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Considering used CR-V

We are ready to go from mini van (venture) to SUV. Have narrowed down to CR-V, will be daily driver for wife and primary family vehicle (family of 4).
Local dealer has 03 CRV auto 4 cyl AWD w/29K for 15300.
Seems to be a good deal, do you all agree.
I do not realy need the AWD, what is the benefit of having the AWD? Is it worth the 2-3 MPG sacrifice over the 2wd? Does the back seat have a fold down cup holder in the middle?
Is it comfortable on trips , we travel no further than 5 hrs.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Local dealer has 03 CRV auto 4 cyl AWD w/29K for 15300.
Seems to be a good deal, do you all agree.
I do not realy need the AWD, what is the benefit of having the AWD? Is it worth the 2-3 MPG sacrifice over the 2wd? Does the back seat have a fold down cup holder in the middle?
Is it comfortable on trips , we travel no further than 5 hrs.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Comments
The MPG issue is too small to make or break the deal.
I owned a 2003 CR-V EX for a couple of years (bought new). It is a good vehicle.
The price seems OK for the mileage, but I personally would go for a 2005 or 2006, when they added 5 speed transmissions (the 2003 is a 4 speed), and added the stereo controls to the steering wheel. There were other minor changes, such as both driver and passenger having the capability of locking all the doors. Also, they added the "SE" trim in 2005, which adds leather seating (if that appeals to you).
The AWD does not impact MPG to a large extent, probably 1 MPG or so. The EX trim adds factory tinted windows and alloy wheels, plus a 6 CD changer and other nice-to-have items. So the EX is worth it just for the other goodies.
A FEW of the 2003's have been having trouble with A/C compressor failures, but Honda America has been VERY generous with paying for damage (often fully covering the damages even at 70-80K miles). However, they look at the maintenance records. Check to be sure that the maintenance history has been documented BY THE DEALER for this vehicle. That way Honda will be more generous should something go wrong at a later date.
As I said, I myself would get a 2005 or 2006, even if they had higher mileage. Hondas (if properly maintained) will go for a LONG time, so the mileage is somewhat less important.
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Sheesh, let me finish editing my original post, will ya?
Yes, these are two very good additions as well, although personally the 16" wheels would not be important to me...
Unless you were going to edit that in, also? lol
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I had an 03 Honda CR-V EX that I just sold today. Had 52K miles, and was in pretty good shape (well maintained).
I got $14,600 for it.
All things being equal, $15,300 sounds pretty good considering the low mileage.
I just purchased a used 2005 2WD LX, 13,000miles sold by its first owner, for $15,600. Owner replaced the steel wheels with the EX Alum wheels and gave for free the original steel wheels (+ OEM tires) to me. Ordered a cargo cover on line and professionally tinted the rear windows, all for an extra $350...and my CRV looks like an EX ( W/O sunroof).
You could get a much lower price if shopping around for a 2005-06 CRV sold by owner. Because this SUV is HOT @ $3+/gal, dealers usually charge $1800-$2500 more + TAXES+ doc fees.
In my area ( S-E Michigan) for 1-2 years old used CRV's , dealers are asking close to brand new price.
Don't expect, though, the soft and quiet ride of a minivan. CRV has a jolty, stiffy and noisy ride compared to minivans. Test drive one before deciding. A Toyota Rav4 or 4cyl Highlander would aleviate this inconvenient, IMO
... And the fact that all 2005 EX had RT4WD.
Congrats on your purchase!
From what research have shown, air bags actually kill babies on impact. Babies have lower mass that adults, and the explosive black powder in the air bag is designed to slow down an adult from hiting the pillars, or what not, not a light weight baby.
FYI: not all 2006 EX CRV's are 4WD. There are some 2WD too. This in the context that 2005 and 2006 CRV's are similar.
Ah? I didn't realize that the 2006 came with FWD EX. I thought that came in with the 2007 model. Thanks for the update!
...which is why it is illegal to have kids in the front seat in most states.
The Federal government allows one to disable the front airbags if the family has so many children that one of them HAS to ride up front.
...MNF
EBD was standard equipment on my 2003 CR-V EX, along with Anti-lock brakes.
MNF
Not sure which sites you are using, but (again), my 2003 CR-V had traction control. I used it a couple of times in the winter.
Hmmm, it's been a couple of years since I sat in that 2003, I think it had traction control. Any 2003 owner's want to speak up?
Are we confusing traction control with stability control? Usually traction control is only used to modulate torque steer on higher powered FWD engines (like the Accord V-6).
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The 05 and 06 are identical, except that 06 came with 60,000 miles powertrain warranty.
the 05 had
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
http://automobiles.honda.com/certified/specifications.asp?ModelName=CR-V&ModelYear=2005
the 06
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control
http://automobiles.honda.com/certified/specifications.asp?ModelName=CR-V&ModelYear=2006
Thanks... MNF
Well, they do have different size cubby holes in the dash :surprise: I still can't believe Honda did that one in the 2002...
Not sure if I believe the used Honda specs posted in the above URL in all regards; I am positive that EBD was included in the ABS system, but it is not listed there. Do you recall that? I remember because it was one of the reasons I wanted the EX.
Yeah.. the cubby hole. Let's put a hole in the dash that is just a little too small to hold a CD case.. Just to screw with their heads. :surprise:
Also.... forget the power lock switch for the passenger. Who would ever use that?
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My Japan built 05 has passenger door lock switch.
IIRC, they added it in 2004.
Well, they do have different size cubby holes in the dash I still can't believe Honda did that one in the 2002...
They also added a coat hook in the back. They changed the interior color for the Taffeta White models. Along with the cubby hole enlargement I think that was all for '02 to '03.
Does anyone fit four plus the driver into a CRV and if so what year. Also, we live in a pretty hilly community and I am worried about pulling a some of the hills around here with a loaded small SUV like the CRV.
\Thanks
.I have often put 5 in my CR-V. Mine was a Gen 2 (2002 - 2006), but the Gen 3 is even wider than the Gen 2. So you should not have any problem fitting 4 kids, especially since the older one can sit up front without worrying about the airbags. I have taken several long trips with 5 people, including into the mountains.
Good luck. They were rated number 1 SUV to have. you may have better luck negotiating on the new CR-V, than finding a deal on a used one. What's there not to like:
- capacity to carry 5 comfortably
- AWD that lets you do mild to moderate off-roading
- safety all around (air bags, ABS....)
- convinience (power everything even on the low-end models)
- excellent fuel economy, on par with many mid-size sedans.
I could get what I paid for mine, almost. And it is 3 years old.
I just traded my '02 to the dealer for $9K, and it has 106K miles... He put it on the lot for $12,999..
I realize the 2000 is a different model, but it sounds like you did well...
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I'm in the process of helping my son replace a '98 subaru wagon he wrecked on his way back to school. He really wants another subaru and I really want him to consider a CRV and a RAV4. I've done a ton of research on checking out used Subaru's. For example, I know to check for head gasket issues. It seems every Subaru we've looked at has head gasket issues or catalytic converter problems or bad CV joints.
What should I look out for on a CRV?
Most of the vehicles in his price range are over 100K miles (1997-2000). How can I tell if the valves are burnt? Is it possible to tell if the timing belt has been replaced? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Lynne
Otherwise, ask them if they've looked at the new body style and if they have thought about buying a new one. Then you tell them you'd be interested in buying their old one and here's how you can contact me.
Hopefully you'll get them curious about a new one, and they'll visit the showroom, knowing they have a potential buyer in the wings.
I'm looking into a Honda CR-V to replace my 1990 Ford Taurus - a change, I know, but I could use something a little sportier with the roof rack, etc. But truly I need something reliable and sturdy.
I've found a 2003 CR-V EX at a dealer with about 85k on it, dealer is asking 13k - which I see might be a little bit high.
My question: should I be put off by the higher mileage and look for something else? Should I expect some problems around the 100k mark or can I look forward to many years with this vehicle?
Thanks in advance for your help, I'm looking forward to poking through the forum more!
-NK
I think the 2006 SE sold for as little as $23,000 in September of 2007...
I agree, Gen 2, 2.5 is a better looking CR-V than Gen 3, and 3.5, which looks like purse on wheels.
Besides, by Honda eliminating the availability of manual transmission on the CR-V has completley castrated the CR-V.
Please anyone may answer ,I am considering giving $6300 for a 2002 w/AWD tommorrow. Thanks in advance .
So AWD is totally self activating? I suppose that's OK, what about the Overdrive,does it have to be off at the time ? Overall does $6300 seem like a fairly good price? It was owned by an elderly couple ,but I can't contact them. If A/C has not been repaired properly is that a dealbreaker ?