Dealer visit checklist

2025 Honda CR-V checklist

Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.

Inspect the car

Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)

Turbocharged 1.5L engine oil dilution with gasoline in colder climates — a known issue on prior-gen CR-Vs that Honda has largely addressed but still warrants monitoring with regular oil checks
Honda Sensing suite (adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist) can generate false alerts on certain road markings and in poor weather conditions
Infotainment touchscreen can be laggy or unresponsive, particularly in cold temperatures
Road and wind noise intrusion at highway speeds is higher than some rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5
Roof-mounted panoramic sunroof (on higher trims) has had isolated reports of rattles and water ingress over time

STEERING: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles.

Know the typical price: about $30,000 for this model year
Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away