venum wrote:^ ^ ^
CRV > Rav 4 > X-trail > Cap-whatever
Meh, well... I'd still say the Rav4 > CRV, being that the rav 4 has a better AWD system and 9 airbags compared to the 6 in the CRV.
The CRV's design and ride is more suited to older folks or business executives, while the Rav4's design is better geared towards younger folks.
My folks drive a 2007-2008 CRV and while definitely smooth and refined, the suv simply doesn't scream "sporty" or "energy" at all. It's more like "take your parents to church" or "pick up the kids from after-school lessons".
The rav 4 however has much more utility, more useable space, better engine and better AWD and stability control. Even the styling has a much more energetic appearance and aura.
The Captiva, well, I had a look at it in LifeStyle motors last month and it definitely has a handsome profile. It's probably like a mix between the CRV & Rav, however the build-quality of the materials is closer to the honda. Inside is spacious and the space is well-utilized, there's lots of cubby holes and compartments for the family to hide stuff. The rear trunk isn't as spacious as the CRV, it's closer to the Rav 4 (which is smaller than the CRV). The driving position is good, and you feel like you're in a mid-sized sedan. Didn't get to test drive one yet though (was too busy staring open-mouthed at the shiny dark-grey Porsche 911 Turbo-S on the other side of the showroom).
The only reason I wouldn't recommend the Captiva for our market in trinidad is Servicing and Parts. So many people make the mistake of buying some sort of foreign car; whether American or European or even foreign-used Asian, and then forget that it'll be difficult or expensive to find parts for it. I don't know how hard Lifestyle Motors is going to press the Chevy Captiva, but I do know that the market in trinidad for Chevy vehicles is small, almost to a niche' market.
But to
"oceanhunter", if you feel so compelled to buy captive - make sure to bargain down the price for both the car and the insurance too. I can't remember the price for the captiva, but I'm sure the CRV, Rav4 and even the X-trail would give you better value for money (esp for parts and service).
The X-trail may be an even better option, because it's a bit more 4wd and off-road capable than the CRV/Rav4 options. Sure it's not in the same class as the higher-rated CRV and Rav4, but it's popular enough with us trini's to warrant a good look. If you want, I can put you onto my salesperson at Neal & Massy, he'll help you find a good price and I can help you find a good financing rate (just PM me).
Another good option - the Suzuki Grand Vitara - can't go wrong with that one. I used to drive an escudo 4x4 4-door and that thing went like a mountain goat.
