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1st gen or 2nd gen CRV in Canada?

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Old 01-21-2016, 09:46 AM
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Default 1st gen or 2nd gen CRV in Canada?

I just started looking at the CRV and I am almost outside the budget for 1st and 2nd generation CRV vehicles. Actually, most will probably be uncertified or have no safety (i.e. "as is") so I will probably have to save for a bit longer.

I hope to buy in the spring or summer...when I have more money. I was looking at Camrys, Corollas, Accords, Civics, Acuras (EL) and now the CRV.

The CRV I like for many reasons including fuel economy and lower insurance. I am wondering why the 1st gen seems to be cheaper on insur. than the 2nd gen. when the 2nd gen appears to be safer. Anyway, I will get to the really significant questions...

I don't really have a preference in looks or mechanicals as I like both. If I had to choose, I would probably go with 2nd gen although anything past the '02 is a lot more expensive. In Ontario, Canada, the '02 is around $3K Cdn. and high mileage. I was impressed with a few in really good exterior condition, no rust or any noticeable damage (on pictures) but were high mileage.... 215K so over 100K miles for Americans.

Should that be a matter of concern, the mileage? For much lower mileage, I won't be able to afford it since it will be over $4K. The '02 I found were two vehicles for 215K and 232K km and both were Mojave Mist (I like this colour but not picky on colour).

I know to take it to a mechanic for a pre-inspection. I think the 2nd gen issues to especially look at is the AC - whether it ever was repaired or broke and timing chain? For the gen 1., it is the valve replacement history (every 30K kms?) and timing belt change (if any). Anything else?

I checked other links here and I like what I read from either generation:
https://honda-tech.com/honda-element...n-crv-3183542/
https://honda-tech.com/odyssey-|-rid...d-gen-2215149/
https://honda-tech.com/honda-element...n-crv-2895425/

I'm looking at '99 - '02 CRV vehicles but there aren't very many for my price range... I'm not ready to buy anyway but I just wanted an idea.

I really liked this comment in one of the threads:
"I wouldn't worry about mileage at all, I'd be more concerned with rust, condition of the interior, suspension, front end componts, engine, trans, etc."

I noticed that many of these vehicles seem to go well over 200K km so I thought maybe the 215K km car I looked at could be a contender if I find something like this in a few months. It looked brand new - found it on Autotrader.ca. I mostly look on it and kijiji.

I decided to create my own post since I didn't want to hijack anyone's thread or interrupt so I hope that's okay.

Oh yeah, another reason I liked the gen 2., is that as bad as the AC problem might be, I like that it's safer and has a bit more power. It is often warm/hot out with this climate in Ontario but I would rather be safe than worry about AC. It's better than worrying about oil or tranny problems that seem to plague other vehicles. Of course, that has to be checked/evaluated with any vehicle including the CRV.

I think the Gen 1.5(?) (is that '99 - '01, right?) is 146hp? Gen 2 is 156 hp?

One other thing I thought of is that it's difficult to find a vehicle here in good condition, especially, the exterior because of the winters and salt.... and buying cheap, then the mileage is often quite high....but, if I make the priority the condition of the vehicle and figure a well-maintained vehicle can go well over 200K km and maybe even to 300K km and beyond, then I can consider some of the higher mileage vehicles if the mechanical inspection is A OK?

Any advice or anything to add?

If I think of anything, I'll add it to this thread? Thanks for any replies or advice...
Old 01-23-2016, 08:50 PM
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Default Re: 1st gen or 2nd gen CRV in Canada?

How the vehicle was driven and maintained will dictate its age. I've seen dead CR-Vs with 100k miles, and highly functional CR-Vs with 200+K miles. Although I will say both are extremes. All machines have components that fail.

If you're on a strict budget who cares about color. Pick a car that will serve your needs, and if it looks good too then that's just a bonus.

Valve clearance adjustment is what you mean. I believe Honda reccomends valve lash be checked every 30k-60k miles, but not many owners do that. My 2006 CRV never had its valves adjusted until 100k when I bought it.

The timing belt on the Gen 1 should be replaced at 90k miles along with the water pump. The second Gen has a chain. As long as the motor has never been starved of oil the chain will last well into 200k miles.

2002-2004 Gen2 AC issues are a valid concern to ask about.

All these cars you're looking at will all need some form of work done. It is very rare in the US for people to sell perfectly good cars. Theres always somethine they arent telling you. Not sure how you Canadians do things. Give the car a good 15-20 minute test drive before buying it.

Good luck
Old 01-24-2016, 04:58 PM
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Default Re: 1st gen or 2nd gen CRV in Canada?

i live in sudbury ontario, and we use more salt than on hells kitchen. i had a first gen, and i currently have a 2nd gen. i love the 2nd gen a lot more, but my opinion on that i love it shouldnt throw you one way or another. heres some reasons why id get a 2nd gen (as i did) if i were in your position.

1st gens use timing belt, which need to be replaced. 2nd gens use timing chains, which theoretically never need to be replaced. the guides can wear out, and the tensioner can also wear out, but its a safer bet. although the timing belt is easier to replace than the chain components, id say 2nd gens are the way to go in this situation.

1st gens use a b20 engine. although theyre pretty great in stock form, they leave a lot to be desired. you can build it, or replace it with a GSR/Type R, but reliability starts to go out the window when you build a b20 and cost can get expensive with a GSR/type R. 2nd gens use the k24a1 motor. This is THE motor to get when youre building a K. you want that block, with a k20 head. In stock form, the k24 makes lots of torque and a decent enough hp number to keep you happy. should you want to make more power in the future, you have a great base to start with.

Rott. In canada, specifically northern ontario, cars rott out. Fast. The rest i scrapped my first gen was because it was rotten. All of the 1st gens out there that are decently cheap will be rotten. Not only that but because theyre older all of the other wear and tear items will be worn out. Bushings, u joints, ball joints, ect. 2nd gens are a bit newer, and have a better chance of being in better shape. my CRV has 327,000 KM, and youd never know looking at it. Milage in a honda is just a number. whats important is that the body is in good condition.




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