7 Smart Reasons to Buy a Used Honda CR-V Instead of a New One originally appeared on Autoblog.
The CR-V is a segment classic
If you’re in the market for a new compact SUV, the 2025 Honda CR-V is a good choice. The CR-V offers plenty of in-cabin space and technology. It also has all the safety features you could want, in addition to the power you need, thanks to a turbocharged engine. Also, if you’re looking to save fuel, the CR-V Hybrid can return up to an impressive 43 mpg in the city. The only issue is that a new Honda CR-V starts at around $30,000 and can easily top out at around $40,000 with the highest trim level picked and all the boxes checked.
That’s a fair price for a new SUV, but it can be out of reach for most buyers. Fortunately, the used car market has plenty of options, including used Honda CR-Vs. If you look at CR-Vs made in the 2010s, you can easily find a clean ride for far less than the cost of a new one. However, cost isn’t the only benefit that you will receive when choosing a used CR-V over a new one. Here are seven more reasons why it could be better to check out the classifieds and used car lots in your local area.
#1. Lower purchase price
As stated, a used Honda CR-V will command a far lower price than a new one. For example, the average selling price for a 2011 Honda CR-V EX-L is $7,925, according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s a fraction of the price of a new CR-V EX-L, which has a sticker price of $35,400. As you can see, price is a large factor when buying used versus new.
#2. An older Honda CR-V has proven its reliability
Reliability is a huge thing to consider when buying any car, especially if it’s new. Just because a car is new, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be reliable, despite the fact that Honda has been known for producing some of the most durable cars in automotive history. That said, if you opt for a used Honda CR-V, all you need to do is make sure that it’s in good shape. We recommend having a pre-purchase inspection done before pulling the trigger on any used car.
If the used CR-V passes the inspection and proves to be in good condition, then you know that it was cared for in the past and should last you a few more years, at least. Also, don’t let six-digit odometer readings scare you, as there have been many Hondas that have easily surpassed the 200,000-mile mark and are still ticking.
#3. An old CR-V has simpler technology
Although some buyers may love the large nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Bose premium audio system in the 2025 CR-V, others may not. Some buyers prefer the simplicity of older audio systems with buttons and volume knobs compared to the new systems today. In that case, the older CR-V wins out with its easy-to-use system, and if you’re feeling a little tech-savvy, some 2011 models came equipped with onboard navigation systems, rearview cameras, and Bluetooth. Just don’t expect the maps to be up-to-date.
#4. Better visibility
The 2025 Honda CR-V is easy to drive and easy to see out of from the driver’s seat, which makes it safer to drive. However, some older CR-Vs, like the second-generation models built from 2002 to 2006, had much taller windows, making them even easier to see out of. If you’re the type of driver who likes 360 degrees of visibility, an older CR-V could be a better choice.
#5. Comparable cargo space
When it comes to cargo space, the new Honda CR-V has a lot to give. With the rear seats folded up, the new CR-V boasts up to 39.3 cubic feet of space, and when they are down, that number grows to 76.5 cubic feet. By comparison, the 2011 CR-V has 35.7 cubic feet of space with the seats up and 72.9 when they are down, which is comparable to the new model.
#6. Lower insurance costs
While insurance costs will vary depending on a driver’s age, driving record, location, and other various factors, there is no doubt that a new car will always command higher insurance costs. As such, buying a used CR-V will likely yield lower insurance costs.
#7. No crazy dealer markups
It’s a known fact that dealerships like to put a markup or tack on other crazy fees for optional equipment installed on their new cars, further driving up the bottom line. What was once a $38,000 Honda CR-V now becomes a $45,000 one due to added accessories that buyers don’t want or need, just to pad the dealer’s pockets a little more.
However, if you buy a used CR-V, you won’t have to pay any increased markup or for any unwanted parts. Better yet, if you buy one from a private party, you’ll just have to pay the selling price of the car and the taxes and fees later at the DMV.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that a used Honda CR-V will be cheaper, cost less to own, and could be more reliable than a new one. Of course, there are advantages to buying a new one, like better fuel economy, updated technology, and a warranty. However, spending $30,000 to $40,000 for one may not be the best financial decision for most buyers, and in that case, a used CR-V is a smarter choice.
7 Smart Reasons to Buy a Used Honda CR-V Instead of a New One first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 30, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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