Wifes car failed it Mot today - its a 2005 diesel CRV, sport its 'only' 400 pounds at the main dealers to fix so will be repaired (as it worth nothing otherwise). It now has 146k miles on it, hence now thinking of changing - according to auto trader / we buy any car, we might get between 2000 and 3000 pounds (but assuming the lower) once mot'd.

 

However, we're not sure exactly what to look at - she loves my company car (oct3 vrs) but that is slightly out of reach.

 

We need the size of the CR-V (it offered more room the the RAV4 and freelander of that age) or the octavia estate, as with a baby and 3 yr old, but we also live in rural Dartmoor and being a nurse she needs something that can get into hospital in the snow/ice/floods - so ideally something with 4x4.

 

Budget wise I'm not sure,  as i don't mind a reasonably high miles (maybe around 100k) car to keep additional funding down but thinking if i can add between 3000 to 5000 more to the CRV value this, gives range of 5000 to 8000 pounds but if something was really good would consider more.

 

Her mileage is between 5k to 7.5k a year so would be several years before we get to the 150k mark again and then thought about changing. The CRV is diesel but actually she only commutes about 25 miles, 3 days a week and then its local runs of under 5 miles to nursery etc  -so wondering if petrol maybe better (DPF issues etc?) - and we get around 30mpg presently due to this type of driving.

 

She'd like something a tad more comfortable/luxurious/better stereo and maybe more powerful (although a car 4x4 would probably feel better than CRV anyway).

 

Me being just slightly skoda 'rose tinted' favouring with my newish vRS at the mo, the a mark2 oct scout or a 4x4 estate version seems to stick out to me - but not sure if this fit budget?  

 

So any bright thoughts on any other make / models... !?

 

 

OR do we just keep the CRV, i buy a better stereo for it and then run it into the ground?

Edited 21 January, 201511 yr by Exeterj

I sold a Passat Estate three years ago.  It's still going strong and has cost the new owner (a mate) less than any of the four cars I've had since.

 

Better the devil you know in my opinion - with a better stereo; can't you get a Bose from an Accord which'll transfer over easily?

 

Gaz

 

Edit:  The little devil on my other shoulder says 'buy this, buy this....':

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-V70R-AWD-GT-Auto-300BHP-Sonic-Blue-Private-Plate-V70SOS-4X4-2006-VERY-RARE-/191483034766?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2c95473c8e

 

Seconded on better the Devil you know, rather than spending, and maybe needing to spend more.

For the annual mileage and the fact you are spending 400 on the CRV keep it well maintained and keep it till it dies. The mileage is nothing on that car.

Yeah...thanks guy probably right not to change. The car is basically what we need, i think its a case of my new co car makes the CRV feel very old now, hence an excuse to change. But we have no debt on it and it just needs a bit of tlc once in a while.

 

I guess even if i get her a nice aftermarket head unit this can come out if the car dies or is sold later.

 

Although just seen ad for a new Dacia Duster - seem to be popular round here! 

With the requirements for snow/icy weather, don't get fixated on the 4x4 bit. By all means do get something with AWD, but stick winter tyres on it. From what you have said, you can just leave them on year round.

If it were me, think I would fix the CRV, for £400 it's about 2 months repayments on a new car.

And as you have already said it suites your needs.

Then with the money you save, spend a little on the stereo.

CRV isn't going to lose much over another year and will sell easily any winter. So if you estimate £200 a month for a new car that's a £2000 saving even after the £400 fix.

 

A newer diesel won't really be an option with your wife's driving since the DPF will get wrecked.

 

+1 for the status quo

I'm presuming your CRV is a mk2 ?

We have a mk3 and honestly it is the best vehicle we have ever owned, it has never ever gone wrong, the stereo is superb, it's comfy with electric everything, fantastic in these adverse weather conditions, even with crap tyres ( 2 being replaced tomorrow...) I/we have owned probably every make of suv available. and the Honda will be replaced with another Honda shortly.

 they also hold their value exceedingly well compared to others apart from maybe the Yeti, but the Skoda has no kit as standard and is a bit dull imho....

 As my commuter car I have a 2000 petrol crv that has done 200000 miles, everything works, and it's unstoppable...for £600 I can throw it away as soon as the sun comes out, yea, go Honda......

 seriously, spend the money. keep the car, win win.