Hello!
I recently found a 2002 honda cr-v with on 32,000 miles on it at a dealership. I know that Honda are dependable. But should I be worried about it having such low miles? Did I really find a diamond in the rough? They also have a 2003 Acura MDX with less then 100k. Which one would you recommend I buy? I really want an honest opinion from someone that knows cars because my husband is no help and my dad is now gone. So I'm attempting to do this on my own for the first time. Thanks!
Do you really believe a 19 year old car only has 32,000 miles? I do not. Do you really believe anything a dealer tells you? I do not.
What kind of dealer is selling a 20-year-old Honda? It's in that awkward phase where it's not new enough for most new car dealers to touch and not old enough to be a "classic car". How much are they selling it for? (Probably more than top dollar.) Quite a few red flags here, including the mileage claim for a vehicle that old. Definitely have it thoroughly checked out by a mechanic if you decide to proceed.
At just 32,000 miles, the vehicle should have none of the tell tale signs of a high mileage vehicle -
1. Frayed/worn out front seats
2. Worn out texture on the outer surface of the steering wheel (smooth/shiny surface)
3. Worn out rubber on edges of accelerator & brake pedal
4. Worn out driver’s door pad/upholstery
Look for signs of cosmetic wear in general. If you find a few, that should set off red flags.
If the mileage is indeed genuine, have it thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic, before purchase. It’s a 20yr old vehicle, so try not to overpay.
Make sure the mileage is legitimate. Have absolute proof for that, otherwise walk way.
I had a standard transmission 03 CR-V. It was a great vehicle. Passed it onto my son who finally sold it around 175000 miles. But AC compressors fail on these vehicles. That’s an $800 repair minimum. More depending on failure mode. Catalytic converters replaced by dealer would have been $1800. I used after market non California for under $400. The tires can be noisy on this vehicle. Sound resonates in the back. Noticibly better when I put on Comfort Treads by Goodyear. But still a buzzy ride. If you trust the miles, you should get good use from it.
The Acura may be better for comfort and performance. But parts and repairs will be sky high. Try to get some info on its maintenance history.
used cars are being priced +30% over 2019 prices. Dealers are less willing to negotiate since the market is tight and good cars are in demand.
Id choose the Honda CR-V and try to get a brake job thrown in, maybe ask for new tires. Especially if the originals are still on the vehicle. Tires have date codes, don’t drive on 10 year old tires.
sorry about your dad.
