Now that I've had my CRV-EX for a grand total of 4 days..got some more newbie
questions:
1) Did anyone get the Honda extended warranty? Is it really worth it? I plan
to keep the car for at least 11 years, given no one (fingers crossed) alters my
plans
2) My EX didn't arrive with a roof rack. But I saw Handa accessories sold them
and I read the instructions...is this a job a DIY could do? (the dealer quoted
twice as much with installation)
3) How about the wheel cover? Are the hard shell ones worth the investment? Are
those lockable?


Thanks much
Linda
2003 EX Chianti Red

Hi Linda,

Congratulations in getting your new CR-V!

I've never been a big proponent of extended warranties. However, I
ended up getting the Honda Care Extended warranty on my CR-V because it
was a good deal.

Pros:
Extended coverage to include all major repairs
Zero deductible (I bought this option)
Free loaner car with repairs and service
Transferable

Cons:
Extra $1K added to total price
Some limitations

Here's my personal experience. I had to bring my car in for squeaks and
rattles that drove me nuts plus fix a rear window switch that failed.
The dealer has to keep it and work on it for the day. I got a free
Accord to drive in the meantime through Honda Care. At the end of the
day, I went back to get the car but the dealer didn't fix it. Yes, they
wasted my time but I was told to keep the car and return it when things
are fixed to my satisfaction. Well, one thing led to another and 4 days
passed (believe it or not). I ended up keeping the 2003 Accord for all
that time and finally picked up my V in good shape.

So, okay...got the recall notice and I'll probably have them look at
some other issues that popped up (brake click and sun roof making weird
noise). It's probably going to require another whole day at the
dealership and I'll get another car, courtesy of Honda Care.

Now, it's best if they only build cars without problems to begin with
but I'm sold on Honda Care because it adds that extra piece of mind and
convenience for me.

As for hard shell covers, there are several you can choose from. Go
with one that fit your space and budgets. Honda-branded, Yakima, Thule
and Skiguard make good ones. I personally have the Skiguard 650. It?s
the largest of them all and the sleekest in design.

Hope this helps.
Bing

Linda,
Congratulations. I have the hard-face/soft-sided cover titled "spare
tire cover" on this site:
http://www.handa-accessories.com/crvext02.html
Though it is not a true hard cover and one is available below it for not
much more (unpainted), this one looks the best and matches the dark gray
plastic around the bottom half of the CRV. It fits tightly and looks very
integrated with the back, MUCH better that the OEM vinyl. It is not
lockable. I think it looks even better than the $400 color matched hard
shell cover.
- Larry


> 3) How about the wheel cover? Are the hard shell ones worth the
investment? Are those lockable?
>
>
> Thanks much
> Linda
> 2003 EX Chianti Red