I am planning on buy my granddaughter a used Honda CR-V. She says I am "old-fashioned" (but at least she didn't call me a "boomer"!)because I prefer to look at 2013 and 2014 because they have the 5 speed automatic transmissions versus the CVT transmissions on all CR-Vs starting in 2015.

Am I being too "old-fashioned" in being wary of new-fangled ideas such as the CVT's? I realize that I will be trading higher mileage and older vehicle to get a transmission that has been proven to be reliable.

Note: She will be a senior next year (if we ever go back to school!) and her driving will mostly be to rural-area school and back (5 miles roundtrip) and to her work-study training at the local hospital during her school day.

All knowledge and help will be greatly appreciated!

I have some input on the CVT transmission.

I have a 2010 CR-V with the CVT.
It seems to be pretty reliable and smooth for the vehicle.

I did a little mod on the car, added a tow hitch, to pull a light weight trailed and motorcycle.
I also added a transmission cooler.

Other than taking a hit on MPG, I have had no issues at all.

Change the fluid at regular intervals. It is a must or you can burn up the torque converter lockup clutch.

My Juke hit 70k and it started getting shit mileage. The lockup clutch wouldn't engage.
Turns out you MUST change the fluid every 35K.

It's back to no slippage and the fuel mileage is better than when I bought it.

I prefer Honda's CVT's over traditional autos. They are smooth, reliable, and get better fuel economy.

Tell her if you were old fashioned you would be looking at 1990 Civics because they are both reliable and economical. If she doesn't like what she is being given, she can pony up for what she wants.

Nissan has used them for a long time and we never really hear any issues. I think they have them dialed in.

I LOVE the Honda 5 speed and I literally have a million miles on them without even the first problem. Plus, they were super easy to maintain, as you could change the oil on them easier and quicker than an engine oil change. So I always changed the fluid every 30K miles, which kept them happy and maintained and running down the highway.

My wife has the 2019 CR-V with the turbo 1.5L engine and CVT transmission. I honestly dont know a lot about this transmission, but you dont seem to hear about many problems with them.

I think the CVT will be fine. Might not be a bad idea to pay for a transmission fluid change every 60K to 75K anyways...

I've got a 2008 Impreza 2.5L w/ 4-speed auto SportShift. It is light years nicer than its replacement, a 2.0L with CVT. Maybe the mileage is not as good, but I can still get 34mpg at 70mph for six hours across the high desert. Cross country I did 29.9mpg, mostly approaching 80mph.

So I'm trying to hold onto this older model rather than get a newer model in a couple of years.

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:


I think the CVT will be fine. Might not be a bad idea to pay for a transmission fluid change every 60K to 75K anyways...

30-35k

It's stupid easy, but the fluid is $100.

Hey Mars, my CR-V is at 36K.

I guess I should change it. Is the fluid available at Autozone?

quote:

Originally posted by rainman64:
Hey Mars, my CR-V is at 36K.

I guess I should change it. Is the fluid available at Autozone?

If your CRV is a 2010 it has a 5-speed auto, not a CVT.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
I think the CVT will be fine. Might not be a bad idea to pay for a transmission fluid change every 60K to 75K anyways...

30-35k
It's stupid easy, but the fluid is $100.

The Honda CVT Fluid is 12 bucks a quart on amazon.

My daughter has a Nissan with a cvt, no issues. But dealer had to do cvt fluid change to keep the extended warranty. Expensive fluid.

I had a 2003 Saturn with the CVT. Never again. Ever.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:

It's stupid easy, but the fluid is $100.

The Honda CVT Fluid is 12 bucks a quart on amazon.[/QUOTE]

Nissan is $19.

I've had 2 Accords with the CVT. A 2016 and now a 2018.
I was skeptical at first as I've always rowed my own gears and the rubber band feel was weird at first but after driving it you learn the pedal and it just goes.
If I need to mash the pedal I just drop it in S and go.

Keep up on the maintenance and it's fine, just like everything else.

I have a 2017 Subaru Outback and my wife just bought a 2020 Honda CRV. Both have CVT transmissions and for the life of me, I can't detect that they drive any differently from the multitude of other cars I've had over the years.

I rented a car with a CVT recently. I hated it. I would NEVER,EVER buy a car with one. In addition, my mechanic who used to be a trans guy told me that they are junk, to stick with the older kind of trans if I buy a new car.

No, you are 100% correct. My uncle is a Certified Honda mechanic and told me to run from the CVT's. Nothing but trouble.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:


I think the CVT will be fine. Might not be a bad idea to pay for a transmission fluid change every 60K to 75K anyways...

30-35k

It's stupid easy, but the fluid is $100.

Can't use an aftermarket fluid that meets their spec?

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:

Can't use an aftermarket fluid that meets their spec?

Don't even risk it.