Seeking Advice - Honda CRV 2018

I’m a first-time car buyer and feeling pretty anxious about the whole process. I’ve been looking for a used Honda or Toyota SUV, and this one seems like a good option (details below). The seller gave me the VIN and is okay with me taking it to my mechanic before buying.

My budget is $15k (the CR-V is listed for $16k, but the seller is willing to take $15k).

I know the current market is rough, and this might be overpriced, but I need a car soon since I start work next week. I also can’t afford to spend a lot on repairs or maintenance. Someone told me the car might be worth $10k or less based on the year and mileage, but I don’t know much about cars. Honestly, I have no idea where you’d even find a car like this for $10k.

Any thoughts, concerns, or advice would be really helpful!

About This Vehicle:

  • Driven 110,000 miles
  • Automatic transmission
  • 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating
  • Fuel type: Gasoline
  • 28 MPG city · 34 MPG highway · 31 MPG combined
  • 2 owners
  • Paid off with a clean title
  • No significant damage or problems

Seller’s Description:

  • 2018 Honda HR-V LX AWD with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Clean title in hand
  • Cash & local only
6 Likes

That price is fair. According to KBB, the private party range is between $14k and $16k. If the seller is asking $15k, you could offer $14k.

It’s a smart move to have a mechanic check it out before you buy it.

I’d offer $14k in cash, but only if the car passes an inspection by a certified mechanic or collision center.

If the inspection finds any issues, make a note of them or get a repair quote. You can use this information to negotiate the price with the seller.

Also, check the Carfax report. But remember, not all problems like water damage, hail, or small accidents might be reported.

You should get a Carfax report to check if the car has been in any accidents. I recently bought a 2010 CRV with 92k miles and no accidents (one owner). I usually look for cars with low miles and newer years, but everyone has different preferences. Overall, this deal looks pretty solid.

I work at a Honda dealer, and I recommend checking that the 1.5 turbo engine has a good oil change history. We’ve been seeing some recent problems with head gaskets leaking coolant. Make sure the previous owner can show proof of all oil changes, and get a coolant system pressure test before buying a 1.5 turbo. The 1.8L and 2.0L HR-V engines seem to be more reliable. Just my two cents.

Is it a CR-V or an HR-V? The title and description say CR-V, but the seller’s description at the end says it’s an HR-V.

I had a 2000 dark green Prelude. It drives and handles well, but it uses a lot of oil and is very expensive to repair for an old car.