New car advice, a non driver asks !

dUnKle

Just looking at the following online

Honda CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC EX 5-Door

Honda CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC EX 5-Door

Honda CR-V 2.0 i-VTEC EX 5-Door

djbsom

I don't want to recommend a particular car obviously but they'd certainly see you coming with that red one!
Personally I'm a sucker for the cream interior.

dUnKle

Cheers.  When looking at the ex spec and in the age and range we want would there be anything to specifically look for or avoid ?

djbsom

I would always, always take along a mechanic friend to look at cars if you're not yourself knowledgeable. If that's not an option then pay the AA or equivalent to check it over. Remember too that however nice the car looks there are thousands more for sale elsewhere so if there's anything that doesn't ring true walk away.
Honda make good cars but there's no saying what happened to that car before you got to see it.
Specifically about the CRV EX, Apart from the colour/transmission choice there's only whether it is the 2wd or 4wd version. If you don't need the extra ability of the added traction then I wouldn't bother with the 4 wheel drive version. It's a part time system (meaning 2 wheel drive until it decides 4 wheel drive is better when it automatically becomes 4 wheel drive. There are no levers or buttons in the car it just becomes a little better in the snow/mud etc).
I've had friends suggest that 4 wheel drive versions suffer if the rear axle oil isn't changed religiously according to the book. You'll notice a wine from under the boot by which time it's an expensive repair.
Overall I would say it's a great family car. Personally I'd have the auto because I hate manuals with a passion.

garryboy

My 57 plate Ex. Don't know if the make the new model in sparkle Grey. It looks brilliant in the sun.

Definitely try for one of the better specced models.

Wife's looking at selling the CR-V and going for xc60. To be honest I'l find it hard to part with this one.                                                                        

IronGiant

I would add that in the 5? years we owned a CRV I never once felt the 4WD kick in, except when towing a heavy caravan up a steep muddy field.  So if you don't think you'll need it, save lugging the extra 75kg around and go for the 2WD And the only reason I got rid of it was the dreaded rear wheel whine from the 4WD box djbsom mentioned.

garryboy

4wd been a godsend in recent snow we've had in Scotland. But it's never kicked in normal/wet driving conditions.

IronGiant

Good point, I bought ours after a bad snow year, never had one where 4WD would have helped all the time we owned it

outoftheknow

Can you choose red or white? The Japanese think of everything!

DanTheUnit

The Auris is very spacious in the back. With any car fitting a bicycle in the boot is a tall order, the jazz has a Legendary sized boot for a small car don't expect much more than that.

May i suggest a roof rack for the bikes?