Tow vehicle situation... CR-V vs Journey

[mikeschn]

Okay, here's the update...

After talking with Subaru customer service, and we went round and round... finally after seeing our side of the issue, they asked, would we be happy if we split the cost of the repair?

What cha gonna say? We said okay!

So the new catalytic converter is on order...

And we plan on driving our Subaru Forester a little while longer.

Mike...

[jonw]

Just this week I sold my 2003 CRV and bought a new 2012 CRV. The new 4th gen version is much nicer than my 2nd gen 2003 - quieter, more powerful, better gas mileage, and many more bells and whistles.

Today I installed a Curt class I hitch on it. However the wiring is much different than the 3rd gen and requires a $130+ kit from Honda (at least for the moment). It is no longer a single plug into an existing connector for your trailer harness...

Just a heads up...

[glamoree]

Just this week I sold my 2003 CRV and bought a new 2012 CRV. The new 4th gen version is much nicer than my 2nd gen 2003 - quieter, more powerful, better gas mileage, and many more bells and whistles.

Today I installed a Curt class I hitch on it. However the wiring is much different than the 3rd gen and requires a $130+ kit from Honda (at least for the moment). It is no longer a single plug into an existing connector for your trailer harness...

Just a heads up...

I too bought the new 2012 CRV in the past two weeks, love it so far. I traded my Ridgeline for it, looking for better mpg as i drive 40 miles one way to work. I will eventualy want to put a hitch on it. In the mean time we will use my wifes Pilot to tow with. It needs to have the wiring done as well, I put the wiring in on the ridgeline....what a bear, time consuming for a non mechanic here. So the dealer will do it $277, worth it to me!
Was your hitch an easy install...bolt right up, no drilling?

[Maureenm]

Keep it going, Honda fans! I'm still driving my 2001 CRV. It's a first generation gutless wonder, but it gets me where I need to go and tows my tear like a dream. As I plan to travel a little farther than usual and over a few mountains, I'm thinking of having a tranny cooler installed before summer. When this one dies, I will probably get another as it's my favorite vehicle ever along side a Volvo 245 series wagon
Glad your Forester will last you a little longer now, Mike.

[Keyser Sose]

I have worked at an auto auction for a long time. See LOTS of Journeys, not many CR-Vs. Think about that. Look thru your local want ads/craigslist and you'll see the same thing. Must be a reason everyone wants to get rid of their Journey, huh?

[jonw]

(snip)

Was your hitch an easy install...bolt right up, no drilling?

I bought a Curt hitch from etrailer.com and it was a fairly easy, no drilling install. You can see the install directions on their site. You do need to cut a hole in a plastic under panel, which was not difficult using a hacksaw blade.

One important trick is to champfer the edges of the rectangular washers that need to go thru a hole in the frame, rather than saw the frame metal as the instructions suggest.

Also note that there are two sizes of rectangular washers for different size bolts used in different places. You don't want to champfer and insert the wrong washer in the frame and then spend a half hour trying to fish it out (don't ask my how I know this...).

NOTE that at the moment nobody other than Honda has a wiring kit for the 2012 model. Unlike the 2011 model there is no longer has a single trailer wiring plug you can simply plug the wiring harness and controller into. The one for the 2011 CRVs will not fit. I was able to find one online here http://www.hondapartssuperstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=2324 for $106 which was a significant savings from what the dealer wanted.

IIRC my dealer wanted $700-800 forl the hitch and wiring, installed. Doing it myself cost around $250.

Good luck!

[mikeschn]

I think we'll wait until Buick comes out with their Encore before we make a decision...





And here is their advance brochure...

http://www.buick.com/content/dam/Buick/ ... atalog.pdf

Mike...

[Verna]

I think we'll wait until Buick comes out with their Encore before we make a decision...





And here is their advance brochure...

http://www.buick.com/content/dam/Buick/ ... atalog.pdf

Mike...

Ohhhhh, pretty What's the towing capacity, Mike? 6 cyl? The brochure didn't give too many technical details...are they available, yet?

Thanks

[mikeschn]

It'll be a 2013 model, so not much is known yet. Obviously towing capacity and engine size is important. Time will tell!

Mike...

[Verna]

Love those curves!!! Give me a 6 cyl, 3500 lb towing capacity, silver and it will match the TD I have in mind

Verna

[jstrubberg]

Glad you got your rig going again, Mike. A car is a hole in the pavement that you throw money at. Almost always cheaper to keep 'em!

I like the looks of the Buick, though. Sharp car.