CR-V vs Ridgeline vs Other Wife car edition

Ok, wife wants a cute-ute.

Rules are must be able to trade in Mazda5, (no private deals) Out the door under $15K (8.75% tax and $200 for TTL so actually around $14K sticker) Less than 110K max, 2007 or newer. Sunroof.

I have found a 07 CR-V EX-L with 89K and a 07 Ridgeline RTL with 103K that match.

We don't need the truck-let but it wouldn't be wasted either so the 80/20 is kicking in my head on that one. Rather have the fuel economy...I think.

She wants a Wrangler Unlimited but can't find them with the price and miles requirements.

so CR-V, Ridgeline or Other.

Located in 70433.

Fight!

Has she driven a Wrangler?

I'll browse some ads tomorrow, there might be some deals. Think Hyundai, KIA, Chevy/GMC, Ford, etc...

Javelin wrote: Has she driven a Wrangler? I'll browse some ads tomorrow, there might be some deals. Think Hyundai, KIA, Chevy/GMC, Ford, etc...

Not for any distance, but that is what the X3 is for.

My Dad just bought an 01 CR-V. I always loved them, until I drove his. What a disappointment! I can't stand driving it (don't tell my Dad).

That is a 1st gen, and you are talking about a 3rd gen, so hopefully they've made a few improvements. I'm just saying drive it before you let her fall in love with it!

Isuzu Trooper?

In reality, I'd probably go for the CR-V. It's biggish car that sits up high, which sounds like all you need.

The wrangler is a truck, and drives accordingly.

The Ridgeline is too damn big in every way, I don't like driving it. It also has poor articulation. See my accidental test below:

Find a wrangler that works. My wife has wanted one forever, so we just picked up a 2012 Arctic, which is based off the Sahara with a few more add ons. She is estatic, which is great for me lol.

As far as the ride ect...this thing is NICE....we've really been impressed. Also very pleased with the new engine they're putting in them now.

Yup need ground clearance for the area we are living in. Not 4wd just dead armadillo, pot hole clearance.

One question on the ditch, did it get itself out?

Remember the budget there. I said $15K out the door, not down.

It did get itself out, after lots and lots of wheelspin and careful driving. I still prefer my locking differential, but computers can fake off-road prowess quite well these days. Just don't go in sand or mud, the system doesn't work well at speed.

Took the boss's Ridgline on the dragon the other day (SHHH!). Has 295000 miles on it. I thought it did ok with the exception of the steering locking up several times with quick steering inputs. I still don't like driving it.

I know I'm not helpfull.

I would buy a Rav over that gen crv. It's just so much nicer. My mom has a Rav and my MIL has a crv. I've driven and ridden in both and hands down the Rav is superior. Gets the same 26mpg as the crv despite the v6 also.

Yeah but wouldn't Ravs in my price range also be the v6 version that liked turning into sludge cakes?

I'm not sure I understand the title, is Other Wife an option?

I'll second the Wrangler and the preference of a RAV4 over a CRV.

"Other"

there's a crap ton of the last generation Sante Fe in there with the GOOD Lambda 3.3 and 40-60k miles for $15k and under. Great vehicle, fantastic engine.

Seems like a Pilot would fit the bill. The previous generation ones can be found with less than 100k for low teens.

Sounds like the market my sister and BIL were just shopping. I think their budget may have been slightly higher, but they picked up a Mazda CX-9

GameboyRMH wrote: I'm not sure I understand the title, is Other Wife an option?

I read it that way, too.

Bobzilla wrote: "Other" there's a crap ton of the last generation Sante Fe in there with the GOOD Lambda 3.3 and 40-60k miles for $15k and under. Great vehicle, fantastic engine.

That isn't the '01-06 is it. Cause from my experience I would avoid those like the plague.

OP did ask for 07 and newer so I would guess no.

failboat wrote: OP did ask for 07 and newer so I would guess no.

I didn't realize there were 3 generations of Santa Fe. Oops.

nocones wrote: I would buy a Rav over that gen crv. It's just so much nicer. My mom has a Rav and my MIL has a crv. I've driven and ridden in both and hands down the Rav is superior. Gets the same 26mpg as the crv despite the v6 also.

I have the opposite opinion. I couldn't get out of the RAV fast enough. My sister also has one and I can't stand driving it. We have a CR-V, and love it. I guess that just says that everyone has to determine for themselves what they like.

93EXCivic wrote:

Bobzilla wrote: "Other" there's a crap ton of the last generation Sante Fe in there with the GOOD Lambda 3.3 and 40-60k miles for $15k and under. Great vehicle, fantastic engine.

That isn't the '01-06 is it. Cause from my experience I would avoid those like the plague.

Good god no. I wouldn't wish a 2.7 first gen santeFe on my worst enemy.

other wife is not an option.

Pilot is a no space gas hog, I have driven them and find them as practical as an Explorer (which to me is very un-impressive)

What drew me to the CR-V was desirable resale (not hard to sell a high mile honda) space, and ease of maintenance. Throw that in with a reasonable amount of ground clearance and you have a winner.

My wife doesn't love them so I am looking for other options. We are on our way to the dealer today to test drive and decide.

Well that was a bust. Dealer sold this morning. didn't tell me till I drove to the dealership tonight.

Nice. So suggestions or am I back in the CR-V hunt?

I thought there were quite a few suggestions here..... maybe I'm wrong?

While not quite cute ute, you could check out the Mazda cx-7 with the disi turbo motor, but mileage isn't great on them.

Also, the Mazda tribute was a rebadged ford escape, but Mazda did make some alterations to them that would make them a bit more sporty, and they should be cheap too