Buying a used Honda CR-V (2002-05)

Released late in 2001, the Generation II CR-V immediately took a keenly-honed axe to Toyota's market-dominant RAV4. Within a year, the Honda was topping the Compact SUV segment; outselling the RAV and probably nicking a few Civic and Accord sales to boot!

Using Honda's obligatory VTEC technology, output from the 2.4-litre motor soared to 118kW with an accompanying 15 per cent boost in torque.

The reshaped nose incorporated larger, more curvaceous headlamps but the major change was to load area capacity. Despite being only 30mm wider than the original version, Gen II CR-Vs gained a massive 41 per cent in usable load-space, revised rear door design, improved seats and loads of in-cabin storage.

Suspension upgrading gave the CR-V greater wheel travel for offroad use, but there was criticism of its harsh ride on corrugated surfaces. The RealTime 4WD system incorporated a hydraulic pressure sensing system which engaged the rear differential once sensors noted the front wheels rotating faster than the rears.

Gen II prices began at $32,990, with the Sport adding a sunroof, alloy wheels, tailored spare wheel cover, body-coloured bumpers and $4000 to the basic model's cost. Limited production Winter Classic versions of both models were released in 2003 and again in 2004.

PRICES
Honda resale values are among the strongest in the market and five year-old CR-Vs in excellent condition are retaining close to half of their initial values.

Base models showing close to 150,000km sell in the $11,500-13,000 range; those in the 70-90,000km range are worth $16,000. Sport versions that sold new during 2002-03 for $37,000 regularly top $20,000 -- add $1000-1500 if it's got leather trim or is a Winter Classic.

CHECKPOINTS
After suffering cylinder-head problems with its earlier 2.0-litre engines, Honda's redesigned 2.4-litre (with chain camshaft drive in place of belt) delivered the durability that buyers expected of the brand.

Thriving on high revs, these engines demand high-quality lubricants and coolant, so regular maintenance is vital to reliability. Properly serviced, there is little to prevent a CR-V topping 200,000km before any serious expenditure becomes necessary.

Other things to look for include:

>> Recall history. Early CR-Vs were sold with rear mudflaps that didn't meet ADR specifications. A sticker affixed to the driver's door jamb will confirm that replacement flaps have been fitted.

>> More serious was the potential for an ignition switch fault to spontaneously start the vehicle. A similar problem in overseas models caused some CR-Vs to stop without warning. Again, check for a sticker or with Honda to ensure the switch in the vehicle you're considering has been replaced.

>> Failure of the air-conditioning compressor can occur without warning. Whirring from the aircon unit or failure to deliver noticeably cold air within 30 seconds of being engaged are signs of a potential $3000 repair bill. 

>> The rear differential on 'urban' CR-Vs can suffer due to lack of use. Perform a tight turn while accelerating and listen for creaking or clicking from the rear. Replacing the diff oil regularly will minimize the problem, as will occasional activation of the diff lock on a loose surface to give the internals some exercise.

>> Wheel alignment needs to be maintained to minimize steering effort and component wear. Wear to the inner edges of front or rear tyres, rim damage or impact damage to underbody components demands further investigation

>> Don't adopt a 'she'll be right' approach when inspecting a vehicle with minor damage or defects. Used spare pare parts for these models are scarce and replacing a cracked headlight lense, for example, requires buying an entire light at a cost of $370-420

>> The rear-mount spare wheel carrier is prone to damage, so make sure it can be easily opened. While there, check the spare for wear or damage