Hello all. I finally joined the CRV world after a year of searching, giving up, searching, etc. I bought this 2001 white EX 5 speed 4wd last week and couldn't be happier with it. I'd been looking in the area for private sellers but the resale value on these things is amazing and people want way to much for what they had (guess that's a good thing). So I looked at local dealers and missed two opportunities for a 00 SE with 87K and an 00 EX with 85K and decide to pull the trigger on this one. It has 100k on it but was taken care of very well both inside, out and under the hood. The previous owner only took it to the dealership and did every service that was suggested (even changed the TB, WP, drive belts and seals at 75K) including fluid replacements recently for the transmission and differentials. My 96 Civic was gaining on miles and my brother needed something cheap so I decided to retire from the car and pick up something "new" for myself and the wife.

My first impression is I love it. Its the newest car I've bought and I don't really mind its 100K because it rides and runs like new. I love the space inside and it has more cubby spots than any car I've seen, I'm still finding new ones, ha. The torque is a nice jump from the Civic although it isn't quite as quick as I supposed it'd be although I can't imagine the 97-98 models having 20 less HP so I'll take it. Also can't believe it has a passenger arm rest but no driver arm rest.

I use the word "built" lightly as this will be a DD and nothing performance or much appearance will happen. I just want to renew the car back to factory condition and maybe add some little toys here and there (factory option kind of things). I'll try to keep this thread updated with pics (because I know you all love pics) and do some DIY's along the way. Here's my short term plans before it gets cold around here:

-repaint the bumpers and moldings back to the factory matte black
-restore or repaint any trim that is flaking
-repaint fading wiper arms
-remove any dealership stickers/plates, etc
-wax and polish (the paint looks great but could use a little brightening)

Here are some of my previous How to's as I usually mostly post and tech support in the EG/EK, Integra, Tech and Hybrid forums:

My VTEC doesn't work
DIY AC/Cooling System
96-00 Civic Tune up/Fuel Filter

 

god i love these things in white. Cant wait to paint mine white in the spring. Currently im 100% chalkboard.

 

Yeah I really want to color match the bumpers/moldings/etc but waiting till I pay off the loan hopefully next year. Until then any extra cash goes into paying it off early. I hate debt.

 

Little update. Got chance to paint the bumpers, moldings, and wipers. And all I can say is WOW, it looks so much better. It makes the overall car look new and fresh. I didn't do a write up but basically for prep I used rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle with a microfiber towel to wipe it off. For the paint I used Duplicolor Flexible Bumper Coating - Black from Advance Auto. I masked off everything with 3M auto masking tape and newpapers. The paint was awesome and covered very well with little to no splotching that spray paint normally does. Here are the before and after:

Before


After


Before


After


Before


After


Before


After



On that note I want to paint the trim underneath the window. Its sorta a rubberized looking coating. Is this piece removable and if not whats the best way to get the coating off?

 

mines pealed so much its almost all chrome. lol. ill probably just sand blast it.

 

I'm gonna try this method when I get time, hopefully its the same for the CRV

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/diy-door-glass-molding-removal-painting-96-00-civics-3063334/

 

should work. let us know how it goes.

 

I would also do the tire cover, wiper arms and wiper cowl, and def the grill! If you ever take the front bumper off, paint all the white frame thats visible through the bumper openings black as well. It helps so much.

I did the paint like you first, and it looked awesome, and lasted a while, but ive since switched to plastidip.

 

I found a really great trim paint at NAPA auto parts stores called SEM trim paint, and they make it in factory honda black and grey colors. Try it out!

 

Yeah definitely going to do the grill and cowl cover. I tried to get the cowl cover off but couldn't wedge it out without what looked like taking the hood off. I don't feel comfortable spraying it on the car due to the fresh air vent being there. Also I'm going to get it all painted white sometime next year so I'm going to leave the tire cover for now. I'll let you know how it goes. I got some of the window trim rubber coating off yesterday pretty easy with it on the car so I'm going to try that method first.

 

Cool, keep us updated, I also got a white crv from asheville nc. It would be cool to get some crv's together

 

looks nice !!!! keep up the good work