Tow vehicle situation... CR-V vs Journey

[mikeschn]

We have a tow vehicle situation brewing. The Forester has the three lights flashing on the dashboard. We've been working on this problem for about 6 months now. It seems that when the catalytic converter efficiency drops below 98% the sensor triggers a fault, which disables the traction control and the cruise control. So we are basically driving a crippled vehicle.

We've visited the other forums with other people with the same problem. We've called Subaru and whined, but not much came of that. So we are at the point where we have to take matters into our own hands. What are our options?

1) Buy a new catalytic converter. This is no guarantee, as folks that have gone this route have run into the same problem 10,000 miles later. We drive 3000 miles a month.

2) Buy a new vehicle. There's two that we like. The 2012 Honda CR-V, and the 2012 Dodge Journey. The Honda is very high on reliability, but can only tow 1500 pounds. The Journey can tow 3500 pounds but is extremely low in reliability. We do like how the Journey rides like the Buick!!!

Obviously we need to be able to tow our TTT. Our future build is the O.W.W. which we expect will be approx 1400 pounds. Of course once we load it up with stuff, we are well over 1500 pounds.

So guys, steer me in the right direction... Please...

Mike...

[Gage]

Easy, get a Honda Pilot with tow package. No problem and you can get a Pilot for much less than a Journey. Me, I traded in a Pilot for a Ford Edge. So just goes to show you what you like might not be what I like.

P.S. I loved my Pilot. Just wanted something new and different after having the Pilot for 6 years trouble free. I hope I have the same reliability with the Edge as I had with the Pilot because we do a lot of traveling.

[Woodbutcher]

Mike, I would go with the Journey. The thought of pulling a trailer that is over the TV limit would not make me feel secure. The vehicle works to hard. The Journey has plenty of power, rides like a Buick and it's made in America, mostly. Did you look at the 2012 Wrangler Unlimited? Tows well has a new engine with more HP and better MPG and fun to drive.

[TheDuke]

Mike:

I drive a 2005 CRV and it has been a totally dependable vehicle, but it has that 1500# limit. 4 yrs ago I helped my sister-in-law buy a Pilot, and she took it all over the MidWest trouble free. No argument about Dodge comfort, but the Pilot is not bad in that department, either. Me, I'm with Gage. I'd go with the Pilot.

TheDuke

[asianflava]

The Journey has plenty of power, rides like a Buick and it's made in America, mostly.

So is the Pilot, in Alabama.

[TheDuke]

I think the Pilot will tow 3500#, same as the Journey.

[bdosborn]

I thought the feds required a 10 year warranty on emissions equipment?

Bruce

[jstrubberg]

I would advise you to stay away from Chrysler if you can. Their warranty service is the least friendly I've used. I've owned new or nearly new Ford, GMC, Chevy and Chrysler products. Chrylser has put me through more crap than the other three combined!

They don't trust their dealers at all. The smallest repair requis absurd documentation. I went in to have a steering wheel replaced because the so called leather was peeling off of it after 15,000 miles. They told me my wedding ring was the problem! After I pointed out the absurdity of that claim (I've worn that ring for 22 years and no other steering wheel has had an issue), they had to take pictures of the problem and submit the problem to Chrysler for resolution. They did finally replace the wheel, but it took six months and left me feeling like some sort of criminal trying to steal from Chrysler.

[TheDuke]

Mike, I hope you can do something about this last post.

[hazelc]

I drive a Nissan Xterra that has a 5000 tow rate.
Hazel

[asianflava]

Mike, I hope you can do something about this last post.

Looks like it has been deleted. For those who missed it, it was some kind of spam. He's talking about the spam, not the message left above.

[chamas]

Bruce thank you for your suggestion. But for the record it is 8 years or 80,000 miles which ever comes 1st. I have 102,000 miles.

When the problem started I have 89,000 miles.

[SteveF]

If you like the size of the CR-V but want more towing capacity, maybe the RAV-4 with a six cylinder would be an option?

I'd also be hesitant to buy a Chrysler based on their record, but now but with Fiat's support they seem to be on the rebound so who knows? Their sales numbers are certainly up so there are folks out there willing to risk it.

[jonw]

I have a 2003 CRV that has never given me any problems towing or otherwise, but if you have a heavy TD I wouldn't recommend it.

Suggestions re: a 6 cyl Rav4 or Honda Pilot are both good alternatives IMHO.

Good luck!

[wired]

I am considering a 2010-11 Outback (4cyl, CVT gets 30 highway from what I have read with 2700# tow rating and AWD). I also like the Honda Crosstour 4wd, but it's pricey (and still is only 1500# tow rating).

Mike...[/quote]