2014 Honda CR-V Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

❓ Critical Questions to Ask Seller

Do you have complete maintenance records for this vehicle?

Has the VTC actuator been replaced? Does it make grinding/rattling noise on cold start?

Does the transmission shift smoothly, especially from 1st to 2nd gear?

When was the transmission fluid last changed? (Should be every 40,000 miles)

Does the engine hesitate or have delayed acceleration when you press the gas?

Does the AC blow cold? Have there been any AC repairs?

Have the brake rotors been replaced? Any shaking when braking?

Any water leaks inside the cabin during rain?

Has the vehicle ever been used for flat towing behind an RV?

Why are you selling it?

How often does it burn oil between changes? Any oil leaks?

Has the timing chain, spark plugs, and valve adjustment been done?

🔍 Visual Inspection (Before Starting)

Check body for rust, especially wheel wells, undercarriage, and door sills

Inspect tire tread depth and look for uneven wear (indicates alignment/suspension issues)

CRITICAL: Check all tires match (brand/type) - mismatched tires bad for AWD

Look for leaks under vehicle (oil, transmission fluid, coolant)

Check all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights)

Inspect windshield for cracks or chips

Check condition of wiper blades

Look at paint condition - fading, scratches, dents

Open all doors, trunk - check for smooth operation and no unusual sounds

Check windshield cowling area for signs of water leaks or repairs

🔧 Under the Hood (Engine Off, Cold)

CRITICAL: Check transmission fluid level and condition (should be red/pink, not brown/black or burnt smelling)

CRITICAL: Check engine oil level - note if very low (oil consumption issue)

Check oil condition (look for milky color indicating coolant leak)

Check coolant level and color (should be bright, not rusty)

Inspect brake fluid level (should be clear, not dark)

Check power steering fluid level

Look for oil leaks around valve cover gasket

Inspect belts for cracks, fraying, or excessive wear

Check battery terminals for corrosion

Check air filter condition (dirty filter = poor maintenance)

Listen for any noises from water pump bearing

🔑 Cold Start Test (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!)

⚠️

Vehicle MUST be COLD (not run for 3+ hours). If seller "warmed it up" that's a RED FLAG - they're hiding the VTC actuator noise!

🚨 CRITICAL: Listen carefully for VTC actuator grinding/rattling noise on startup (2-3 minutes) - THE most common 2014 issue!

CRITICAL: Watch for any warning lights on dashboard (oil pressure, transmission, check engine)

Engine should start immediately without excessive cranking

Let engine idle 3-5 minutes - listen for unusual noises (ticking, knocking, rattling)

Check for white smoke from exhaust (head gasket issue)

Check for blue smoke from exhaust (burning oil)

Temperature gauge should gradually warm to middle range

Test battery - if it was dead/weak recently, could be parasitic drain issue

🪑 Interior Inspection

CRITICAL: Test AC - must blow COLD (AC failure common on 2014)

Check heater - should blow hot

Check for musty smell or damp carpet (water leak from windshield cowling)

Lift floor mats and check for water stains in footwells

Check all seats for tears, stains, excessive wear

Test all power windows (up and down)

Test all door locks

Test radio and all speakers

Check dashboard for cracks

Test horn

Test all interior lights (dome light, map lights)

Check cargo area - lift carpet to check for rust or water damage

Locate spare tire and jack - check condition

🚙 Test Drive (20 minutes minimum - CRITICAL!)

ℹ️

Drive on highway AND city streets. Test at all speeds 0-65 mph. Pay special attention to transmission and acceleration!

🚨 CRITICAL: Test 1st to 2nd gear shift MULTIPLE times - harsh/hard shifting is common 2014 issue!

🚨 CRITICAL: Test acceleration from stop - engine hesitation/delayed response is known 2014 problem

CRITICAL: Listen for transmission whining, grinding, or shuddering (especially 35-40 mph)

All shifts should be smooth with no slipping

Accelerate hard from 0-60 mph - engine should have good power

Test brakes - check for shaking/pulsing (warped rotors common issue)

Brakes should stop straight with no pulling, no grinding noises

Test steering - should be responsive, no excessive play or looseness

Drive straight on flat road - should track straight, not pull

Listen for clunking from suspension over bumps

Listen for wheel bearing humming noise (changes with speed) - common issue

Make tight turns both directions - listen for groaning noise (differential fluid issue)

Make tight turns - also listen for CV joint clicking

Drive at highway speed (65 mph) - check for vibrations

Test AWD (if possible) - find gravel or slippery surface

Test cruise control

After test drive, check for new leaks under vehicle

Pop hood after drive - listen for abnormal noises, check for smoke/steam

📄 Documentation & Final Checks

CRITICAL: Get Carfax/AutoCheck - verify no accidents, title issues, odometer fraud

CRITICAL: Review ALL maintenance records - oil changes, trans services, repairs

Verify VIN matches title and vehicle

Check for open recalls at Honda's website

Verify seller owns vehicle (name on title)

Verify title is clean (not salvage, rebuilt, or flood damaged)

Get all keys and remotes (should have 2)

Get owner's manual

If towing equipment installed - get all documentation and parts info

🔬 Professional Pre-Purchase Inspection

🚨

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Get a pre-purchase inspection from independent Honda mechanic. Cost: $100-150. Can save you thousands!

Schedule pre-purchase inspection with independent Honda mechanic

Mechanic check: VTC actuator condition

Mechanic check: Transmission condition and fluid

Mechanic check: Engine compression test

Mechanic check: Timing chain condition

Mechanic check: Brake rotors for warping

Mechanic check: Wheel bearings

Mechanic check: Differential fluid

Mechanic check: AC system operation

Mechanic check: Suspension and steering components

Mechanic check: CV axles and joints

Mechanic check: Frame and undercarriage for rust

💰 Price Negotiation Guide

💡

Fair Market Value: $4,000-$5,000 for a 2014 CR-V LX with 176k miles in good condition. If it has the common issues, offer LESS!

Note all issues found during inspection

Get repair estimates for any problems found

Subtract repair costs from asking price for negotiation

If VTC actuator needs replacement - deduct $800-1000

If transmission has harsh shifting - deduct $300-500 for fluid service

If brake rotors warped - deduct $400-600

Compare to similar vehicles in area

Be prepared to walk away if price isn't right

🛑 Absolute Deal Breakers - Walk Away If:

🚫

Any of these = DO NOT BUY!

Seller has no maintenance records

Severe transmission issues (hard shifting, slipping, grinding)

Engine makes loud knocking sounds

Multiple warning lights on dashboard that won't clear

Transmission fluid is black/burnt or very low

AC doesn't work and needs major repair

Seller refuses pre-purchase inspection

Vehicle has salvage or rebuilt title

Major rust on frame or structural components

White smoke from exhaust (head gasket failure)

Evidence of major accident (per Carfax)

Asking price over $6,000 (too much for mileage/condition)

Multiple major issues found (would cost more to fix than vehicle worth)

✅ Final Decision

🤔

Take your time. Don't rush. There are other vehicles available!

My Decision:

✅ Move forward (pending mechanic inspection) 🤔 Need more info or need to negotiate lower ❌ Walk away - too many issues or bad deal

Reason for decision:

Negotiated/Offering Price:

🚗 2014 Honda CR-V LX Pre-Purchase Inspection

📍 Meeting Details

Vehicle Information

🔴 Known 2014 Honda CR-V Issues (CHECK THESE CAREFULLY!)

📝 Additional Notes & Observations

My Decision: