RAV4 or Forester

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Since I am not in a rush to buy, and considering expanding my options, what would you guys recommend in this segment and why?

So far in what I've read:

RAV4: No major common issues that I could find. Owners say underpowered, firm (rough) ride, loud engine.
Forester: Many reports of excessive oil consumption. Best AWD of the small SUVs.
CRV: Some reports of oil consumption. (Personally don't care much for Honda)

Nissan Rogue or Murano: ????
Hyundai Tuscon or Sante Fe Sport: ???
Kia Sportage or Sorento: ???

Any other suggestions along with pros and cons?

Just heading out to Erin Mills Auto park now to look at some of the above listed vehicles.
 
Motorcycle Mike said:
Since I am not in a rush to buy, and considering expanding my options, what would you guys recommend in this segment and why?

So far in what I've read:

RAV4: No major common issues that I could find. Owners say underpowered, firm (rough) ride, loud engine.
Forester: Many reports of excessive oil consumption. Best AWD of the small SUVs.
CRV: Some reports of oil consumption. (Personally don't care much for Honda)

Nissan Rogue or Murano: ????
Hyundai Tuscon or Sante Fe Sport: ???
Kia Sportage or Sorento: ???

Any other suggestions along with pros and cons?

Just heading out to Erin Mills Auto park now to look at some of the above listed vehicles.
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shame the CR-V doesnt float your boat, the 2015 model had a tonne of improvements, along with bullet proof reliability, and its made right here in Alliston, Ontario, eh!

other than that, been hearing nothing but rave reviews about the mazda CX-3/CX-5 series


Happy shopping...
 
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My parents have the earlier version of the Rogue and it's a great car. Reliable, no issues, not too bad on gas (10-11l/100km) and overall a solid car.

I personally don't like the CVT but if we were to get a bigger car for my wife it's definitely on the horizon. This is before the style update most recently (which I really like).
 
unL33T said:
About the Subaru's maintenance... on my WRX there was a $1400 scheduled maintenance. I was told this is mostly because it includes changing the spark plugs and the engine has to be removed from the car to access them. Pretty ridiculous IMO. A clutch job on my 944, which is known as being one of the worst jobs you can do on a car, cost me almost the same.
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Run, do not walk out of that shop. With a hoist and the right size extension those can be replaced in 35 minutes...
 
LPakkala said:
Run, do not walk out of that shop. With a hoist and the right size extension those can be replaced in 35 minutes...
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Must be Subaru Brampton screwing me over again. I got rid of the car, mostly because of them.
 
daught said:
I wouldn't even buy gas in Brampton.


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Lotto Max tickets on the other hand...

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Joe Bass said:
Lotto Max tickets on the other hand...

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LOL.

Would you mind PM'ing me your Toyota contact please? Wife & I are on the same boat as OP, but we really would prefer used/demos over new to save some money :)
 
I took the new Rogue for a test drive. I did not like it, it's terribly under powered. 170hp on a car that size, with CVT is almost unsafe. Nothing was happening when I stepped on it.
 
Alex_San said:
I took the new Rogue for a test drive. I did not like it, it's terribly under powered. 170hp on a car that size, with CVT is almost unsafe. Nothing was happening when I stepped on it.
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I'm test driving that tomorrow. Might stop at honda too.

The rogue is nicer than the rav4 in the interior, and some bonuses in the base model, but it appears to have less space. I'll see if I like the drive tomorrow.

I drove the rav4 again today. It certainly isn't luxurious, but I do like it.
 
We have a 2010 4cyl escape. No complaints

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Scuba Steve said:
Why not the escape or terrain/equinox?
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Basically because it seems that every single car manufacturer has at least one model in this segment, so it's hard to narrow down. I don't have the time or energy to visit all of options.

Basically I've been reading the review websites and comparison articles, reading the jd power reports, consumer reports, etc, and looking into the models I've seen mentioned most. I have noticed ford on some of those lists, but haven't seen chevy or gm or dodge on any of them.
 
unL33T said:
About the Subaru's maintenance... on my WRX there was a $1400 scheduled maintenance. I was told this is mostly because it includes changing the spark plugs and the engine has to be removed from the car to access them. Pretty ridiculous IMO. A clutch job on my 944, which is known as being one of the worst jobs you can do on a car, cost me almost the same.
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Whoever that was, they were trying to sell you piece of property on the moon. With the turbo impreza models because of the DOHC it was a bit of a pita but nothing that couldn't be done in about 30-40 mins. With the N/A models it was about 5-10 mins. The real problems were the old forrester XT ones as the motor sat lower in between the frame rails, but again still only about 30-40 mins but you did need to lift the motor a little.

My 05 STi "consumes a bit of oil and the amount of oil it consumes depends on how hard I drive it. The more you boost the more you going to consume. Its just a fact you are going to create a bit more crankcase pressure that gets routed back to the intake or AOS system.

As for the new ones consuming oil its because they spec'd too thin of an oil to get a better EPA/Fuel mileage rating. Subaru recommends 0w/20 when really you should be running at least a 5w/30. Use a decent oil like Amsoil, Motoul, Rotella, Even Pennzoil Platinum is decent.

Gas consumption isn't too bad, its better in the non-turbos. Again all depends on how you drive.

Subaru of Mississauga has always been wankers with Subaru of Brampton pretty close behind, Budds is a good dealer and Downtown Subaru is pretty decent.

And as Dricked mentioned an issue with Mobil1. It has been linked to an alarming number of engine failures in the Subarus. Usually crank or rod bearings. I will also say we had issues with Mobil1 in our Formula Vee 1200 so I wonder if its a horizontal engine issue.
 
I would also try the Mazda cx5 in this segment.

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Hopefully you get to test the vehicles without the salesperson going with you...... Man I hate that. You are trying to test a vehicle and they just keep blabbing on and on desperately trying to convince you.

Needless to say, last couple test rides I refused the added company ;)
 
Chasem said:
Hopefully you get to test the vehicles without the salesperson going with you...... Man I hate that. You are trying to test a vehicle and they just keep blabbing on and on desperately trying to convince you.

Needless to say, last couple test rides I refused the added company ;)
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When we bought the Escape I told him straight up; this is going on the highway and home to see how it fits in the garage.
He said please be back within 90 mins.

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What I find about every Toyota is that the styling looks dated after 2yrs and they're so boring to drive (souless). I test drove everythin sans the Subi (scared off due to maintenance and extra fuel) and went with a Mazda. 185,000km so far and it's only required one sensor replacement ($400) and one set of rotor/pads at all four corners and a swaybar link ($50). Still looks brand new, doesn't have a spec of rust, and styling still looks current and it's fun to drive. Love this vehicle.

I've even ran it around Shannonville at their car lapping days for fun.
 
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