Buying car for grandson, suggestions ?

[8gv]

The trouble is that cars in that price range can be full of problems.

Deferred maintenance, improvised repairs and ticking time bomb issues can run up repair bills that will eclipse the purchase price.

I one must buy in that price range a one owner Honda CRV is a great choice.

There have been four first generation CRV's in my family.

My 23 year old son currently has a '99 with only about 170k on it.

It's his daily driver and was previously my wife's car about four cars ago.

The only thing to watch for with those is the valve adjustment.

The USA manual indicates an adjustment is needed at 130k or if the valves are noisy.

In other countries the interval is 30k.

The valves do not get noisy; they are quiet even when way out of adjustment.

If you test drive one of the first generation CRV's (1997-2001) and it idles roughly or quits, it may need a valve adjustment OR a new cylinder head!

Great cars... with just that one little flaw.

[Slickcraft]

I would avoid an old Subaru; known for head gasket failures.

Dependability may be key but: thinking of how I drove as a teen, I would go for under-powered and safe.

Alan

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by 8gv

The trouble is that cars in that price range can be full of problems.

Deferred maintenance, improvised repairs and ticking time bomb issues can run up repair bills that will eclipse the purchase price.

I one must buy in that price range a one owner Honda CRV is a great choice.

There have been four first generation CRV's in my family.

My 23 year old son currently has a '99 with only about 170k on it.

It's his daily driver and was previously my wife's car about four cars ago.

The only thing to watch for with those is the valve adjustment.

The USA manual indicates an adjustment is needed at 130k or if the valves are noisy.

In other countries the interval is 30k.

The valves do not get noisy; they are quiet even when way out of adjustment.

If you test drive one of the first generation CRV's (1997-2001) and it idles roughly or quits, it may need a valve adjustment OR a new cylinder head!

Great cars... with just that one little flaw.

The issue with valve adjustment isn't with loose valves but tight valves...if the valves are too tight, they may not close completely. This can lead to cold engine misfires ( check engine light will come on) or ultimately burnt valves. I recommend valve adjustments and spark plugs every 105,000 miles.
Used Hondas are great cars...I still drive an 08 Accord with about 200,000 miles. A pre-purchase inspection is always a great idea. Check for rust...look closely at the rear bumper beam ( only way to see it is with the car up on a lift). Seeing service records is also very helpful.
Hope this helps...good luck!

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