Anyone know how much it costs to maintain and insure a Subaru Forester Premium compared to a Honda CRV Ex AWD? I’m trying to choose between the two, but I keep seeing different numbers online. If you have any info on the costs for a new car and after 5-7 years, let me know. Appreciate it!
You might want to check other forums too. A lot of manufacturers list lower maintenance costs just to make their cars look cheaper to own.
For example, the Japanese Subaru manual says to change CVT and Diff fluid, but the US manual just says to inspect them.
If you’re big on maintenance, Honda might be a bit cheaper. Things like spark plugs and other parts tend to be easier (and cheaper) to replace on Hondas than on Subarus.
If you’re only planning to keep the car for under 100K miles, either should be fine with just oil changes. But if you go beyond that, CVT transmissions might wear out faster without maintenance. That’s where Honda might have an edge. Subaru needs service every 6K miles, while Honda is at 7.5K miles.
At the end of the day, Honda is likely to be the cheaper option in the long run.
@Zyler
Thanks! Didn’t know CVT doesn’t last as long as regular automatic. So under 100K miles, they’re pretty much the same, but after that, Honda is the better bet!
@Zyler
Wait, doesn’t the CRV also have a CVT?
Insurance depends on where you live and your insurance company. But both of these are common family crossovers, so their rates should be reasonable.
As for maintenance, both are solid Japanese cars. They won’t be as cheap as a Toyota, but they’re not bad either.
I’ve had my AWD CRV for five years now. Just did oil changes and replaced the air and cabin filters myself. Insurance is pretty cheap if you’re over 25 with a clean record.
Perrin said:
I’ve had my AWD CRV for five years now. Just did oil changes and replaced the air and cabin filters myself. Insurance is pretty cheap if you’re over 25 with a clean record.
How does it handle in bad weather or rough terrain? I heard Subaru’s AWD is better, but if the CRV does fine, I might go for it!
@Hadley
No issues driving in about six inches of snow.
Perrin said:
@Hadley
No issues driving in about six inches of snow.
That’s good to know. Thanks for sharing!
Perrin said:
@Hadley
No issues driving in about six inches of snow.
That’s good to know. Thanks for sharing!
Just a heads-up—I got a new SUV last week. CRVs and Foresters were out of stock, so I ended up with a Hyundai Tucson. It was the cheapest option and came with a ton of features.
If you get a Subaru (except for the BR-Z), replacing tires can be a hassle. Since it’s AWD, you can’t just replace one tire if it goes flat. You might need to change two or even all four to avoid damaging the drivetrain.
Not sure if the same applies to the CRV AWD.
Unless you live in a snowy area, go off-roading, or visit ski resorts a lot, you probably don’t need AWD.
@Skyler
I once had to stop on the side of the highway, and my 2WD sedan got stuck in sand. A truck had to pull me out. That’s why I want AWD—it gives me some extra confidence.
I think the tire replacement issue applies to CRVs too.
@Hadley
How often do you think you’ll end up in that situation again? You could’ve used floor mats for traction.
Not saying AWD is bad, but a lot of people get it and never actually need it. Just something to think about before spending extra cash.
@Hadley
Subaru’s AWD makes me feel safer, and that’s worth it for me.