but I do like the extra room. i’ve used it to help moved lots of friend’s room. pretty darn handy.

and yeah the mpg on these honda is wild. they’re just pumping more power, but still giving you more mpg, while retaining ULEV, or LEV

I didnt realize the 06 model has less power output.

so there is a difference.. but I guess not necessary a good one. The 06 has 156 HP @ 5900 rpm and 160 lb.ft of torque at 3600 rpm

while the 05 (same 2.4 liter in-line four engine here) has 160 hp @ 6000 rpm and 162 lb.ft of torque at 3600 rpm.

I wonder what they changed.. because the EPA MPG is the same 23 city 29 highway..

funky.

anyway, I know you guys are going to sign for it soon (if not already).. so I hope I didnt come across as being nosy.

and I’m not flaming your decision what-so-ever, but have you test drive the CRV plenty?

Because its a heck of a lot different ride compare to the 91 Accord.. and althoughthe 91 Accord is a bit “old”, its handling (along with the 94-97) is quite different than a CRV. I know you can’t compare a sub mid-size sedan with a small SUV (even if its on a car platform) but the only reason why I caution you is because I’ve drive the CRV plenty, and it’s a rather bumpy ride for long commutes.

For long drives I much prefer an Accord of any year (91-93, 94-97, 98-02, 03-06) compare with a CRV. I’ve driven plenty of Honda so I can compare and contrast a bit.

The current generation Accord shares the same engine as the CRV in certain models, though the suspension system makeup is quite different (although IMO current gen Accords arent as well as some of the old ones in terms of handling).

Anyway, all of this depends on what you’re looking for in a car.. so yeah if a CRV is what you guys are looking for, go for it. The fold-out picnic table is still pretty neat, IMO. There’s definitely a good size of space for a compact SUV such as it. It gives reasonable MPG for its size, and enough power with its 2.4 ivtec 160hp.

Most of the beef though, are with its stiff uncomfy chair and ride quality. In my opinion (and a lot of other owners).. it can be much better. I think a lot of people made the mistake of buying it as a commuter.

You can get a great comparison by test driving the Honda Pilot. I know that’s a much more expensive (and bigger) SUV… but its also on a completely diffrent platform (its on the same one as the Acura MDX). The comparison in the handling and ride characteristic of the Pilot can give some clue on some aspect where the CRV can improve on.

But yeah just my opinion. I know you’ve gone through a lot of the process already, and it looks like you’ve covered many of the financial angle.. but I thought I’ll share my opinion on the CRV.

I would have told the guy to take his processing fee and shove it somewhere and walked out. People should not be allowed to treat people like that. You know that that $299 was PURE profit for them. And dealerships wonder why people don’t like them.

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/

1. Congrats!

2. The same happened to me with an “advertising fee” they tried to add on. I said “no way” and they waved it.

3. The dealer holdback is $300 to $500 based on my experience. Hence, they probably made $425 to $625 on you. Not bad.

Something that you might feel worth writing about was in the latest issue of Consumer Reports, warning people for the next year to be careful about buying used cars. Cars that were declared “totaled” by the insurance companies after having been involved in the floods and then sold at auction might show up all over the country and sold as though they were not totaled after Katrina. They give warning signs to look for and state to make sure to get a carfax report.