I am 68 yrs., old and done most of my own auto maintenance and repairs since age 15. I learned how to correctly do this and re-build engines from my cousin who built street racing engines. So there's that. My cousin had various axioms of car buying. One key one was don't buy a new car that had new and yet unproven parts in it especially anything major, like a transmission. Manufacturers cannot test components nearly enough like customers can in miles of everyday use.
Not intending to be critical ok?
I don't believe the dealer comment at all. Sounds like a "brush off." It is a new part insufficiently tested. Honda started making these mainly to cut production costs. Multi-speed auto trans simply cost more to make. Minor mileage increase is not the main reason. Maintaining price point and margin IS.
According to all my research the newer CVTs have improved. Honda seems to get high marks for making one of the better cvt's, current iterations.
Not that you are asking, but I would look to sell it if it were mine. The problem will not go away.
I have owned Honda cars since 1981. Currently own a 2014 CRV. Ah the buttery smooth 5 speed auto! I will not buy any car with a cvt for three reasons: 1. I am old school and prefer a multi speed auto, 2. my extensive research on these says to me I don't like how they behave. More years have to pass by before I will be convinced o the cat's superiority over a standard auto trans. 3. I have a major issue with a car maker forcing me to buy something I don't want, giving no options.
An example of Honda forcing changes on customers is the adoption/requirement of the small displacement 4 banger with a turbo in crv models above the LX. I don't want a turbo! Naturally aspirated engines generate horsepower through engineering, not add ons. Honda can easily boost the non-turbo 4 banger to 190hp! Building a smaller more simple 4 banger with a turbo allows them to cut cost on engine production but get horsepower through the add on turbo. Saving $$$ again. Volvo has done this for decades. Build a simple 4 banger and strap on a turbo to get the hp. Vrooom !
Honda has another issue with it's direct injection. Oh boy, there's another can of worms.
If the cvt shudder is too much for ya, I would ditch it and I know you did not ask for this opinion. If a private buyer won't buy it palm it off on a dealer, take the trade in hit and move on.
If you want more info on why not turbo's and direct injection private message me. I will give ya the seminar...
I am keeping my 2014 crv and will not buy another Honda until they ditch cvt, turbo and direct injection. Will miss new Hondas.
