I really want a TE but wife wants a Honda CRV! :(

[WFO_Racer]

Don't accept the myth, I have 2 boys now ages 13 &10. I kept my two seat sports cars and sport bikes while the wife had at various times sedans or glorified station wagons (SUV's).

Never understood why you need to shed that part of your life just be because a kid shows up. In fact when the boys hit 1st grade I had them attached with a harness to me and they rode the sport bike to school. The looks they got from their mates made them feel like the kings of chili town. Same thing when they rode in a sports car to school.


Only one of you needs to have 4 seats at a time.

Stand firm and get what you like. Unless the the wife earns the cash then she decides what she buys. Always seemed like a power trip having to ask a spouse for "permission" to buy something. We keep our finances separate to avoid these kinds of things.

Good luck.

 

[fngfish]

We happen to have both the 4runner and the Honda crv in our household. My wife loves her crv and finds the 4runner too big to drive. The crv isn't the most comfortable on road trips compared to the 4runner. The gas milage is obviously better on the crv. With the baby on the way she will probably find it easier to buckle the kid into the crv, my wife has trouble in the 4runner. Of course that has nothing to do with the lift or sliders. If you get the 4runner you'll be pulled into mods. Trust me it will happen. Good luck with your decision. More than once on this forum someone always goes back to happy wife equals happy life, which is so true.

 

[tlflow]

How does the CRV fit one child and with necessary luggage, stroller, bags, etc.

My main concern getting the CRV is that we might outgrow it quickly. I rather just get a bigger vehicle outright rather then selling the CRV after 2 years to get a bigger vehicle like the 4runner. I'm the type that tends to keep cars 8+ years so I do not want to make the mistake buying a smaller CRV.

Like I said this is our first child so I am not really sure how much room we will need at the end.

They are really quite small at first, and they poo more than they eat, but that all changes pretty quick.

Once you get them house-broke they are lots of fun!

 

[kingin]

I just traded In a 08 CRV Awd EXL for a 12 4runner LTD. Crv is a very capable vehicle can take almost anything mother nature can toss in it's way on PAVED ROADS..

Interior crv vs 4runner besides 3rd row, t4r is not a whole lot bigger

Exterior t4r is a good amount larger. Wider taller longer.

Drivability in normal street/highway- CRV wins hands down, first brake pedal reaction sucks on the T4r (soggy feeling), CRV drives like a car very nimble. Stock for stock comparison

Loved the Crv but wanted a real SUV true 4WD now I love my T4R

 

[whodat]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/103506-4runner-saved-my-life.html

Case closed.

I agree with Intruder. Use this as a selling point. I personally feel safer in a 4R than a CRV. My sister has a CRV and I would rather be in my 4R than her CRV in an accident.

Plus you could use this link http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/88067-why-shrockworks-definitely-worth-price.html to sell you wife on a Shrockworks bumper Check out page 6 too for other accident pictures. I showed my wife these pictures and told her it will protect our 1st born baby a lot more in case of an accident, and her motherly instincts kicked in, and "our" bumper should be here the end of Feb (I hope) I'm working on Budbuilt sliders, I just need better action shots His rear bumper and swingout tire carrier looks really nice though, and functional in rear-end accidents Gadget's Build Thread - Page 9 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Honestly, you'll feel more at ease when your wife and 1st child are in the 4R, I know I am when they are in the 4R. So use safety to convince her, not because you "want" it as a toy, but you'll be using it as a toy Plus she'll get used to a bigger vehicle, my wife went from a Hyundai Elantra to the 4R and loves it, she can see oncoming traffic a lot better and she doesn't feel as vulnerable as before. Now, whenever she gets into a smaller car, she complains

 

[03_4x4Runner]

get a SR5 4x4 thats a pretty fair compromise.

PS: I have twins coming in the next 3 weeks - don't give up your entire life for your kids or else you have nothing to teach/show them.

Famous last words. Your life will be drastically changed with twins. I am glad my son is out of college and on his own. Now I can get back to playing with 4runners.

 

[chmura]

I agree with Intruder. Use this as a selling point. I personally feel safer in a 4R than a CRV. My sister has a CRV and I would rather be in my 4R than her CRV in an accident.

Plus you could use this link http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/88067-why-shrockworks-definitely-worth-price.html to sell you wife on a Shrockworks bumper Check out page 6 too for other accident pictures. I showed my wife these pictures and told her it will protect our 1st born baby a lot more in case of an accident, and her motherly instincts kicked in, and "our" bumper should be here the end of Feb (I hope) I'm working on Budbuilt sliders, I just need better action shots His rear bumper and swingout tire carrier looks really nice though, and functional in rear-end accidents Gadget's Build Thread - Page 9 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Honestly, you'll feel more at ease when your wife and 1st child are in the 4R, I know I am when they are in the 4R. So use safety to convince her, not because you "want" it as a toy, but you'll be using it as a toy Plus she'll get used to a bigger vehicle, my wife went from a Hyundai Elantra to the 4R and loves it, she can see oncoming traffic a lot better and she doesn't feel as vulnerable as before. Now, whenever she gets into a smaller car, she complains

Wow, that 4runner with the shrockworks bumper held up extremely well! The other vehicle not so much.

Thanks, I will show my wife the pictures. Worse comes to worse I will get a 2009 4runner. Hopefully I can find a 2009 TE.

 

[BJ Cruiser]

Bought my wife a TE just prior to our first child being born a couple of months ago and now I can't get her out of it. Here previous cars were a 2000 Honda Civic and a 2007 Audi A3. The step up is size has not been an issue.

Make sure you set drive a KDSS equipped version the handling is pretty impressive compared to a 4runner not equipped with this option.

 

[Dilong26]

I don't know how Honda has managed to make the CRV even uglier, but they did.

 

[jca21]

get a rav 4.

has part time 4wd with the capability to lock all 4 via a button (torsen center locking I think).

should be plenty of space to go take the kids camping, fishing, canoeing, etc etc.

still small enough for the wife to drive.

 

[brockeverly]

+1 on the RAV4 if she really wants a "cute ute". We had one, and it really wasn't bad at all. I pulled a 3000# trailer and luggage for 3 + a 100# dog from Phoenix, AZ to Cotopaxi, CO and had no complaints. We had the v6 4WD Limited. Was nothing like the t4r is, but really a great compromise. You would not do that with a CRV, that thing is a dog with the 4cyl.

 

[jca21]

funny you posted those pics.

my sister just bought the exact same car, a 2012 rav4 limited v6 in blizzard pearl, for those exact reasons.

family vacations and what not.

she had a previous gen rav4 that performed pretty decently on the logging roads.

 

[4everunner]

I agree with Intruder. Use this as a selling point. I personally feel safer in a 4R than a CRV. My sister has a CRV and I would rather be in my 4R than her CRV in an accident.

Plus you could use this link http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/88067-why-shrockworks-definitely-worth-price.html to sell you wife on a Shrockworks bumper Check out page 6 too for other accident pictures. I showed my wife these pictures and told her it will protect our 1st born baby a lot more in case of an accident, and her motherly instincts kicked in, and "our" bumper should be here the end of Feb (I hope) I'm working on Budbuilt sliders, I just need better action shots His rear bumper and swingout tire carrier looks really nice though, and functional in rear-end accidents Gadget's Build Thread - Page 9 - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Honestly, you'll feel more at ease when your wife and 1st child are in the 4R, I know I am when they are in the 4R. So use safety to convince her, not because you "want" it as a toy, but you'll be using it as a toy Plus she'll get used to a bigger vehicle, my wife went from a Hyundai Elantra to the 4R and loves it, she can see oncoming traffic a lot better and she doesn't feel as vulnerable as before. Now, whenever she gets into a smaller car, she complains

Thank you for link will show to my wife right now!:driving:

 

[KCcarguy]

Why not keep your Tacoma and trade the Carolla? It's always nice to have a pickup around.

Also, if you're worried about outgrowing the vehicle, consider the Highlander too. Compared to the 4runner, my wife's highlander is more spacious, has a more-useful 3rd row, and is surprisingly capable.

 

[1engineer]

How does the CRV fit one child and with necessary luggage, stroller, bags, etc.

My main concern getting the CRV is that we might outgrow it quickly. I rather just get a bigger vehicle outright rather then selling the CRV after 2 years to get a bigger vehicle like the 4runner. I'm the type that tends to keep cars 8+ years so I do not want to make the mistake buying a smaller CRV.

Like I said this is our first child so I am not really sure how much room we will need at the end.

The CRV holds a lot of stuff but not as much as the 4Runner.

See, you are using logic. I have been married 28 years and that logic stuff rarely works except in my own demension. The absolute best thing you could do is encourage her to get whatever she wants (in this case CRV) and if it works out, fine. If it does not then get the 4Runner. You got to understand this "having kids" thing is a long term project. My two are 19 and 16 now and we had eight different vehicles between when the first one was born til now.

You made that comment about not giving up your life? If you want to be a good dad your world will profoundly change for the next several years and you will love it. Good luck, get the CRV, she will be happy. Even if she wants a minivan get it with a smile on your face because happy wife=happy life.

 

[phillyd2]

Even if she wants a minivan get it with a smile on your face because happy wife=happy life.

Easy there cowboy, there must be some limits.

 

[westwind77]

The trail edition even comes with a built in diaper changing table:

View attachment 57111

Ha, don't laugh too hard, I just recently had a little one and I can not count the amount of times we have used the slide out tray to change diapers! It is great, and the wife loves that she does not have to hunt for a place to change him if needed when we are out. I hope you don't you don't take a man card from me for saying that, but seriously, it is a valid point to make to her!

 

[chmura]

Thanks everyone for all the comments!

I am truly leaning towards having her make the decision what car she wants.

My wife has been driving a beat up 2001 Corolla for the past 3 years and prior to that a even worse 1999 Civic (entire cars paint got oxidized). The 8 years that we have been together she never really complained about the cars that she has been driving or saying, I want a BMW or lexus, etc. Like many people around us were driving. She knows I am a car nut so she usually lets me make all the car buying decisions.

I love to off road and go explore the backcountry of various places so an awd CRV, Rav4, Highlander, will not work for me. As I need a capable 4x4 vehicle.

Last year I bought a new BMW M3 and did European Delivery and picked it up in Germany and my wife went along. That entire trip was oriented around cars, went to Stuttgart to visit the Porsche factory, Visited the BMW factory in Munich, went to the Nurburgring to drive on the ring. My wife never complained. She really tries to make me happy on whatever I choose or do.

Maybe I should not influence her on persuading her on what to get. We were talking about CRV and 4runner the other day and she made a comment to me saying, "you got everything that you wanted, M3, your Tacoma. I never had a new car in my life". First time she said that. So I think she really wants her "own" new car. My wife is the type that will do anything to make her husband happy. So maybe I should not be selfish and let her make the decision on what she wants to buy.

In the next couple of weeks we will drive the all new CRV, 2012 4Runner TE, and a used 2009 4runner 4x4. I will let her make the decision. I looked at the Rav4 but the CRV's interior is much more refined and updated than the Rav4's.

If funds provide then I will get myself a new 4runner TE during a major model refresh.

I wish I can keep the truck but I would need to sell the truck and use that money to purchase her a car.

 

[philsey]

The CRV holds a lot of stuff but not as much as the 4Runner.

See, you are using logic. I have been married 28 years and that logic stuff rarely works except in my own demension. The absolute best thing you could do is encourage her to get whatever she wants (in this case CRV) and if it works out, fine. If it does not then get the 4Runner. You got to understand this "having kids" thing is a long term project. My two are 19 and 16 now and we had eight different vehicles between when the first one was born til now.

You made that comment about not giving up your life? If you want to be a good dad your world will profoundly change for the next several years and you will love it. Good luck, get the CRV, she will be happy. Even if she wants a minivan get it with a smile on your face because happy wife=happy life.

OK, just read the whole thread top to bottom. And 1Engineer is correct.

My wife has a new CRV, and loves it, her second one. It is a great vehicle for a woman, and is NOT short on room, features, nor safety. If you're smart, you'll be a big man, listen to your wife and respect her wishes. Find another way or another day to serve yourself. You will never, ever be sorry.

Signed, Been-there.

 

[chmura]

The CRV holds a lot of stuff but not as much as the 4Runner.

See, you are using logic. I have been married 28 years and that logic stuff rarely works except in my own demension. The absolute best thing you could do is encourage her to get whatever she wants (in this case CRV) and if it works out, fine. If it does not then get the 4Runner. You got to understand this "having kids" thing is a long term project. My two are 19 and 16 now and we had eight different vehicles between when the first one was born til now.

You made that comment about not giving up your life? If you want to be a good dad your world will profoundly change for the next several years and you will love it. Good luck, get the CRV, she will be happy. Even if she wants a minivan get it with a smile on your face because happy wife=happy life.

Thank you, good advice.

OK, just read the whole thread top to bottom. And 1Engineer is correct.

My wife has a new CRV, and loves it, her second one. It is a great vehicle for a woman, and is NOT short on room, features, nor safety. If you're smart, you'll be a big man, listen to your wife and respect her wishes. Find another way or another day to serve yourself. You will never, ever be sorry.

Signed, Been-there.

The new CRV is not a bad vehicle at all. Interior was very nice compared to the rav4 and the redesigned styling is growing on me everyday.