Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check make/model specific forums. You will learn a lot. I would use carmax to buy a used car because of their return policies and extended warranty. Why is your crv dying? Are you not maintaining it properly?

Maybe I'm not? Like I said, I know nothing about cars. The most recent issue was a major steering fluid leak and various internal part replacements... Is there something I could have done to prevent this? The car is driven daily but typically for short distances. It's not stored in a garage, if that's relevant?

Steering fluid leaks are not uncommon at this age and can typically be fixed for $500-1000. Depending on mileage other components like starter and alternator may start breaking. That is normal and not too expensive to fix unless you do it at the dealership. Then it can become expensive quickly. Also the dealership often presents you with a long list of optional and very expensive items that they push you to fix. And then you feel your car is dying. So either educate yourself about cars, find a trusted independent mechanic or get a new car

OP, this PP is correct. Find a trusted independent mechanic from Checkbook. You can get an access from local public lib or if you tell me your zip code, i'd be more than happy to look up for you. When you take it in, tell them all the work you have done so far (take all invoices from your current shop).

Zip code 22180. We did the repairs at the dealership Now, I feel quite foolish. It sounds like the car has life in it yet.

Did they try to sell you anything else? How many miles/old is your car?? And, if you remember, what work have you done?

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8526 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182
703-827-0611
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91%
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Competent and very honest - Oct 30, 2023
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8320 Lee Hwy
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Burke Auto Services Experts
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Ha Ha. I have used Burke a few times and have scheduled to have my auto checked up and oil changed. To my great surprise on one day it was a day when... - May 25, 2023
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703-256-1195
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I discovered this shop about 2 years ago for my Prius and Acura TL, both with over 130k mi. The shop is reliable and offers fair prices, lower than most.... - Oct 17, 2023
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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check make/model specific forums. You will learn a lot. I would use carmax to buy a used car because of their return policies and extended warranty. Why is your crv dying? Are you not maintaining it properly?

Maybe I'm not? Like I said, I know nothing about cars. The most recent issue was a major steering fluid leak and various internal part replacements... Is there something I could have done to prevent this? The car is driven daily but typically for short distances. It's not stored in a garage, if that's relevant?

Steering fluid leaks are not uncommon at this age and can typically be fixed for $500-1000. Depending on mileage other components like starter and alternator may start breaking. That is normal and not too expensive to fix unless you do it at the dealership. Then it can become expensive quickly. Also the dealership often presents you with a long list of optional and very expensive items that they push you to fix. And then you feel your car is dying. So either educate yourself about cars, find a trusted independent mechanic or get a new car

OP, this PP is correct. Find a trusted independent mechanic from Checkbook. You can get an access from local public lib or if you tell me your zip code, i'd be more than happy to look up for you. When you take it in, tell them all the work you have done so far (take all invoices from your current shop).

Zip code 22180. We did the repairs at the dealership Now, I feel quite foolish. It sounds like the car has life in it yet.

Liberty Gas & Ahmed?s George Mason Auto Service
4211 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204
703-892-0510
(8.8 miles)
Top Rated for Quality Top Rated for Price
16% lower
($84)
100%
26 Ratings
I have used George Mason Service Station since at least 1997. I bring my 2007 car to be serviced there. I would not go anywhere else. - Oct 14, 2022
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PT Auto Experts
340-A Mill St NE
Vienna, VA 22180
703-281-7506
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Very friendly staff and good prices - Oct 29, 2023
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City Auto Repair
3811 Pickett Rd
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703-978-2053
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4715 Backlick Rd
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703-321-8981
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An honest repair shop. - Sep 16, 2023
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703-532-3455
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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check make/model specific forums. You will learn a lot. I would use carmax to buy a used car because of their return policies and extended warranty. Why is your crv dying? Are you not maintaining it properly?

Maybe I'm not? Like I said, I know nothing about cars. The most recent issue was a major steering fluid leak and various internal part replacements... Is there something I could have done to prevent this? The car is driven daily but typically for short distances. It's not stored in a garage, if that's relevant?

Steering fluid leaks are not uncommon at this age and can typically be fixed for $500-1000. Depending on mileage other components like starter and alternator may start breaking. That is normal and not too expensive to fix unless you do it at the dealership. Then it can become expensive quickly. Also the dealership often presents you with a long list of optional and very expensive items that they push you to fix. And then you feel your car is dying. So either educate yourself about cars, find a trusted independent mechanic or get a new car

OP, this PP is correct. Find a trusted independent mechanic from Checkbook. You can get an access from local public lib or if you tell me your zip code, i'd be more than happy to look up for you. When you take it in, tell them all the work you have done so far (take all invoices from your current shop).

Zip code 22180. We did the repairs at the dealership Now, I feel quite foolish. It sounds like the car has life in it yet.

Honda CRV is one of the most reliable cars and can last 20 years/300k miles if you take reasonable care of it. How many miles do you have and what did the dealer say was wrong with the car now?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check make/model specific forums. You will learn a lot. I would use carmax to buy a used car because of their return policies and extended warranty. Why is your crv dying? Are you not maintaining it properly?

Maybe I'm not? Like I said, I know nothing about cars. The most recent issue was a major steering fluid leak and various internal part replacements... Is there something I could have done to prevent this? The car is driven daily but typically for short distances. It's not stored in a garage, if that's relevant?

Steering fluid leaks are not uncommon at this age and can typically be fixed for $500-1000. Depending on mileage other components like starter and alternator may start breaking. That is normal and not too expensive to fix unless you do it at the dealership. Then it can become expensive quickly. Also the dealership often presents you with a long list of optional and very expensive items that they push you to fix. And then you feel your car is dying. So either educate yourself about cars, find a trusted independent mechanic or get a new car

OP, this PP is correct. Find a trusted independent mechanic from Checkbook. You can get an access from local public lib or if you tell me your zip code, i'd be more than happy to look up for you. When you take it in, tell them all the work you have done so far (take all invoices from your current shop).

Zip code 22180. We did the repairs at the dealership Now, I feel quite foolish. It sounds like the car has life in it yet.

Very happy with our 2019 Odyssey. It has some very good safety features, and has been very low maintenance. The downside of their quality is that second-hand ones are not that much cheaper.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check make/model specific forums. You will learn a lot. I would use carmax to buy a used car because of their return policies and extended warranty. Why is your crv dying? Are you not maintaining it properly?

Maybe I'm not? Like I said, I know nothing about cars. The most recent issue was a major steering fluid leak and various internal part replacements... Is there something I could have done to prevent this? The car is driven daily but typically for short distances. It's not stored in a garage, if that's relevant?

Steering fluid leaks are not uncommon at this age and can typically be fixed for $500-1000. Depending on mileage other components like starter and alternator may start breaking. That is normal and not too expensive to fix unless you do it at the dealership. Then it can become expensive quickly. Also the dealership often presents you with a long list of optional and very expensive items that they push you to fix. And then you feel your car is dying. So either educate yourself about cars, find a trusted independent mechanic or get a new car

OP, this PP is correct. Find a trusted independent mechanic from Checkbook. You can get an access from local public lib or if you tell me your zip code, i'd be more than happy to look up for you. When you take it in, tell them all the work you have done so far (take all invoices from your current shop).

I have a 2014 sienna. And it’s amazing. I will say I have to replace tires more frequently than other cars I’ve owned.

Mechanic bf of a coworker says Toyotas are having issues for the first time he’s ever seen. Models 2020 and newer.

So if you get a sienna, do 2019 or older.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Check make/model specific forums. You will learn a lot. I would use carmax to buy a used car because of their return policies and extended warranty. Why is your crv dying? Are you not maintaining it properly?

Maybe I'm not? Like I said, I know nothing about cars. The most recent issue was a major steering fluid leak and various internal part replacements... Is there something I could have done to prevent this? The car is driven daily but typically for short distances. It's not stored in a garage, if that's relevant?

Steering fluid leaks are not uncommon at this age and can typically be fixed for $500-1000. Depending on mileage other components like starter and alternator may start breaking. That is normal and not too expensive to fix unless you do it at the dealership. Then it can become expensive quickly. Also the dealership often presents you with a long list of optional and very expensive items that they push you to fix. And then you feel your car is dying. So either educate yourself about cars, find a trusted independent mechanic or get a new car

I have both sienna 2016 and Odyssey 2019

Odyssey is less expensive, better gas millage
Sienna is more roomy, more comfortable when drive for long distance.

But both are very reliable .
Sienna has awd and hybrids model. You may incline to Sienna for this features.
I don’t think you will go wrong with either one.

Anonymous wrote:Odyssey or Sienna would be my first choice.

If getting a used, definitely Odyssey or Sienna.

I still drive 2004 Odyssey w/ 220k miles. Still runs strong.

That is amazing! Google says cars usually last around 12 years or around 200k miles so your car's longevity is impressive.

Anonymous wrote:Check make/model specific forums. You will learn a lot. I would use carmax to buy a used car because of their return policies and extended warranty. Why is your crv dying? Are you not maintaining it properly?

Maybe I'm not? Like I said, I know nothing about cars. The most recent issue was a major steering fluid leak and various internal part replacements... Is there something I could have done to prevent this? The car is driven daily but typically for short distances. It's not stored in a garage, if that's relevant?

Check make/model specific forums. You will learn a lot. I would use carmax to buy a used car because of their return policies and extended warranty. Why is your crv dying? Are you not maintaining it properly?

Odyssey or Sienna would be my first choice.

If getting a used, definitely Odyssey or Sienna.

I still drive 2004 Odyssey w/ 220k miles. Still runs strong.

Our 2011 Honda CRV is dying. With kid #3 on the way we'd like a car that can seat more people. Price is a big concern, as is safety.

We know absolutely nothing about cars, so all advice is appreciated, but especially on these two points:

1) Recommendations on the most affordable, reliable minivan? Odyssey, Sienna, Carnival, other options?
2) If we get a used car, where should we get it? Any advice on this, and on new vs. used?