I'm looking at getting a 2009 CRV and it has AWD. I'm reading some horror stories about how the differentials go on these unless fluid is changed frequently, like every 15000 mi. Is this really true? Hard to tell its really a common problem or if its just select people bashing.

I suppose I could use AWD, but not sure if its really worth it if its going to be a likely problem down the road.

 

Subaru!

 

BAN!!!

People will be people..

 

Audi

 

I know better than to buy a subaru, been there done that and what a monumental waste of money. Subarus have tons of center diff/clutch pack problems. For kicks, I just test drove two 09 foresters and both had torque bind already.

No audi either, not familiar with them and not interested in learning about them.

 

+1

Are you considering the older gen of CRV? My family just got an '01 and she's a beaut, bulletproof reliable and basic to fix the RT system yourself.

 

There is now an updated version of the Dual Pump Fluid which requires less attention. There are rarely problems with this chassis and flushes are cheap. I say buy it, you will not be dissapointed.

 

A bottle of dual pump fluid is like 8 bucks and takes 5 minutes to change. Even on my lowered crv, its extremely easy to get to the bolts and change it. Just need a fluid transfer pump, which again, is only like 10 bucks, and you only buy it once.

 

Cool, so the moral of the story is to buy a low mileage AWD and make sure to use this new reformulated dual pump fluid?

If it was run with the previous type of fluid for say, 40,000 mi, is the damage done?

 

my 98 crv has 267,000 km's on it and the AWD works great. My parts CRV has 410,000 km's on it, and ill get back to you after the weekend on the status of its AWD, but im use its fine as well.

 

Nope. No need to avoid them, they're great for light snow, works great on ice, and steep wet hills.

I have a 4x4 truck and it's fun to drive when it's ugly out there, but the crv makes it just too easy.

In the '09 you'll have a maintenance minder, so you don't have to worry about it, really. Just do what the code tells you. Easy.

 

Yep just follow the maint. codes and they will promt when Honda would like you to change it. The fluid exchange is just as easy as an oil change.

 

I agree with earlier posts, that the crv is an amazing awd vehicle for every-day use. It's obviously not a baja-rock climber but that's not what your looking for. You will enjoy any year range crv but I personally own a 02' best looking one in my opinion. to each his own in the looks department. As far as the differential fliud change, it is actually easier than an oil change because there is no filter to change. As all crv owners who change their own oil know the filter is in a tight space on the back of the engine, but you can slip your hand inbetween the wheel well where the steering rack is mounted, if you have enough arm-hand strength to loosen it is another story.

As for a subaru they are decent cars but as far as my experience with them they have leaky engines and because of the engine design will require an engine removal to address those valve cover and head gasket leaks. Also just from my experience I have noticed issues with the automatic transmissions going out, whether from fluid change negligence, abuse or faulty parts inside, I wouldn't know. I do believe their manual trans hold up ok though.

Audi Audi Audi...... NO COMMENT!!!!!! I have done a little diagnosis with volkswagens and I personally believe them and of course audi's to be over-engineered actually punishing the owners of these vehicles, by not even getting the vehicle to leave the shop. The electronics seem to be a little too sensitive causing fault codes, My opinion is if you have a sensitive car engineer the vehicle with the capabilities to self-correct the minute problems actively. I guess parts quality would also have to be on par as well.

Ok Done, Hope this helps!!!

 

my parts crv, which has 410,000 KM's, and was sitting for 5 years, does infact have working AWD. Tested it today.

 

Many thanks guys, this helps a great deal.

mskansan, subaru leaky engines is no joke, my last subaru had its headgaskets blow at 85,000 to a tune of $1800.