New CRV owner

[Jesswhy]

After my dad fell in love with his 06 Pilot and my 00 Xterra bit the dust, I decided to look into the 08 CRV. I am in love!:p I've noticed there isn't much discussion about the 08's here, but I know they're pretty much identical to the 07's (although not bolt for bolt like one of the dealer's said, I hate some car guys). Anyways, although this is not my first car, its my first brand NEW car, the first one I saved up for and the first one I'm paying for. I want to take the best care possible. Do you guys have any tips, advice, warnings?

[Black Pearl]

Congratulations on your new purchase, and welcome to the club. You are right, there is not much discussion on the 08's yet, but you can be the person to change that, post on the forum! I have noticed a phenomenon here. People will buy a new V and we get a flurry of posts for about 2 weeks and then we never hear from them again. Do your part to change that! Also remember that the 08s have only been on the market for a short while.

I was under the impression that the 07 and 08 EX and LX are bolt for bolt identical. The EX-L got some improvements (power seat, dual climate control, and bigger sound system). If you know differences post them, we would be interested in them.

I generally agree with you on car guys (dealers that is) but we have some notable exceptions on this forum. Honda Tech, Lizzurd, and HandA have provided some execellent inside information and they are great resource.

We also have 2RedVs (not a dealer) who in some manner must share DNA with Soichiro Honda. He also has the incredible ability to stop time which allows him to reply to several hundred posts every day. There is a wealth of knowledge in many of our members.

Things you may not CRaVe about the new CR-V:

1. High pitched noise from the air conditioner. Honda is working on it but don't hold your breath waiting for a fix.

2. TPMS: Think of a problem no matter how bizarre, and it probably has happened and will probably happen to you.

3. Clunking noises. Often the seat belts hitting against the interior walls, but there seems to be some under the car as well.

4. Rear differential moans and groans (4WD only). The rear axle oil must be changed far sooner than Honda suggests.

5. Gas mileage. It does great on the interstates if you stay 70 or below. Around town people are reporting 21 to 23. Some have only 18.

6. Maintenance Minder. Honda has done away with a published maintenace schedule. The maintenance is determined by the onboard computer and displayed on the MM. Depending on your theories of maintenace, you may love it or hate it.

7. Tire noise. Smooth pavement not so bad, rough pavement horrible. Yes it is normal.

8. Grade Logic Control: Fabulous going up a hill. I hate it going down. The transmission holds a lower gear going down a hill using the engine to brake. I have put 8000 miles on the car and it still feels like there is something wrong with the transmission. "C'mon, you SOB shift!" It is normal.


Again congratulations and good luck with your new V and welcome to the club.