Likes: 
Toyota Rav4 or Honda CR-V (or another Subaru Outback)
Looking for some real world advice if anyone already owns the 2020 versions of these vehicles. I am done (about 99% of the way there) with Subaru.
Our new 2000 made it to about 75,000 before blowing the head gasket(s). We had purchased the 7year/100k extended warranty so it was covered. The car made it to about 135,000 miles and 9 years before we got another new one mentioned below. In the 9 years we owned the car, it had multiple problems (sunroof motor, oil leaks, transmission leaks, CV axle boots etc.) and most were covered under the warranty so we kept it because my wife was the daily driver and liked it.
While visiting the 2009 Auto show in NYC, I noticed the new 2010 model was much bigger and that my wife would hate it so I started looking for a new 2009 leftover. My wife was still using a car for her daily commute (I used mass transit), she still loved the Outback, so we purchased another limited edition 2009MY which was essentially the same as our 2000MY Outback. This car has had similar issues along the way with many covered under the same 7year/100k extended warranty. And now that we are at the 105,000 mile and 10 year and 8 month mark, the head gasket on one side is blown, there is a oil leak somewhere else, it needs the 105,000 service and a few other items (i.e. bushings) which add up to over $5,000 and not worth it.
My wife wants another Outback mostly because she does not like change but said she would be open to other options because we have had so many issues with 2 Outbacks. She really could care less about cars and wants something good in the snow (AWD is a must), not too big, and not too small. Must fit 2 road bikes (with wheels off if needed) and luggage in the back with rear seats down.
I too could care less about cars unless I had a Ferrari 250GT SWB to race on the weekends. I also want something good in the snow, not too big, not too small, and reliable.
We only have 1 car and plan to remain that way since neither of us use it for commuting now but that my change as I am looking for a new job (she walks 6-8 minutes across a park to get to work).
A friend has a Mazda CX5 which we have used/borrowed and like but with no Mazda dealers close to us this option is out.
We can easily afford a Volvo V60 cross country (or anything similar) but we garage our car and the parking valets love to scratch/dent/damage cars especially the more expensive ones.
The VW Golf all-trac is nice but small, expensive for what it is, and has reliability issues.
We considered the Prius (now with an AWD option) but my wife hates the new style (especially the back end) and we keep cars forever.
I think this leaves us with two options unless someone else has an option I missed:
2020 Honda CR-V
Pros: Fine if not boring looks, good cargo space, good passenger space, decent ride, and known quality.
Cons: Smaller 4cyl turbo engine and less power than Toyota Rav4. CVT transmission although it does not have fake pre-programmed shift points other manufacturers do with their CVTs.
2020 Toyota Rav4
Pros: Sporty/Muscular looks, good cargo space, good passenger space, decent ride, and known quality. 8 speed transmission. Larger 4cyl non-turbo engine. 2 year maintenance included.
Cons: Sporty/Muscular looks (my wife does not love it but can live with it), good passenger and cargo space but a bit smaller than Honda CR-V.
So, it appears both are good options and either one might be a good long term purchase.
Thoughts? Other options? Opinions?
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Originally Posted by dashDustin
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