1999 Honda CRV EX

[kashi]

Has anyone ever owned or known anyone who owned a 1999 Honda CRV EX? I just found one that looks promising, but I'd like to hear your opinions.

It has 88,000 miles and the buyer is asking $9995 ($1795 over Kelly Blue Book, which is way too much in my opinion). I haven't test driven it yet but am hoping to.

link to car

Also, any loan recommendations you can make would be great. I've already checked out rates with my bank, my workplace's credit union, and eloans.com.

[Russell]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Kashi, its like any other Honda, an appliance. You put gas in it, do recommended maintenance and it just runs. Like with any other used car you just have to make sure it was properly maintained. Ask for maintenance records and look through them. Ask about the major service when it was done and what it included. The major service schedule may have been elongated from 60k miles to 100k miles, in which case you'll need to figure in the cost of that. It usually includes timing belt, waterpump, spark plugs, air filter and maybe even all fluids (I do the fluids and tuneup on any used car I buy to start fresh). At the dealer the major service could cost $700+

CRVs had an AWD option too, those are usually a bit more expensive than the two wheel drive models (front wheel drive only). If you're buying it for the AWD advantage over cars I want to point out that the AWD in the CRV is 'OK' for occasionaly low traction weather. The reason I say its just OK is because its not in the AWD mode all the time. It sends some power to rear wheels when the fronts start to slip...by that time it maybe too late if you're stuck in the snow/mud. However, if its just icy/raining then it will work off and on and more or less do what its designed to do.

The toyota RAV4 on the other hand had full time 4wd and you could lock the center differential if the going got tough. So, from the AWD/4WD perspective I would personally favor the RAV4. I would say they're just as reliable too.

Another option might be a Subaru wagon, like the outback or Imprezza if you don't like the way the RAV4 and CRV handle.

You can do some research on:

autos.msn.com
carsurvey.org
edmunds.com

Also, if you're a AAA member they have used car buying service available, which may offer some perks.

As for the pricing, just keep in mind that 2-5 yr old cars have flooded the market so much that the car dealers are having a tough time getting rid of them. Recently I heard they're now being exported to Mexico where they're killing the new car market because most of these cars are practically brand new. If your range is around $10k you should be able to find a 5-7 yr old 'like new' car.

[Russell]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Well the MSN's reliability data shows this for all first gen (97-2001) CRVs:

An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Exhaust Valves or Valve Seats. When the Exhaust Valves or Valve Seats wear the valves can burn. The cost to repair the Exhaust Valves is estimated at $350.00 for parts and $559.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

I've never heard of this problem before but they have more survey data than I do so take your time and do your research on whatever car you may be interested in. Signup on a couple of message boards that are dedicated to the model you're intersted in.

Once you think you've found the right car have it inspected by the dealer. Ask them to do a vacuum test first and if that looks good do a compression test. That will tell you about the health of the engine. You can ask them to do a safety inspection too which usually includes lights, brakes etc...Also for that kind of money I'd want a car with under 60k miles on it.


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[kashi]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Thanks, Russell! I was hoping you would post.

That particular car is AWD. Good to know that they are just ok. Living in the tundra requires a vehicle that can make it through the snow when they don't plow the streets fast enough.

Thanks for the links, too. I am familar with edmunds but not the other two. I'll check out AAA too.

I am totally overwhelmed, which is why I keep putting off buying a new car or fixing the one I have. How about you just take a trip up to MN and help me find a car? j/k. Thanks for the advice.

[Russell]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Overwhelmed ? car shopping is fun...you get to kick the tires and take free test drives and go exploring other neighborhoods

Ask any questions you have, I'll do my best to answer them.

PS. I could take a trip up to MN but it'd be even better if you took a trip out to CA. Rust free cars, 78 degrees sunny skys and a road trip on the way back

[locolorenzo24]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

You know, you have to factor in the cost of repair to any purchase. I bought my 94 pontiac last month and spent 2800 on the purchase, 1200 on repairs, and 200 on title/tax...but for 110,000 miles no body rust, and running great I'll take it! So 4200 for true cost, make sure you buy used and have it checked out. Test drive it on interstate/city roads, different times 2 or 3 drives to make sure it drives well all 3 times.

[Keen]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Kashi,

As far a loan ideas....How much are you borrowing and what rates have you been quoted?

[kashi]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Yeah, it's overwhelming! I'm so afraid I'm going to get taken advantage of, as a woman buying a car. Perhaps unfounded but it's still unnerving. And I hate being "sold to."

SO agrees, Russell, that we should take a trip to CA! hehe.

As for borrowing...I'm thinking my max is $10,000. The latest quotes I've seen around around 5% and the highest, 8.5%. I haven't been preapproved for anything though...just gathering general rate quotes from banks and credit unions in my area. Any ideas you have would be great.

I do like the look of the Toyota RAV4. They seem to have their own problems on the msn website, but I guess most cars do. The thing is - I have yet to see a listing for either vehicle that is in my price range and less than 70,000 miles. Most are 80,000 and above, actually. Perhaps car prices are better in California?

[Russell]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Well, with the information available on the web these days its not easy for anyone to take advantage of you if you've done your research. Just plan your purchase in steps and stick with them like:

1) Look at only cars online that have pics and where owners are willing to answer questions (make a list of these, like does it have a salvage title, does the A/C work, does the 4wd system work, do you have maintenace records, when was the last major service done to it etc etc)


2) Ask for the VIN# and run carfax.com on any car you're interested in checking out in person

3) Make a list of things to check when there in person, check the paperwork, note the license tag when it expires etc

4) Make an offer contingent upon final inspection by a dealer or professional mechanic of your choice

5) Have the inspection done and trade paperwork...enjoy your new car.


Most CA cars will have higher mileage because there's not public tansportation in most areas so the cars do get driven. However, there's more selection, its the car central of the country. Try orangecounty.craigslist.org and losangeles.craigslist.org for starters. Then there's autotrader.com and cars.com

[Fern]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

The best way to not feel overwhelmed is to be informed. Do the research in those publications mentioned above and find out if what they're asking is close to the blue book value.

[kashi]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Now I'm looking at a 2003 Chevy Tracker from carsoup.com. We'll see.

I decided to look up my current car on autos.msn.com and read the user reviews. I am amazed by how many people said a 94 tempo was reliable. I've been stranded so many times and had to replace so many things on that car! It only has a rating of 6.7 out of 10 though, so at least that is somewhat realistic. I am a little wary of other user reviews now, though!

Trying to keep up with this research...any other websites would be most helpful. Any other questions for sellers that you can think of would be great, too!

[Russell]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

Any particular reason why you are looking at the small SUVs ? I'm guessing you want a 4WD that's not too bad on gas ? While the tracker is supposed to be a fairly reliable truck (its a re-badged Suzuki) I'd suggest a Toyota or Honda instead.

In particular I'm a big fan of the Toyota Tacoma 4x4 (you can get them in extended cab versions and 4 door versions). Very practical, one of the most capable 4wd in its class and Toyota tough. They're probably a bit pricey though. Good news is, they have a great resale value even after 10 yrs.

I can come up with a ton of questions to ask the seller, just depends how much you want to annoy them

[kashi]

Re: 1999 Honda CRV EX

I'd like something with a bit more room to haul things, and yes, I'd like 4WD and decent gas mileage. We normally end up having to borrow someone's van in order to do anything (buy a Christmas tree, get new chairs, anything) and I'd like to be a little less reliant on others. I'd also like to get a big dog someday and it would be nice to have the room. I really dislike station wagons. It would be nice to be a little bit higher on the road...I feel a little vulnerable in SO's Honda Hybrid sometimes.

Yeah, the more I read about Trackers, the more they sound like cardboard boxes (plus, the one I was interested in turned out to have a salvage title). I'll look into the Tacoma today, thanks for the recommendation!

I have no problem annoying people with questions, because it will help me get the best deal, and if they won't answer them, I won't buy from them. I asked the Tracker guy all the questions you listed above and he was quite nice about answering them.

Thanks Russell! Your knowledge is invaluable!