I've owned an Accord 2.2 iDTEC 5-speed auto for the past 3.5 years and it's the best auto transmission I've ever had (and I've had many), even better than the GM400 in my 6-litre XJS.

In the Accord I get 46mpg knocking about and just over 50mpg on a run.

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread but it seemed more apropriate than starting a new one even though the subject is now somewhat different to my original post.

Apologies also in advance for the long post but bear with me.

I have had the CRV for a few weeks now and it's a mix of disappointment and frustration. The car actually has a few issues - some may regard them as small, some not - but I'm less than happy and for a car with 11k on the clock I expected better so to me they are not small. In summary there is:

1 - A significant vibration through the car when it's idling even when warm. This is particularly prevalent when you are in the driver's seat.

2 - An intermittent noise from the gearbox/engine/drive units when the engine is under load. It doesn't happen all the time but is definitely linked to when you increase power and sounds 'mechanical'.

3 - The Tyre Pressure Mnitor has a mind of its own - I am assured there's a fix so not worried - just should have been fixed before I got it.

4 - Interior trim rattles - again minor but annoying.

I am not at all bothered by 3&4 as they are rectifiable but 1&2 I am. I took it to the dealers yesterday with all 4 of those issues due to be looked at. After having all day they had a stab at number 4 and didn't do a very good job either. When I asked about the others they simply informed me that the car has had a 'full health check'and that 'all was ok'. On pushing them they weren't committing to anything so either there is an issue or they simply haven't looked.

This may or not be relevant but, despite having FSH, the car trim (bottom of door panels, boot entrance lip etc) are quite badly marked and I can't help but wonder if the car has had a hard life, maybe as a hire car which many are. I bought it from a main dealer online - from the video and their description it seemed fine. First time I have ever bought a car 'blind' in my life. Never again.

Not being one to give up I am now booked in at a separate dealers next Tuesday with a very clear instruction as to what is wrong. Whilst I don't want to prejudge their initial approach to wanting to have a look was equally as apathetic as the first so I am not full of confidence but we shall see.

I had previously read glowing reports on Honda dealers (I am a previous Toyota owner and was a whisker away from going with my gut feel and buying a RAV4) but that's not proving my experience. The CRV is out of warranty in 7 months and I don't want issues after that hence the reason I need to consider my options reasonably quickly.

I may be ok next week and they may fix the issues (or reassure me that they are ok) in which case I am happy..ish as long as I am not just being fobbed off. However in the event that they can't or I am unconvinced then I have 2 options:

1 - Retain the car and continue to take it up with dealers. High energy/low reward.

2 - I have the option of exchanging the vehice for a slightly newer, immaculate, same spec, RAV4 obviously with much greater warranty left.

Whilst I don't particularly want to change for the sake of it I will admit that there's an element of 'trust' that I have in Toyota from long personal experience but don't want to make a rash decision or make one for the wrong reasons, if indeed that would be one. I am not at that stage yet and my head is still in the place that says 'fix the CRV' but neither have I the will to spend endless days in service departments.

Any advice on the situation and, also, whether the RAV4 would be a better/worse car to own than the CRV?

PS: Sorry again for the long post.

Edited by Kewsea on 03/08/2016 at 22:01

With (1) you need to try another diesel CRV and see if it also vibrates at idle. Many diesel engines do, some more than others. It may not be abnormal, but if you're sure it is, see what the dealer says.

With (2) you will have to ask a mechanic to go out with you and see if the noise happens. Intermittent faults have a habit of never showing themselves when a mechanic is on board.

You need to to give the supplying dealer one chance to fix it.

Thanks Avant. I tend to drive a few before I buy and this is the only one of 3 I drove that has the vibration to this degree and indeed at all - it's on the excessive side and certainly more than I have ever experienced in any other.

Re (2) that's the plan next week.

The issue for me, and it's not an easy one, is whether I stick or twist if I am not assured sufficiently. It's a 'grey' situation.

I looked at the 1.6 when I bought it but it was just a bit out of my price bracket really. The 2.2 is a good engine in its own right though to be fair, not the most powerful but good enough.

That's a big part of the reason that, ideally, I want to keep the car as long as it's hassle free. I think I'd be the unluckiest bloke on the earth if I managed to find a dodgy Honda but I guess even they exist.

I still have a Plan B with a RAV4 if next week doesn't sort it but am really hesitating over whether I should then push the button or not. Aesthetically I don't like the Toyota as much as the Honda (though neither are pretty) but just have more historical confidence in the brand.

I just don't have the energy for car hassle to be honest.