Help. I’m contemplating purchasing a 2003 crv AWD, 204k miles or a 2004 Civic 1.7L, 175k miles for my daughter. The timing belt in the civic has never been changed. The CRV is $2500 and needs front bushings and sway bar link.
The civic is $3,200 and the timing belt needs to be replaced. Overall which car is a better deal?
Both cars currently run. Need help deciding the better option
Thank you!
Thank you! Regarding the CRV, the timing chain does not need to be replaced because it’s a chain, and not belt, correct?
Yes, it's a chain - these usually last hundreds of miles before requiring replacement.
Drive it around a bit, make sure that there are no rattles on a cold startup, and ,most importantly, take it to a mechanic for an in depth pre-purchase inspection (especially of the automatic transmission as that tends to be the weak spot of most Honda models).
After purchase replace the engine oil and filter, automatic transmission fluid, differential fluid, and other consumables to make sure that it's perfect.
The timing belt in the civic has never been changed
That's a major issue that will need to be taken care of asap if you choose to buy that car.
The CRV is $2500 and needs front bushings and sway bar link (...) civic is $3,200 and the timing belt
Overall which car is a better deal?
Definitely the CRV, it's also an SUV so that's a big bonus.
I’d go with the CR-V, because, TMK, it has the Honda K-Engine, one of the best engines Honda has ever made.
Civic makes much more sense as a first car. Both are good choices but do the work beforehand.
