Honda CR-V Problems

From my experience, the Grand Vitara has the best reputation for reliability and for you it ticks the boxes. Next would be the Honda CR-V, then the Dualis with the ASX definitely last.

Stop me if you've heard this before. Definitely reconsider as the South Korean brands have made massive improvements in recent years and the Sportage tops the CR-V and X-Trail.

For your needs, I would recommend the Subaru Forester. It is a great country drive, comfortable and safe, and gets The Tick. The Koleos is getting very dated.

The i30 gets The Tick from me, is definitely not a throwaway, and is a better choice than the smaller and less refined HR-V, despite the flexibility of the Honda's cabin.

It's becoming a broken record, because the CX-5 gets The Tick and is best in class. The new Vitara is roomy and well built, just flawed by an awful automatic gearbox.

Without being able to see the car it's hard to assess its condition, you'll have to do for yourself, but the CR-V is a good car and the mileage is very low for a 2000 model car. On the surface it would seem to be a good car.

I would not bother with all-wheel drive unless you hit bush tracks. The Mazda CX-5 is our first choice in that class, beating the Honda fairly easily in most areas.

You should drive and compare the CX-5, the long-term leader in its class, and the new Tucson. Don’t go for seven seats unless you really need them because of the extra price and ongoing penalty in running costs.

A well-designed seat should not need extra lumbar adjustment. I've spent the past week in an Outback and found the seats excellent in their shape, support and padding.