I need to buy a car for my daughter. It's down to the CX-5 and the CR-V. The CX-5 would need to be +2016. I like the redesign of the 2017 vs. the 2016. Also, AWD. Like Soul Red, but that paint seems absolutely awful with the chipping. Yikes.

I have about $21k to spend, tops. Would like to land around $18k. That puts me in the 70k mile range. What do I need to look out for on these?

Many thanks!
Shumax

 

The CR-V is tiny and painfully slow. The CX-5 has plenty of room and has a better engine in terms of power with maintaining great fuel mileage. I wouldn't consider the CR-V.

 

The 2017 CR-V has 8.3 more cargo room than the 2017 CX-5

2017 and 2018 CR-V should be avoided 3 recalls (seat belts, steering, fuel system, numerous complaints)
The Honda 1.5 turbo engine was new in 2017.

2017 CX-5 had no recalls (break wear, infotainment complaints).
2018 CX-5 had 3 recalls (fuel pump, software, airbags).

 

Not sure where you got your info but the 2017 CR-V has 8.3 cf more cargo room than the 2017 CX-5.
Having owned CR-V and the CX-5 I can vouch for the fact the Honda has far more cargo space.
The 2017 CR-V with the 1.5 turbo engine is also faster than the 2.5L CX-5 NA engine. Quick online check of 0-60 and track times will show this.
The 1.5 turbo has 10-20 more HP than the 2.5L NA and the Honda is 200lbs lighter.
Though quickness and speed are generally the last thing a parent wants when purchasing a vehicle for their daughter or son.

 

Whoops I was thinking of the Honda HR-V! The CR-V definitely has more room. Not sure about the performance of them but generally I hear you should avoid the Honda 1.5 Turbo due to oil consumption issues.

 

I thought you probably were confusing it with HR-V.
The 2017 and 2018 1.5 turbo had oil issues, 2019 and on years are okay.
Certain year CX-5 turbos have had their issues as well.

 

The average American driver has this obsession with tailgating the car in front of them, and local municipalities do not enforce ordinances requiring tarps or other coverings on truck haulers. Hence the problem with chips. Other drivers likely hate me because I keep the distance setting on my Soul Red Crystal Metallic CX-5 at the maximum distance setting and keep a substantial distance from the truck in front of me. I really do not care, and it really does minimize the rock chips. I also do not drive on freeways, this too cuts down on the dings. I am also one of those that park far away from other cars in parking lots, and if the lots are small, I just do not go there. This will not stop all dings, but they will be significantly reduced, and I never had a red automobile before and will always find it in said parking lot.

As for what to look out for, I would stay away from the turbo. You will get more bang for your dollar and have one less potential issue. Other than that, keep up with the maintenance, have a mechanic check out the automobile before you buy it and check the history on carfax or some place similar. I always buy new, I do not want the problems of others, yet I am quite sure there are many quality CX-5 autos from 2017 to 2022 out there that are "gently" used and were well taken care of.

 

Yup mainly the Turbos from prior to the '21 model year from what I understand.

I'd argue you get less bang for your buck by going with the naturally aspirated motor since it's much less powerful and slower. I do agree that the turbo presents more risk but not a substantial amount. I got my '21 Carbon Edition Turbo certified pre owned and it's got better warranty than a new Mazda...

 

[QUOTE=erscolo;218451I am also one of those that park far away from other cars in parking lots, and if the lots are small, I just do not go there. This will not stop all dings, but they will be significantly reduced, and I never had a red automobile before and will always find it in said parking lot.[/QUOTE]
More than once, I've parked well away from other cars and at some distance from the store and, upon returning to the car, finding one or two cars parked right next to me, usually very close.

 

Talk about one of my biggest pet peeves lmao...