Since you have posted to HJ, why have you not researched the fuel cost under "Real MPG" on the HJ site?

My son and DiL's recently aquired 13 plate CRV is averaging around 33mpg, which considering its use is general running about and DiL's 6 or 7 miles to the station and back isn't too bad, reliability should, with a well maintained Honda be a given, they are very pleased with it...they traded their previous Diesel 05 plate CRV to get it, that too proved a good car, nothing really to report, no failures and no breakdowns.

I wouldn't be too keen on a NA 1.6 petrol hauling the weights of the above vehicles about and would expect, unless first gear is sensibly low, a possibility of early clutch failures getting the things moving from rest and at moving junctions, a quick peruse of HJ's real fuel figures should give a better idea of fuels than the really rather pointless official test figures.

I have a feeling a couple MPG in it either way isn't going to worry you too much, and i wouldn't be too put off a proper full time 4x4 transmission, though always best on sensible sized and type of tyres, such a transmission does give class leading grip in all weathers and will more than cope with anything you are likely to throw at it, indeed a decent example might allow you to reach places you otherwise may baulk at.

So i'd like to throw Subaru into the mix, the obvious contender being Forester, they last for donkeys years with decent maintenance, Subaru sensibly don't agree with this sealed for life nor long life servicing cobblers, and you might find main dealer servicing to be more expensive than the others on paper, however they are made to be worked on unlike some other makes so if you have a competent tame indy on tap looking after a Subaru will be a pleasure for him...well apart from changing the spark plugs..:-)

My CRV has been 100% reliable in the 4+ years ownership.

Underpowered for the size of car & auto does not know when to change up/down at times.

My EX has all the toys, very comfortable, no rattles & apart from being underpowered & thirsty it has been a good buy.

I knew about the lack of power (USA have 2.4 with 35BHP extra) but the thirst is under 30mpg for me - I had it doing 31/32 at best.

For real MPG look HJs articles & tables

Edited by Falkirk Bairn on 20/11/2016 at 14:31