so little.
Corvette Forum - View Single Post - Used 2007 Toyota 4Runner Limited, thoughts please
The 4Runners seem extremely reliable, people LOVE these things (like we do) for a reason. I don't see threads on even non-Toyota forums talking about what an amazing car/SUV the CRV is.
I don't have kids, and I may be old-school with this thought but I'd want bigger if my kid was going to be in there. The CRV's seem so little.
Corvette Forum - View Single Post - Used 2007 Toyota 4Runner Limited, thoughts please
You might also want to look at the Subaru Outback and Forrester. My wife always liked taller SUV's but didn't want the big size but wanted a good awd; so she got a Subaru Tribeca. The first car she ever bought was a 97 4Runner SR5 Sports Edition so my getting a new 4Runner Ltd was a no brainer. But everyone has different needs. Since you're in SoCal, awd/4wd isn't a factor so that opens up a lot of possibilities for you.
The CRV is a great small SUV but there are others out there that drive very well and have a good amount of space. You never really told us what her requirements are either
Just guessing from what's been posted, consider taking these for a test drive as well:
1) CRV
2) Rav4 (My wife had considered this in 2007, but felt that the interior felt too cheap. The cool looking interior of the Tribeca won her over)
3) Outback (Always a good AWD bet, if anything for safety in the rain)
4) Forrester
Definately do the test drives. I went into my purchase with many cars in mind and I ended up with something I didn't expect. Same deal when my wife went looking for cars as well. After test driving the ones I listed above, she went for the Tribeca because she wanted the bigger size, 7 row seating and the beautiful interior.
The CRV is a great small SUV but there are others out there that drive very well and have a good amount of space. You never really told us what her requirements are either
Just guessing from what's been posted, consider taking these for a test drive as well:1) CRV
2) Rav4 (My wife had considered this in 2007, but felt that the interior felt too cheap. The cool looking interior of the Tribeca won her over)
3) Outback (Always a good AWD bet, if anything for safety in the rain)
4) Forrester
Definately do the test drives. I went into my purchase with many cars in mind and I ended up with something I didn't expect. Same deal when my wife went looking for cars as well. After test driving the ones I listed above, she went for the Tribeca because she wanted the bigger size, 7 row seating and the beautiful interior.
I had a lengthy reply about my situation being similar, you're now getting a revised situation. See me sig for my current vehicles.
If you plan on having any more children, get something larger than the CRV. They are in car and then boosters for years and years. Those take up a ton of room, even if you toss them in the trunk/hatch. Add in a stroller, shopping, luggage, whatever and you run out of room quickly. Now, if you like to trade in for a huge loss get a small vehicle. Luckily for us, the 2008 Tacoma (her choice her vehicle) held its value VERY well. She will now be driving my car and I am gettin the T4R. That said, she wanted the T4R but the mileage of the car (now at 89k) versus her truck (42k) dictates me taking the new vehicle.
For your situation, yes she should probably get to make the choice, but I would steer her larger based on future losses and time savings.
PS, T4R has backup camera and good visisbility all around making it seem much smaller to drive
If you plan on having any more children, get something larger than the CRV. They are in car and then boosters for years and years. Those take up a ton of room, even if you toss them in the trunk/hatch. Add in a stroller, shopping, luggage, whatever and you run out of room quickly. Now, if you like to trade in for a huge loss get a small vehicle. Luckily for us, the 2008 Tacoma (her choice her vehicle) held its value VERY well. She will now be driving my car and I am gettin the T4R. That said, she wanted the T4R but the mileage of the car (now at 89k) versus her truck (42k) dictates me taking the new vehicle.
For your situation, yes she should probably get to make the choice, but I would steer her larger based on future losses and time savings.
PS, T4R has backup camera and good visisbility all around making it seem much smaller to drive
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Have her test drive a Limited 4x4, it's full time all wheel drive (Can't get any safer than that), I'm not sure what you budge its, but check out the ENTUNE navi system, she will fall in love.
I have a LTD and the wife drives it %90 of the time, she loves that thing, it's a beautiful machine.
Just have her test drive and you will see her big grin
I have a LTD and the wife drives it %90 of the time, she loves that thing, it's a beautiful machine.
Just have her test drive and you will see her big grin
philsey
New member
This couldn't be more wrong. We are all so proud of how the 4R holds its value, but I know from lots of experience that the CRV holds its value every bit as well, even up into >200K miles. "Small" has nothing to do with demand for a given marque. The CRV in fact, outsells the 4R by multitudes.
/apologies for hijack/
chmura
New member
Our main reason of getting a new car is because we are expecting our first child. So I want a big enough safe vehicle for her to drive.
I talked to my wife today, and she is considering the tr4. Either 5th TE or 4th gen. We will test drive all 3 very soon. I wish 4runner Trail Edition was easily available in SoCal so I can test drive one with my wife.
I'm worried if she chooses the t4r I'm going to mod it and she will end up feeling like I am taking over her car. I already was looking at getting more aggressive tires (same size though) golbi roof rack, and a front spacer leveling lift for now. Eventually I would want a ARB or shrockworks front bumper also.
I have to say the new CRV interior is very nice. I'm beginning to like the exterior styling as well.
Check out the "one handle" folding rear seats. Its 47 seconds into the video.
2012 Honda CR-V All New "Sneak Peak" - YouTube
I talked to my wife today, and she is considering the tr4. Either 5th TE or 4th gen. We will test drive all 3 very soon. I wish 4runner Trail Edition was easily available in SoCal so I can test drive one with my wife.
I'm worried if she chooses the t4r I'm going to mod it and she will end up feeling like I am taking over her car. I already was looking at getting more aggressive tires (same size though) golbi roof rack, and a front spacer leveling lift for now. Eventually I would want a ARB or shrockworks front bumper also.
I have to say the new CRV interior is very nice. I'm beginning to like the exterior styling as well.
Check out the "one handle" folding rear seats. Its 47 seconds into the video.
2012 Honda CR-V All New "Sneak Peak" - YouTube
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Dusty Driftwood
New member
I came from a 2006 CRV w/ AWD & 5spd M/T and that thing was pretty awesome. It sounds like we have relatively similar lifestyles. I love camping, floating and finding cool places to do it off the beaten path. As you already know, the CRV is no rock climber, but I didn't need it to be. I never got stuck or needed it to do anything it couldn't. I've made it through 12"+ of snow, creek crossings, mud pits, up hills and down gravel paths and, again, never had any issues - stuck or mechanical.
As far as maintenance is concerned, I never had any problems. The only maintenance I ever had to do was "normal wear & tear" and I put about 100,000 miles on. I'd be willing to be it has at least another 100K in it before it starts having problems. I will say that I don't know if the new generation (2007-present) is as capable as the older (especially with my M/T) but they are very roomy. I was never at a loss for space and I carried a ton of stuff. I think I even set a record, having over 1,500 frisbees in my CRV at once (I volunteered for our local disc golf club and transported our inventory a couple times/month). Having just looked at the newest CRV at the car show last weekend, it has even more room than the one I had, so you will have no problems transporting a baby and everything that comes with it.
The only reason I upgraded to the T4R was because I was tired of driving a stick, wanted something bigger with more room, V6 and the ability to tow. The CRV only had a 1,500 LB towing capacity and I wanted/want to get a camper. We were looking at a Rav4 (which I also think would be a perfect compromise for you if you can't sell her on the T4R) but decided, we'd be better off just getting the 4Runner. A side perk is that this is the best online community of the 3 vehicles. If you have questions, people are pretty quick to reply and usually very helpful!
I think you will be happy and still get to maintain your lifestyle with a CRV, Rav4 or T4R, even if you do cut back from full-time to weekend warrior. FYI, the 4th Gen 4Runners are awesome (no matter what the 3rd & 5th gen guys say) so I would look at those the hardest if I were you. Also, in 2009 the TE is actually the Sport Edition.
Good Luck
As far as maintenance is concerned, I never had any problems. The only maintenance I ever had to do was "normal wear & tear" and I put about 100,000 miles on. I'd be willing to be it has at least another 100K in it before it starts having problems. I will say that I don't know if the new generation (2007-present) is as capable as the older (especially with my M/T) but they are very roomy. I was never at a loss for space and I carried a ton of stuff. I think I even set a record, having over 1,500 frisbees in my CRV at once (I volunteered for our local disc golf club and transported our inventory a couple times/month). Having just looked at the newest CRV at the car show last weekend, it has even more room than the one I had, so you will have no problems transporting a baby and everything that comes with it.
The only reason I upgraded to the T4R was because I was tired of driving a stick, wanted something bigger with more room, V6 and the ability to tow. The CRV only had a 1,500 LB towing capacity and I wanted/want to get a camper. We were looking at a Rav4 (which I also think would be a perfect compromise for you if you can't sell her on the T4R) but decided, we'd be better off just getting the 4Runner. A side perk is that this is the best online community of the 3 vehicles. If you have questions, people are pretty quick to reply and usually very helpful!
I think you will be happy and still get to maintain your lifestyle with a CRV, Rav4 or T4R, even if you do cut back from full-time to weekend warrior. FYI, the 4th Gen 4Runners are awesome (no matter what the 3rd & 5th gen guys say) so I would look at those the hardest if I were you. Also, in 2009 the TE is actually the Sport Edition.
Good Luck
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Catchlight
New member
I'm likin' the fact that nobody in this thread has advised the OP and his expectant wife to get a minivan.
philsey
New member
We're willing for him to get his Man Card punched once or twice, but not to surrender it entirely.
Get your wife the CR-V.
Sell your M3, buy a 4Runner and a Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ
Sell the tacoma, buy a trailer, sell the Corolla.
You'll probably come out ahead as far as cash.
Really, though, your M3 is gorgeous. Don't sell it. Buy the wife a CR-V, keep your taco, keep your M3. Sell the Corolla. DD the M3. The gas savings of the Corolla probably won't cover the amount you'll pay insuring it. Why pay all that insurance on the M3 if you aren't going to drive it.
I'm expecting our first in August. My wife and I have decided on the Prius v Five (station wagon) after test driving quite a few cars and determining what really fits our needs. We loved the CT200h F sport, but it just doesn't have the room for a rear facing child seat and the overall interior space isn't much bigger than her MINI S. Considering the practicality, fuel economy, and reliability of the Prius line, it was a pretty easy choice to make. I'll definitely be adding an FR-S to the fleet as soon as the little one is in a front facing seat.
Sell your M3, buy a 4Runner and a Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ
Sell the tacoma, buy a trailer, sell the Corolla.
You'll probably come out ahead as far as cash.
Really, though, your M3 is gorgeous. Don't sell it. Buy the wife a CR-V, keep your taco, keep your M3. Sell the Corolla. DD the M3. The gas savings of the Corolla probably won't cover the amount you'll pay insuring it. Why pay all that insurance on the M3 if you aren't going to drive it.
I'm expecting our first in August. My wife and I have decided on the Prius v Five (station wagon) after test driving quite a few cars and determining what really fits our needs. We loved the CT200h F sport, but it just doesn't have the room for a rear facing child seat and the overall interior space isn't much bigger than her MINI S. Considering the practicality, fuel economy, and reliability of the Prius line, it was a pretty easy choice to make. I'll definitely be adding an FR-S to the fleet as soon as the little one is in a front facing seat.
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chmura
New member
Get your wife the CR-V.
Sell your M3, buy a 4Runner and a Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ
Sell the tacoma, buy a trailer, sell the Corolla.
You'll probably come out ahead as far as cash.
Really, though, your M3 is gorgeous. Don't sell it. Buy the wife a CR-V, keep your taco, keep your M3. Sell the Corolla. DD the M3. The gas savings of the Corolla probably won't cover the amount you'll pay insuring it. Why pay all that insurance on the M3 if you aren't going to drive it.
I'm expecting our first in August. My wife and I have decided on the Prius v Five (station wagon) after test driving quite a few cars and determining what really fits our needs. We loved the CT200h F sport, but it just doesn't have the room for a rear facing child seat and the overall interior space isn't much bigger than her MINI S. Considering the practicality, fuel economy, and reliability of the Prius line, it was a pretty easy choice to make. I'll definitely be adding an FR-S to the fleet as soon as the little one is in a front facing seat.
I just took redelivery of the M3 3 months ago after ordering it back in May and took delivery of it in September in Germany. M3 is an awesome car, best handling 4 door sedan I have ever driven. But I cannot sell it so quickly, going to keep it for at least 5 years.
I really like the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ as well. I was at the Tokyo Auto Salon early this month and saw both of them in person, and they even drifted them at the course outside. I would wait for the STI turbo version in a few years though. As its a bit underpowered in its normal form. Prior to ordering the M3 I had a 2011 Subaru STI Hatch on order. Last minute I canceled the order for the Subaru and ordered the M3. I've always wanted to have a high revving V8 M3. Probably my first and last M3 since the next gen will be a turbo.
I considered the CT200h as well. My neighbor just got one and I really liked it. I like the styling a lot and the interior is very nice as well but as you mentioned the back seat is tiny and will not work for us and a newborn.
Insurance on the M3 is cheap. I think that is a misconception with expensive cars everyone thinks insurance will skyrocket. I pay close to $60 a month for the M3. Total for 3 cars I pay $1500 a year, with $100, $250, $300 coverage. You are correct that I should drive it more, I only have 1,500 miles on it and most of those miles were made in Germany.
KCcarguy
New member
I think this says it all.
jca21
New member
sell your m3,
sell the taco,
sell the corolla,
buy her a crv and get yourself a 4runner.
i love fast cars that handle well and all but i just love the 4runner that much more. my friends bugged me a little bit when i sold off my bike + traded in my car to get the 4runner. they told me, going from the fast lane to the family lane eh? and i replied, i may not get somewhere as fast as you can, but i sure as hell can get to places you'll never be able to in your car.
i know its hard to part with but i'd lose the m3. if you're planning for a future with family outings and more than one kid, the 4runner is the better choice.
the 4runner grows and grows on me more with each day I drive it. i've taken it on 1000km trips out to the mountains to snowboard without ever feeling unconfident about my safety or the safety of my family while driving it in 1+ foot of snow. other times i've taken it up fishing to remote lakes that most people could never access, and put a big smile on my dad's face as we havent spent alot of time together and fishing is the only real thing we have in common.
from the back story you've given i think you're wife deserves whatever car she wants and if its a crv she wants you shouldnt try and convince her otherwise.
i think your best bet is to just get her whatever she wants and figure out the rest from there
arty:
sell the taco,
sell the corolla,
buy her a crv and get yourself a 4runner.
i love fast cars that handle well and all but i just love the 4runner that much more. my friends bugged me a little bit when i sold off my bike + traded in my car to get the 4runner. they told me, going from the fast lane to the family lane eh? and i replied, i may not get somewhere as fast as you can, but i sure as hell can get to places you'll never be able to in your car.
i know its hard to part with but i'd lose the m3. if you're planning for a future with family outings and more than one kid, the 4runner is the better choice.
the 4runner grows and grows on me more with each day I drive it. i've taken it on 1000km trips out to the mountains to snowboard without ever feeling unconfident about my safety or the safety of my family while driving it in 1+ foot of snow. other times i've taken it up fishing to remote lakes that most people could never access, and put a big smile on my dad's face as we havent spent alot of time together and fishing is the only real thing we have in common.
from the back story you've given i think you're wife deserves whatever car she wants and if its a crv she wants you shouldnt try and convince her otherwise.
i think your best bet is to just get her whatever she wants and figure out the rest from there
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