It's been years since I posted here, but I like this forum a lot.

I've been shopping for a CR-V for my wife, but I don't know much about them. Our requirements are: AT, $5000 or less.

I have heard some say avoid the B-series CR-V models (which I believe is up to 2001.) I seem to find those with a lot more rust than the K-series cars. I have much experience with K-series engines from my time swapping them into Fiat X1/9s, and I LOVE the K-series. I know that the B-series is also a good engine, but the K is what I know and prefer to stick with.

What should I be looking out for on these vehicles? Are the AWD systems pretty robust? What are the typical mechanical failures and quirks?

 

Ive got a 2nd gen so anything I say about CRVs Will generally refer to that series.

2002+ will have a k series except maybe some of the 4th and/or 5th gens? But with 5k you’re probably looking at 2nd and 3rd gens.

02-06 CRVs sometimes have A/C issues surrounding the compressor and if you don’t address it quickly enough it can potentially cause bigger problems for the entire ac system requiring pretty much everything be replaced or cleaned. This is pretty much the biggest issue financially speaking. Listen and feel for excessive vibrations with ac engaged and listen/look at the compressor with engine running and off. If it looks, feels, or sounds weird - something probably needs work.

I dont have AWD in my 02 but it seems pretty reliable from what I’ve seen on here - as long as you change out your fluid every now and then (30k Miles I think..?). Listen for squeaking, whirring or whining noises in the rear differential area while test driving.

They like to bust oil seals around the vtec solenoid and cylinder head area as they age. Gaskets are cheap and easy to replace ($10 and half an hour with a beer in your hand). Just look at the cylinder head near the belt side and look for oil leaks.

Semi related to above - some people get vtec solenoid related codes (probably from lack of oil changes on time?) bring a scanner and check for stores codes. This usually involves replacing the entire unit $100ish and like 5 bolts and 3 connectors. Pretty easy.

The rear shocks don’t age well. I see a lot of these running around with sagging rear end and excessive negative camber. You’ll prob notice this quickly if you’ve got good eyes. See this a lot on elements too. Not too hard to replace, you can find quick struts for a Few $100 I bet.

Avoid anything with a sun roof they’ll leak eventually.

Try to get one without ABS 02-04 less crap to worry about. I’ve read on here about people with unsolvable abs computer issues.

Maybe ill think of more later lol

edit: I’m from the south so I’m not aware of any rust issues.

 

Avoid black death prone years.
Scan for codes before you pay even if no check engine light. That includes more than PCM - scan ABS, SRS, TPMS and all of the systems.

 

I recommend Gen. 3, 2007-2011. Just from reading too much on various forums, they seem to give less trouble than older and newer models. My partner loves our 2011, maintenance is easy

 

Thank you for the detailed answer.

 

Price is too high for us for those years.

 

I don't know what black death is or which years it affects.

 

Price is too high for us for those years.

 

Thank you for this detailed reply.

 

Black Death is the A/C issue we previously mentioned. It affects model years 02-06 I believe. Hasn’t happened to my ‘02 but I do know a guy who’s mom has a 2004 and it happened. He replaced the entire system.

 

I confirm it. As long as it is included in the budget.