[dmaxdmax]

I won't compromise on AWD and complete service records. Given that, should I search for older vehicles with fewer miles, or newer vehicles with more miles? I've read a lot about engine problems on the '17 and '18 so I won't look newer than '16.

Thanks.

 

[GeoffG]

As I own a '16, that would be my recommendation. The trim level may also be a consideration for hitting your target.

 

[larryr]

Where are you - I have never needed AWD - Have had 2WD Hondas since 1974 and have never been stuck moving. Do own FWD tire chains. AWD only helps you get moving - It does zip to stop you.

I saw the 1.5L Turbo and jumped to a 2016 to get as far away from the issue that was coming - any good engineer that knows that small GDI engines with turbos will have OD. I knew that before this website started reporting on it. The fact that Honda amplified the issue with a too small oil pan - 100 years of Diesel engine (they are DI) learned that you need a larger oil pan to compensate for the fuel that will leak past the piston rings. Honda did that with the 3.5L but forgot to do it on the 1.5L. It should have had a 6 quart oil pan to 1 - have more area to allow the fuel to vaporize and 2 - 6% OD in 3.5 Qts is 3.2% OD in 6 Qts.

 

[rocky]

You'll get more for your $ with FWD.

It used only new for me,no longer. I like lease turn ins with service history best. So far.

 

[dmaxdmax]

Where are you - I have never needed AWD - Have had 2WD Hondas since 1974 and have never been stuck moving. Do own FWD tire chains. AWD only helps you get moving - It does zip to stop you.

My daughter goes to college in the NC mountains where the hills are significant. More importantly, this will primarily be my wife's car and she wants AWD; therefore, I want AWD. We are not in an area where anyone uses chains.

 

[H82LOS3]

"....age or milage?"

Simple, my answer is mileage. Also, please don't forget to look for maintenance record and history of the car. Good luck and keep us updated

 

[newbie99]

.

Less miles with older age is my 1st pick as well - assume both vehicles has same features. re: Same "apple to apple" product comparison....

 

[kloker]

After six months of hard research, I crossed off anything newer than a 2009 model. In 2010 issues started showing up with things like recalls to replace piston rings due to high oil consumption and other issues I consider high risk, and Gen4s only add to the list. IMO the added tech gimmickry only adds to the problems and expense of ownership. In the end I wound up with an '07 with 92k, and couldn't be happier, although I really wanted a manual transmission but was unable to find an '05 or '06 manual in good enough condition. I think I will have fewer issues and a lower total cost of ownership with my '07 than I would have with a Gen4. But if I was limited to one, I wouldn't go newer than a '14, as issues went up exponentially after that year. Also, I will never own anything with a CVT. They are junk IMO. More expensive to repair and less reliable. I already see other carmakers reverting to multi-speed automatics from the CVT. Just my opinion, but I did a lot of research. A lot. No, really.

Beyond all that, common sense is king when choosing a used car. Buy only from an individual, never a dealer. Look for appearance and condition, mileage and records, and an honest seller.

 

[dmaxdmax]

After six months of hard research, I crossed off anything newer than a 2009 model. In 2010 issues started showing up with things like recalls to replace piston rings due to high oil consumption and other issues I consider high risk, and Gen4s only add to the list. IMO the added tech gimmickry only adds to the problems and expense of ownership. In the end I wound up with an '07 with 92k, and couldn't be happier, although I really wanted a manual transmission but was unable to find an '05 or '06 manual in good enough condition. I think I will have fewer issues and a lower total cost of ownership with my '07 than I would have with a Gen4. But if I was limited to one, I wouldn't go newer than a '14, as issues went up exponentially after that year. Also, I will never own anything with a CVT. They are junk IMO. More expensive to repair and less reliable. I already see other carmakers reverting to multi-speed automatics from the CVT. Just my opinion, but I did a lot of research. A lot. No, really.

Beyond all that, common sense is king when choosing a used car. Buy only from an individual, never a dealer. Look for appearance and condition, mileage and records, and an honest seller.

Thanks! I'm not predisposed to dislike a CVT since my Prius was trouble free for 16 years. That said, it's unlikely to play a big part of my decision process one way or the other. For better or worse, syncing a phone via bluetooth is non-negotiable, second in importance to a working steering wheel. If it raises my TCO then that's the price I'll have to pay.

I'm having a hard time finding a private seller! There are tons of cars available by dealers or carmax but very few from individuals - it is *very* frustrating. I won't do home-delivery. My local dealer "gives" free synthetic oil changes and state inspections for life. On new cars they give a lifetime warranty (I think no deductible) on the engine if they do the changes. They tried to fix my Ody's sliding door and when they failed they didn't charge me the diagnostic fee or anything for the labor after signing the work order where I said that I was on the hook for at least the diag fee. They might get my biz just for that.

 

[kloker]

Thanks! I'm not predisposed to dislike a CVT since my Prius was trouble free for 16 years. That said, it's unlikely to play a big part of my decision process one way or the other. For better or worse, syncing a phone via bluetooth is non-negotiable, second in importance to a working steering wheel. If it raises my TCO then that's the price I'll have to pay.

I'm having a hard time finding a private seller! There are tons of cars available by dealers or carmax but very few from individuals - it is *very* frustrating. I won't do home-delivery. My local dealer "gives" free synthetic oil changes and state inspections for life. On new cars they give a lifetime warranty (I think no deductible) on the engine if they do the changes. They tried to fix my Ody's sliding door and when they failed they didn't charge me the diagnostic fee or anything for the labor after signing the work order where I said that I was on the hook for at least the diag fee. They might get my biz just for that.

I gotcha. I will be doing an audio upgrade this summer after which my car will have that functionality. I don't know where you are but here there are tons of them on Craigslist and more on Facebook Marketplace. Yes, there are dealers, but many are individuals. Buying from any dealer will cost way more than an individual, no exceptions. It's your money. The other thing about buying used is to be patient, don't hurry. Find the right deal. You'll know it when you see it. Hunting a used car is like hunting a deer. Don't pull the trigger until your aim is right.

 

[jeffreys]

Hello,
You should have no problem finding a CRV in your area for your price range. I live in Texas and am selling my 2016 Honda CRV AWD EX with Leather and 96 month 120,000 mile warranty and have had several inquiries after only one day. Also, since you are in NC area, Hendrick Automotive Honda dealerships offer a free lifetime powertrain warranty. I purchased both of my Hondas in California and both of them included said warranty in writing. Good luck to you and your wife.

 

[fubarnow]

Honda and Toyota make their own CVT's so they
have had less quality issues that other car makers.
Other manufacturers get the CVT from a out sourced maker.

 

[mrtn]

Toyota CVT is made by Aisin.