Im looking to buy a 98 CRV with 219k Miles for a winter vehicle.

1998 crv. honda

Anything in particular to look for?

 

Maintenance records? Visual of the car for rust, oil leaks, transmission leaks, if its awd take a look at the differential.

Its really alot to look at for a car with that many miles.

 

Check for any recalls.. I jus got me a 98 crv for a dd w/255k. and call honda up and I had 2 safety recalls..
1. A wire harness upgrade
2 ignition harness ..

So honda replaced them both free of charge

 

Any existing rust? Look in the rear wheel wells, it seems to build up there commonly with CR-Vs in the snow belt.

 

That post link is deleted. Was the car already sold? Is it a AWD CR-V? Make sure the AWD is engaging properly. If its a car from the snow belt, I would inspect the brakes lines that run under the center of the car.

My brakes lines rusted and were leaking and it was a expensive fix. Around $700. The lines are behind a plastic bracket.

 

Yep its the 5 speed ex. I picked her up for 2100. The car is extremely clean. 1 owner, maintained very well with all services records from local Honda dealership.

Timing belt was replaced at 105k.. thoughts about doing it again at 219k miles?

 

I think the interval is at every 105k and so is the water pump. Maybe have them checked out. Though when I did my pulled my water pump, it looked completely tip top. But you just never know.

 

Here's what I would do since you can't just guess what the previous owner did:

valve adjustment

replace transmission oil - honda MTF

change oil

change Dual Pump fluid in rear diff

Flush clutch fluid

Flush brake fluid

Inspect front upper & lower balljoints

Inspect tie rod end links

Replace cabin air filter

Replace spark plugs (use NGK's)

might as well replace the following since its in the interval:

Timing belt, water pump, tensioner (if you're doing this, might as well drain antifreeze and replace thermostat. catch and reuse the antifreeze if it's clean if not replace)



These are the things I would do but it's a long list when it comes to some of it and it's all basically your wear items or items of concern on a 220k mile vehicle.

 

^^ This. I would just assume you should be replacing the lower ball joints, upper control arms, outer tie rods. A pretty easy job - easiest if you have a shop press out/in the lower ball joint into the knuckle. NAPA did it for me for $8 a knuckle. Do it all then get an alignment.

 

Safety Recalls done.

Windshield seals (important for inclement weather)…

Do a CarFax.