2013 Honda CR-V Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

❓ Critical Questions to Ask Seller

Do you have complete maintenance records for this vehicle?

How many miles were driven vs. how many miles were flat towed behind the RV?

Was the transmission fluid changed every 30,000 towing miles (or 2 years) as required by Honda?

Was the proper pre-tow procedure followed every time? (Start engine, cycle gears, shift to Drive for 5 sec, then Neutral, idle 3 min)

What towing equipment is included? (Base plate, tow bar, supplemental braking system, wiring)

Why are you selling it?

Has the VTC actuator ever been replaced? (Common issue causing grinding noise on cold start)

Have there been any transmission issues or repairs?

When were the timing chain, spark plugs, and valve adjustment last done?

Has the vehicle ever been in an accident?

🔍 Visual Inspection (Before Starting)

CRITICAL: Check for front-end damage or repairs from towing equipment installation

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

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

Inspect all four tires for matching 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

🔧 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 and 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

Look for any disconnected hoses or wires

Check air filter condition (dirty filter = poor maintenance)

🔑 Cold Start Test (Most Important!)

⚠️

Vehicle should be COLD (hasn't run for at least 3 hours). If seller says "I just warmed it up for you" - that's a RED FLAG. They may be hiding cold-start issues.

CRITICAL: Listen for VTC actuator grinding/rattling noise on startup (most common 2013 CR-V problem - $800 repair)

CRITICAL: Watch for any warning lights on dashboard (especially oil pressure or transmission warnings)

Engine should start immediately without excessive cranking

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

Check for white smoke from exhaust (could indicate head gasket issue)

Check for blue smoke from exhaust (burning oil)

Watch temperature gauge - should gradually warm up to middle range

🪑 Interior Inspection

Check all seats for tears, stains, excessive wear

Test all power windows (up and down)

Test all door locks

Check air conditioning - should blow cold

Check heater - should blow hot

Test radio and all speakers

Check dashboard for cracks

Test horn

Check for musty smell (water leaks/mold)

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 (15-20 minutes minimum)

ℹ️

Drive on highway, city streets, and rough roads. Test all speeds from 0-65 mph. Listen carefully!

CRITICAL: Test transmission shifting - should be smooth, no slipping, no shuddering (especially 35-40 mph)

CRITICAL: Listen for transmission whining or grinding noises

Accelerate hard from 0-60 mph - engine should have good power, no hesitation

Test 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 - vehicle should track straight, not pull left or right

Listen for clunking from suspension over bumps

Listen for wheel bearing noise (humming that changes with speed)

Test cruise control (if equipped)

Make tight turns both directions - listen for CV joint clicking

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

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

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 or AutoCheck report - verify no accidents, title issues, or odometer fraud

CRITICAL: Review ALL maintenance records - look for regular oil changes, transmission services

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 and all towing equipment documentation

🔬 Professional Pre-Purchase Inspection

🚨

NON-NEGOTIABLE: Before buying ANY 200,000-mile vehicle with flat towing history, get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic. Cost: $100-150. Worth every penny!

Schedule pre-purchase inspection with independent Honda mechanic

Mechanic check: Transmission condition and fluid

Mechanic check: Engine compression test

Mechanic check: Timing chain condition

Mechanic check: Suspension and steering components

Mechanic check: Brake pads, rotors, brake fluid

Mechanic check: CV axles and joints

Mechanic check: Exhaust system and catalytic converter

Mechanic check: Frame and undercarriage for rust/damage from towing

💰 Price Negotiation Guide

💡

Fair Market Value: $3,000-$4,000 for a 2013 CR-V LX with 200k miles in good condition. Use any issues found to negotiate lower!

Note all issues found during inspection to use in negotiation

Get repair estimates for any problems found

Compare asking price to similar vehicles in your area

Factor in cost of towing equipment if not included ($1,500-2,500)

Be prepared to walk away if seller won't negotiate or answer questions

🛑 Absolute Deal Breakers - Walk Away If:

🚫

Any of these issues = DO NOT BUY. No matter how good the price seems!

Seller has no maintenance records

Transmission slips, shudders, or makes grinding noises

Engine makes loud knocking or ticking sounds

Multiple warning lights on dashboard

Transmission fluid is black/burnt or very low

Seller refuses pre-purchase inspection by your mechanic

Vehicle has salvage or rebuilt title

Major rust on frame or structural components

White smoke from exhaust (head gasket failure)

Seller can't prove proper towing procedures were followed

Asking price over $5,000 (too much for this mileage/condition)

Vehicle was in major accident (per Carfax)

✅ Final Decision

🤔

Take your time. Don't let seller pressure you. There are other vehicles out there!

My Decision:

✅ Move forward with purchase (pending mechanic inspection) 🤔 Need more information or need to negotiate price ❌ Walk away - too many issues

Reason for decision:

🚗 2013 Honda CR-V Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Vehicle Information

📝 Additional Notes & Observations

My Decision: