SWIMBO is looking to change her car. Currently has a Mergane Coupe Cabrio (known as the Skip!), but needs something bigger (for golf clubs) and higher (so her infirmed mum can get in).

She has been offered a 57 plate 2.2 diesel CRV. Very tidy and at a good price from a friend who run a local indy garage - It is her private car an dnot a garage hack.

MPG not a big issue as car will probably do less than 8K a year and the idea of a soft roader has its attractions as we for our winter roads here in the Borders.

Anyone any experience of these or thoughts?

If the Yeti hadn't of been released we would have bought one. Good cars IMO.

Just a bit pricey new, but if you are getting a good price 2nd hand then that takes care of the one thing I don't like.

Fuel economy is not fantastic, but you say it's a lowish milage family car so again, no problem.

Check your golf clubs will go in the boot though.

Neighbour has one, similar age I guess (private plate), they swear by it. He puts on light mud tyres all year round and the recent bad winter weather didn't affect the car a bit.

Dad's partner has an very early one and it's engine is still going fine but has been needing a lot of suspension work.

If it's been looked after it should do fine for years.

For values of "good" that reflect reliability, rather than those that reflect driving fun and occupant comfort.

My Mum and Sis both have Jazzes; my octy is quieter and rides better (plus my Mum's has way too much brake jump-in; it's almost impossible to put the brakes on without jerking the occupants).

Hi Slider,

Sadly I haven't owned one but did look at them a few years back (probably about the same vintage you are interested in).

One important pointer, make sure SWMBO & Mom can both get in and out ok, it is not the biggest 4x4 but we found this an issue on the showroom model, enough so that we went elsewhere ! My wife has a bad back and she found it a real problem, my advice is get the ladies to clamber all over it....!

My Dad's just bought a 57-plate 2.2CDTi EX. I was quite impressed overall. I've owned Hondas before and this one drives well, the diesel unit is pretty quiet and refined. Still a bit clattery on tickover mind you. Good driving position and decent visibility. The EX is also extremely well equipped. It's a really nice place to be.

His does quite a bit of town driving and the odd motorway run and seems to get mid-30s round town and low 40s on a 75mph mway run.

I thought of one, but went for the RAV4 in the end

My boss has just bought a 56 plate diesel, not sure of the trim level but it has leather. Went in it last week, seemed good but quite a lot of road noise, though that was on the concrete stretch of the A50.

Hi Slider,

Sadly I haven't owned one but did look at them a few years back (probably about the same vintage you are interested in).

One important pointer, make sure SWMBO & Mom can both get in and out ok, it is not the biggest 4x4 but we found this an issue on the showroom model, enough so that we went elsewhere ! My wife has a bad back and she found it a real problem, my advice is get the ladies to clamber all over it....!

Thanks - we tried mum in law in the CRV at the weekend and she managed to get in ok. The little bit extra height helps a lot and she has got to the stage were she just can't get into any of the other cars the wider family has available - a c class merc, Mondeo, focus, Mazda 3 or mergane cabrio ( I offered to put the roof down and lower her in with a hoist )

Edited 11 April, 201115 yr by slider

I've spent a day driving both versions (new and old) in the past. It was a comfortable enough place to be but weirdly detached from the road as 4x4s can be when you're only used to driving a car.

No idea on longevity as the instructors said their cars were always changed at 10k.

my sister has one, she seems to like it, not my cup of tea though(i dont like tea either, but thats another story....)

been and gone and done it.

Skip for sale on gumtree and autotraded if anyone fancies a bit of fresh air motoring - Not that its unreliable of anything I just don't like driving it and would rather have a lid and air con!

My Mrs has got a mk3 crv 57 plate 2.2 diesel it has been a very reliable car.There is plenty of room in the boot and is really easy to drive.My Mrs was going to swap it for a new crv but I talked her out of it and said keep what you have got enabeling me to order a new vRS octavia.