New driver.. 07 Camry or 06 CRV?

[ssnxp]

So, as the title says, I'm a new driver. This will be my first car. I'm having a tough time deciding between the new Camry and the 06 CRV. I've driven a minivan before and it wasn't difficult at all, so it isn't really a problem. (Ease of driving the CR-V, I mean. It's a small SUV so it shouldn't be a problem anyways)

What do you think? Any questions, I'll be here.

Thanks, Tim.

PS Here are the links to the Camry and CRV websites, respectively.

http://www.toyota.com/camry/index.ht...TN_CAMRY_INDEX

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/...delName=CR%2DV







Some things to consider:

1. I live in Souther California.
2. I MIGHT be going to Northern Arizona for college, and it does receive a little snow in the winter. Not much.
3. The ride to college would be 8 hours, IF I go. A comfortable ride is a must.
4. My ride will probably be all show. I like a fast ride, but I probably won't want to invest alot in the performance department. A few mods on the exterior and a sound system/receiver is probably all the fixing up I'll do. Mabye some new wheels.
5. A nice look is a must.. but I'm confused. Alot of people say the CRV is a chick car, but I don't think it looks so bad.

[daddyskins]

I'd check out the RAV4 over the CRV. More options and standard features, and now better gas mileage and room.

I just bought a camry, so I'm a little partial to it, but I've driven and sold both the CRV and the RAV4 and you should definatley give the 06 RAV a shot if you're considering a CRV.

[ssnxp]

Yea, the RAV4 is nice.. hm. But you would choose a Camry over both?

[JMSinMD]

The first step is deciding SUV or car. You're not comparing apples with apples. If you are considering a CRV compare it against a Rav4. If you want a sedan such as a Camry compare it to an Accord. You're only making it more difficult on yourself by comparing 2 completely opposite vehicles. Jon.

[ssnxp]

Yea, that's why I mentioned I'm a new driver. What do you think would be better? I don't like the smaller, claustrophobic feel of the Civic (which I was considering). A small SUV or a bigger sedan would be nice.
I was just wondering if you guys had any opinions on which would be better for a new driver.

[JMSinMD]

What are you looking for in a vehicle? Gas mileage? Quiet? Power? I personally prefer Toyotas over Hondas and I've had 8 Toyotas in the family since 1984. I would say a 07 Camry SE I4 with automatic transmission would give you power, reliability, sportiness, gas mileage and FWD which is really all that's necessary for mild winters. An SUV is more expensive to maintain as well as uses more gas. If you drive manual transmission you'll get a little more pep as well as a bit better gas mileage. Jon. ps how much do you have to spend?

[ssnxp]

Around $23,000 max. I'm probably going to get an LE. Is an SE a big upgrade?

[JMSinMD]

I helped my friend pick up an SE like described above for 23 plus tax and tags. One of my favorites cars out there personally is the Scion xB. Just to throw in another choice. Jon. p.s. the Scion goes for about $15k

[nodrogkam]

when i was a new driver i drove a minivan giving me a higher seat position and i felt that was better than driving my camry right now. The only difference is i can drive a lot more spirited with my camry than with my van. However i've seen CRV's do a lot of fun things with no problems. I kind of suggest getting an SUV compact, or a type of crossover vehicle. I truely think that having a higher seating position pays off. If you arent power hungry then get an I4 and it'll get you through most anywhere as long as its paved road.

I have to also note that having the ground clearance is nice. Test drive BOTH vehicles. I'd include the new rav4 in your test drive as well.

[RAV4EVR]

RAV4

RAV4


CRV is changing in a year or so.. It is an old bland design which is not a whole lot different than even the first generation CR-V... They need to work hard on that vehicle.

[xpeed]

The SEs base goes for only $21k. $23k are with options or the dealers just wants more money out of it.

[Alloy]

Originally Posted by xpeed

The SEs base goes for only $21k. $23k are with options or the dealers just wants more money out of it.

Ya, so the SE should be quite a good option. I personally don't like the look of CRV, so I would rather have a RAV4 or even the old style Rav 4. Here is a SE you can get for 21000 plus, with the new extra deep and wide seats, long trip should not be a problem, just test drive the CRV, Rav4 and Camry and see which one feel best. http://www.autobase.com/cgi/info.exe?bc=2395083

[drunken_panda]

I would go Rav4. The CRV is just not as good of a car as teh RAV. The ride and noise is a lot greater in the CRV. That being said, the Camry will be a nicer car, but I still think I would go RAV. I am a college student and often like to drive up into the mountains or go snowboarding with my friends. The RAV will offer more room. Right now with my 04 Camry, We can barely fit 4 snowboards and gear into the trunk. So something bigger would be nice.

[Alloy]

Originally Posted by drunken_panda

I would go Rav4. The CRV is just not as good of a car as teh RAV. The ride and noise is a lot greater in the CRV. That being said, the Camry will be a nicer car, but I still think I would go RAV. I am a college student and often like to drive up into the mountains or go snowboarding with my friends. The RAV will offer more room. Right now with my 04 Camry, We can barely fit 4 snowboards and gear into the trunk. So something bigger would be nice.

Oh, yes. If you think you are going to transport lots of stuffs, probably compact SUV is the only option, coz only Camry LE has the folddown seat to increase trunk space.

[07_4bangrl]

the new rav4s are sweeeeet. looks way better than previous ones. but i LOVE my camry! all depends on what you want, car or suv.