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High mileage CR-V vs. Chevrolet?

10 messages,  Last post on Nov 11, 2009 at 9:46 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda CR-V, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#4 of 10 Pep up and save by conkm44

Aug 25, 2009 (2:49 am)

I purchased a 98 CR-v with 137,000 miles a couple of years ago, and it has been one of the best of the 30-40 cars I have owned. It did lack a little power in 4th and 5th gears, but no biggie. I was talking to my mechanic and he suggested running mid-grade gas in it. I have run the cheap stuff in all my cars for the 50 years I have been driving. He explained that the percentage of ethanol goes down as the octane goes up and that the car would run better and get better mileage. He was completely right. The can runs up hillsin 5th that I had bogged down on previously. The miles per gallon has gone up. The cost element is pretty much a wash, but the pleasure factor is well worth any tiny cost. Live and learn.

#5 of 10 Re: Pep up and save [conkm44] by motoguy128

Aug 25, 2009 (10:34 am)

Replying to: conkm44 (Aug 25, 2009 2:49 am)
He explained that the percentage of ethanol goes down as the octane goes up and that the car would run better and get better mileage. He was completely right.
 
Depends on there you live. In Iowa at least, the E10 is often ONLY offered in midgrade, and regular has no ethanol and premium is hit & miss. Depending on what mood I'm in and how much of a discount they are offering for E10 over regular... I might buy it.
 
Sometimes it's hard even finding premium without ethanol for my motorcycle or lawnmowers. It runs fine either way, but I don't ride a lot of miles and the lawnmower uses botu 2 gallons for hte whole season, so if the fuel is going to sit a few weeks or months, I don't want ethanol in it, because it attracts moisture.
 
As for that CR-V. 200k+ in any vehcile, even a Honda or Toyota is a crap shoot. There are plenty of components that will wear out. The fact that it's in good condition, is a good sign. People that clean and wash their cars usually do regular maintenance too. Look for how much wear is on the pedals and armrest. IF they arent too worn, it's likely it has lower operating hours, meaning mostly highway miles. 1 city mile is probably equal to 3-4 highway miles in terms of overall drivetrain wear.

#6 of 10 Re: High mileage CRV vs. Chevrolet? [bigbird58] by mjb56

Sep 03, 2009 (4:49 pm)

Replying to: bigbird58 (Aug 21, 2009 10:25 pm)
A year ago we bought a 2000 CRV that had 113K mi on it. It was well maintained throughout it's life so I had no reservations. A year later, it's been a fantastic vehicle. We've taken it on long road trips of 2,000 mi and had a great experience. We paid $6,000 for ours. I look forward to at least another 100K if not more. Uses no oil, runs like a clock. Love it.

#7 of 10 E10 fuel by motoguy128

Sep 18, 2009 (6:29 am)

In most of the midwest, E10 is most commonly sold as midgrade 89 octane, which 87 octane does not contain ethanol. If the cost different is only 5% (~$0.10), I stick with gas without ethanol because it's more stable for longer storage. We don't drive a lot of miles, so a tank of fuel could sit in the car for 3-4 weeks at times. The ethanol will absorb moisture. On top of that, E10 fuel will likely get 5% lower mileage as well.
 
Also consider that the reason that ethanol is cheaper, is because there are tax subsidies for it. So it's really NOT cheaper, YOU ARE still paying for it through your taxes.
 
The CR-V isn't tuned for premium or midgrade, so it's unlikely you will actually see any performance increase over regular unleaded. If there is a performance increase, there will likely be an associated drop in mileage as well.

#8 of 10 Re: E10 fuel [motoguy128] by kyfdx HOST

Sep 19, 2009 (7:45 am)

Replying to: motoguy128 (Sep 18, 2009 6:29 am)
That isn't the case where I live.... All grades have up to 10% ethanol...
 
Of course, one has no way of knowing exactly how much ethanol the fuel contains... just that it might...

#9 of 10 Correction by motoguy128

Sep 21, 2009 (6:40 am)

That's true. I forgot that Missouri does not require labeling at the pump, and even in Iowa, sometiems all grades do have E10. But it is common to sometimes find E10 as 89 octane and 87 without ethanol...at least in Iowa and I believe Illinois.
 
Again, my major concern is the stability of the fuel, more than the fuel economy. Water in the fuel system is not a good thing. I suspect a significant amount could cause misfires or a lean condition. Both of which aren't good for the engine.
 
Oh...and then there's that little issue of subsidies for ethanol and it's impact on food prices. Overall, ethanol is a false economy, and a poor energy strategy.

#10 of 10 2002 CRV by isellhondas

Nov 11, 2009 (9:46 pm)

I sold it new to a guy who by concidence grew up oin my home town in California.
 
We struck up a friendship so he always stops by my desk when he's in for service which is pretty often. We talk about people wh knew in common, old teachers etc.
 
As of a month ago he had 324,000 miles on it. he drives a TON.
 
Other than normal scheduled maintenance, he's on his 3rd or 4th set of brake pads. He had to replace his front brake calipers at 250,000 plus miles and an AC compressor at 278,000 miles.
 
It looks and runs like it did when it was new.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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