We kept our CRV as a hedge... LOL Kept the 2000 for the fun! They're not making fun like that any more!
We also have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata and a 2013 Elantra GT...so we have plenty of 'hedges' as well. ....Some days all four of our vehicles are in use - two teenage kids!
I think on one level, something car manufacturers as a whole don't get enough credit for creating, IS a product sold world wide, that is engineered to work in a wide range of climates and conditions. Vehicles are kind of amazing in their ability to function in both cold and hot environments. Maybe even more impressive that Toyota has built Hybrids, in Prius, that pretty much have the same flexibility in that regard as all regular vehicles. Common sense applies. That is ALL vehicles are affected by climate and surroundings. But for the most part, they are designed to survive common winter conditions, and conversely common summer conditions. If I lived in a cold environment and was forced to park outside? I'd be sure I was starting the vehicle and keeping it moving/operating from time to time. But besides that, I really don't think I'd worry too much.
Quite a few manufacturers do extensive cold weather testing here in MN too ( well..in the 'cold part' anyway ). Believe it or not there is quite a difference in climate between far northern MN ( where the testing facilities are ) and far southern MN ( where I am at ). I know that Honda tests here...along with many others. However, I can't find any mention of Toyota. Edit : From the looks of it...appears Toyota tests at least some of it's vehicles in Timmins, Ontario.
Except Honda apparently as their recent 1.5 tubo DFI engines are having disastrous gas mix combined with small oil fills to the point of almost panic in the CRV forum I was following as I thought about buying one. Repeated short trips in the cold and the oil was climbing the dipstick on many reports till it was 3/4 of an inch above the full mark, the mix was 4 times acceptable in oil tests and the lubricating properties were compromised. Gas fumes were even detected inside the cabin. Combine that with complaints of very slow warm ups and even no warm ups which of course makes defrosters and heaters almost useless. China banned the sale of the same cars for several months until Honda in China issued a fix. Nothing from the US or Canadian Honda organizations beyond "we are aware". Sometimes offering free oil changes. I suppose they have to get whatever fix they propose through their lawyers and the agencies like EPA. And will they affect MPG? Look for a big legal settlement. Who would have thought China's consumer protection agency was better than ours!!
Interesting and alarming. I did a double-take when I saw the engine size, and turbo, on new CRV. Suprisingly good mpg but at what cost??
