Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!
Erin asks: Hubby wants to upgrade my 2014 CR-V to a new one. I only have 90K miles on this one. Is a new CRV hybrid a good choice? This will be the last car I ever buy.
My reply: Well, I have to ask you a question! Why would you want to ditch your ’14 CR-V that only has 90k miles? That Honda has at least another 100,00 miles of reliable service left and – since it appears it took you 12-plus years to accrue 90k miles on your ’14 – it would take another 12 to get to the point that it would be worth replacing it, from a reliability-dependability point-of-view.
Your ’14 is also likely to be more reliable, frankly, than the new one – because it was made before we got to where we are today and the ubiquity of “over-tech” in new cars, meaning complex/less-reliable electronic controls. Your ’14 has a very rugged, very reliable 2.5 liter engine without a turbocharger (or hybrid augmentation) and it has a five speed automatic transmission rather than a CVT automatic, as the new CR-V does. The new CR-V also has a much smaller 1.5 liter engine that has a turbocharger; meaning this little engine is under constant boost – pressure – and that is apt to accelerate its decrepitude. The new CR-V also has an unavoidable LCD touchscreen and also “assistance” features you may not like that you cannot avoid because they are standard equipment.
Yes, the new hybrid CR-V gets excellent gas mileage. But to get it, you will spend $35,630 – which is the car’s base price. How much gas could you buy for a third that sum? How far would that gas take you in your ’14?
Were I in your position, I would keep the ’14 and enjoy the freedom of not having a car payment (as well as lower insurance payments) and the freedom of not being parented or monitored or data-mined by your vehicle.
Your ’14 would be eagerly snapped up by someone who wants to avoid the New Car Experience.
Happy to entertain any follow-ups you may have!
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