About the Honda CR-V.
The CR-V has been the default small SUV recommendation for a long time, and the reason is simple — it does everything a family needs without trying to be exciting. Trim levels run LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and on newer models, Sport and Sport Touring. The 2.4L naturally aspirated four-cylinder powered CR-Vs through 2016 and is one of the most reliable engines Honda has built. The 1.5L turbocharged four took over for 2017+ models, making more power and better fuel economy at the cost of some early-year oil dilution concerns we'll cover below. All-wheel drive is optional and worth having if you ever leave pavement. Interior space is the CR-V's hidden trick — fold the back seats flat and you have more cargo room than vehicles two sizes bigger. South Mississippi buyers in Collins, MS and the surrounding area gravitate toward the CR-V for daily drives, school runs, and weekend errands — it's not a tow vehicle and it's not an off-road truck, but for the 95% of driving most people do, it's hard to beat. Fuel economy is real, parts and service are everywhere, and Honda resale stays strong even on higher-mile examples.
Why buy a used Honda CR-V?
CR-Vs hold their value better than almost any small SUV, which is both a reason to buy used (the platform is proven) and a reason to expect to pay a little more for one. The 2.4L engine in pre-2017 models is one of the most bulletproof engines Honda has made — 250,000 miles is not unusual. Maintenance costs are low, parts are cheap and available, and any decent shop in Mississippi can work on one. Interior space and cargo room punch above the CR-V's exterior size. Fuel economy on both the 2.4L and 1.5T is real — high 20s to low 30s combined. Safety scores are consistently good, the all-wheel drive system is reliable, and the platform is one of the easier ones for a teenage or new driver to handle. If you don't need to tow and you don't need to go off-road, the CR-V is one of the smartest used SUV buys on the market.
What to watch for on a used Honda CR-V.
The big one on the 2017-2019 CR-V with the 1.5T is the oil dilution issue — gasoline mixing into the engine oil, particularly in cold-weather use. Honda extended warranties and reflashed many of these, but check the oil level and smell on any 1.5T model. If the oil smells like gas or the level is above the full mark, that's a sign. 2020+ models are largely resolved but still worth checking. 2015-2016 CR-Vs had AC condenser failures (the condenser cracks and the system loses charge) — Honda eventually issued a service campaign, but always test the AC, especially in Mississippi heat. CVT transmissions are reliable but require fluid changes on schedule; ask about service history. Suspension bushings and front sway bar links wear out at higher miles. On pre-2017 2.4L models, the main issue is normal wear — they don't fail dramatically, they just need maintenance. Watch for rust on the lower rear quarters in higher-mileage examples that have lived through northern winters. We pull a CARFAX on every CR-V before it goes on the lot.
Financing & trade-in.
Get pre-qualified in two minutes with a soft credit check — no impact to your score. Top national lenders, rates as low as 4.9% APR for qualified credit. Trading in your current vehicle? Get an instant offer online, valid seven days.