Automotive

Which car should I buy? CX-9, CRV or others?

  • Last Updated:
  • Jul 9th, 2021 9:21 pm
[OP]
Member
May 22, 2017
282 posts
174 upvotes

Which car should I buy? CX-9, CRV or others?

Hey folks,

Time to purchase for a used car for my family but there are so many options...
I just want make the right decision and would appreciate your insights.
Looking for a crossover/ mid-size SUV as my main car.
Have a family with 2 lil kids (3yo and 1yo) and I would like to find a sweet spot between drivability and space/ comfort.

This week I tested a 2017 CX-9 Signature, a 2018 Honda CR-V Touring and a 2016 Honda Pilot Touring.
All are good cars, I liked the Mazda the most but I'm not sure about reliability and long term "duration".
The Honda CR-V is the smallest with 2 row seats only but it's newer and has all features although has the weakest engine and CVT.
The Pilot is a nice one, big, V6 but it's over of my budget ($30k) a little bit and older. I found a nice one but it seems that it was never rust proofed and underneath is all rusty so I guess that won't last too long.

My dream is a RX-350 even though it's a little big higher my budget but it's been hard to find one below $35k.

Toyota RAV4 I would buy only the new model 2019+ but it's over $30k and I would buy an used compact suv for over 30 grant.

Let me know your thoughts. Appreciated.
8 replies
Banned
Jun 4, 2020
1634 posts
1744 upvotes
Clarington, ON
Everything smaller has a CVT these days it seems. I'm driving a '14 Rogue with a CVT. They are different at first. Many people remember and era of Nissans having issues and the stigma around the CVT has generally stuck. Honestly, I don't notice it, it doesn't bother me. I change the fluid every couple years.

You're crossing 2 segments here. The RAV and the CRV (and I'll throw the CX-5) are quite different from the CX-9 and Pilot (and I'll include the Highlander since you mentioned the RX-350). The bigger of what you included do have a 3rd row, but don't count on using it often, for larger people, or for long distances. If that's the intent, buy a van. Also see you're grabbing at the upper level trims for all of these - is this a hard must, or can you work without some of the bling to bring the price down, or get you into something newer or lower mileage.
[OP]
Member
May 22, 2017
282 posts
174 upvotes
KevinM56081 wrote: Everything smaller has a CVT these days it seems. I'm driving a '14 Rogue with a CVT. They are different at first. Many people remember and era of Nissans having issues and the stigma around the CVT has generally stuck. Honestly, I don't notice it, it doesn't bother me. I change the fluid every couple years.

You're crossing 2 segments here. The RAV and the CRV (and I'll throw the CX-5) are quite different from the CX-9 and Pilot (and I'll include the Highlander since you mentioned the RX-350). The bigger of what you included do have a 3rd row, but don't count on using it often, for larger people, or for long distances. If that's the intent, buy a van. Also see you're grabbing at the upper level trims for all of these - is this a hard must, or can you work without some of the bling to bring the price down, or get you into something newer or lower mileage.
I'm in the process of transferring my 2018 Nissan Rogue S FWD. I decided to own a vehicle so getting something that will last is my priority. I was surprised by the CR-V isn't bad at all. Quieter than the Nissan and a bit faster.

I've always bought the lowest trim ever and I would like to have more comfort from now on so would like to add at least leather seats and a sun roof.

The difference between a 2018 CR-V EX-L and a Touring isn't too much probably $1000 but you get panoramic sunroof and better finish.
The Highlander is a nice car but price is too high for my perspective. I would buy a new one only if I had the change. Toyota holds its value like crazy so not worth to pursue one at this moment.

The Lexus is just my preferred car but most likely I won't buy it as it's higher than my budget.

Mazda CX-5 I believe is too small for me. I'm passing the Nissan because of the size so that's why I'm considering the CX-9 rather than the CX-5.
My concern is long term on this car. Rust and engine but I think they made a lot of improvements this last generation. Just wondering if a 2018 CX-9 will last for another 5 years if driven daily.
Banned
Jun 4, 2020
1634 posts
1744 upvotes
Clarington, ON
ldovale wrote: I'm in the process of transferring my 2018 Nissan Rogue S FWD. I decided to own a vehicle so getting something that will last is my priority. I was surprised by the CR-V isn't bad at all. Quieter than the Nissan and a bit faster.

I've always bought the lowest trim ever and I would like to have more comfort from now on so would like to add at least leather seats and a sun roof.

The difference between a 2018 CR-V EX-L and a Touring isn't too much probably $1000 but you get panoramic sunroof and better finish.
The Highlander is a nice car but price is too high for my perspective. I would buy a new one only if I had the change. Toyota holds its value like crazy so not worth to pursue one at this moment.

The Lexus is just my preferred car but most likely I won't buy it as it's higher than my budget.

Mazda CX-5 I believe is too small for me. I'm passing the Nissan because of the size so that's why I'm considering the CX-9 rather than the CX-5.
My concern is long term on this car. Rust and engine but I think they made a lot of improvements this last generation. Just wondering if a 2018 CX-9 will last for another 5 years if driven daily.
10 years is generally pretty easy for most vehicles these days.

Sounds like you're looking toward the larger vehicles. I realize the Highlander is pricy, but even the XLE come with leather and sunroof (not pano though). I believe it's quite closely tied mechanically to the Lexus. We have a 15 Highlander and I love it. For reference, we run about 3-4L/100KM difference between the AWD Rogue and AWD Highlander. (Neither see piles of in town driving, but the HL def sees more)

Re: rust and Mazda - I remember the protege and Mazda 3's and the Tributes. A coworker has an older CX-7, and although it doesn't look beautiful anymore (I don't know that it's had a great life of not being washed and hockey bags) the body is still sound. I would say by more recent years, they seem to have this under control.

Can't speak for the Mazda or the Honda as I've never driven either. Personally I'm not a fan of turbo'd engines in daily drivers, but everything is trending that way.
Deal Addict
Nov 8, 2005
3232 posts
2833 upvotes
ldovale wrote: Hey folks,

Time to purchase for a used car for my family but there are so many options...
I just want make the right decision and would appreciate your insights.
Looking for a crossover/ mid-size SUV as my main car.
Have a family with 2 lil kids (3yo and 1yo) and I would like to find a sweet spot between drivability and space/ comfort.

This week I tested a 2017 CX-9 Signature, a 2018 Honda CR-V Touring and a 2016 Honda Pilot Touring.
All are good cars, I liked the Mazda the most but I'm not sure about reliability and long term "duration".
The Honda CR-V is the smallest with 2 row seats only but it's newer and has all features although has the weakest engine and CVT.
The Pilot is a nice one, big, V6 but it's over of my budget ($30k) a little bit and older. I found a nice one but it seems that it was never rust proofed and underneath is all rusty so I guess that won't last too long.

My dream is a RX-350 even though it's a little big higher my budget but it's been hard to find one below $35k.

Toyota RAV4 I would buy only the new model 2019+ but it's over $30k and I would buy an used compact suv for over 30 grant.

Let me know your thoughts. Appreciated.
No love for the minivan? Great mileage, theyre comfortable, and tonnes of space for the kiddos + luggage. Used Sienna or Odyssey can be had for under 30k.

Good luck in your search.
[OP]
Member
May 22, 2017
282 posts
174 upvotes
tim-x wrote: No love for the minivan? Great mileage, theyre comfortable, and tonnes of space for the kiddos + luggage. Used Sienna or Odyssey can be had for under 30k.

Good luck in your search.
I hear you on the minivan. It's tempting but I rather sacrifice a bit of space towards performance, that's why CX-9 is in my radar.

Thank you.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Apr 22, 2013
3033 posts
2490 upvotes
Markham
ldovale wrote: I hear you on the minivan. It's tempting but I rather sacrifice a bit of space towards performance, that's why CX-9 is in my radar.

Thank you.
Don't buy a CUV for performance, unless you're looking at the really silly powerful ones like BMW X5M, or the insane Durango Hellcat, etc. In most cases, the minivan are no slouches as, except the current hybrid Sienna, they pack a big 3.5-3.6L V6. Your choice of Mazda CX-9 will lose to a Honda Odyssey every single acceleration test. I suspect the Odyssey drives as good as a CX-9 too.
- Jegan V
Member
Feb 4, 2017
371 posts
278 upvotes
Toronto
Can confirm. Odyssey is the nicest driving of the group. They are plagued with none Saftey related recalls though.
[OP]
Member
May 22, 2017
282 posts
174 upvotes
I think you guys want to convince me to purchase a Honda Odyssey...Iol...I need to try it out. The Pilot gave me a enjoyable ride...probably the Odyssey is the same.

Top

Thread Information

There is currently 1 user viewing this thread. (0 members and 1 guest)