Honda CR-V Maintenance Costs: The Bulletproof Commuter

The Honda CR-V is the quintessential family crossover. It is spacious, fuel-efficient, and holds its value exceptionally well. When people ask for a car that they can "just put gas in and drive," the CR-V is usually the answer.

However, modern emissions standards forced Honda to move to small, turbocharged engines and CVT transmissions. While still highly reliable, these modern powertrains require slightly more attention than the simple Hondas of the 1990s.

The Low Cost of Ownership

The CR-V is incredibly cheap to keep on the road.

• Synthetic Oil Change: $60 - $90
• CVT Transmission Fluid Drain & Fill: $150 (Every 30k miles)
• Brakes and Rotors: $400 - $600

The One Major Issue: 1.5L Turbo Oil Dilution

If you are buying a used 2017-2020 Honda CR-V with the 1.5L Turbo engine, you must be aware of "Oil Dilution."

In cold climates, if the car is driven on short trips where the engine never fully warms up, unburned fuel can slip past the piston rings and mix with the engine oil in the oil pan. This dilutes the oil, raising the oil level and reducing its ability to lubricate the engine.

Symptoms include a strong smell of gasoline on the oil dipstick and the cabin smelling like raw fuel when the heater is on. Honda issued a software update to help the engine warm up faster, but the best preventative measure is to change the oil strictly every 5,000 miles rather than waiting for the Maintenance Minder light.

CVT Transmission Health

Honda makes one of the best Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) in the industry. However, CVTs are highly sensitive to fluid degradation. You absolutely must drain and fill the CVT fluid every 30,000 miles. If you buy a used CR-V with 80,000 miles and the fluid has never been changed, the transmission's steel belt may already be worn.

Leasing vs. Buying a Used Honda CR-V

**Buying Used:** Because the CR-V is so beloved, used models hold their value insanely well. A 3-year-old used CR-V often costs almost as much as a brand new one. You might be paying 7% interest on a used car loan for a vehicle that already has 40,000 miles on it.

**Leasing New:** Honda lease programs are typically excellent. By leasing a brand-new CR-V, you get the completely redesigned new generation with a much nicer interior and improved safety features. More importantly, because the car holds its value so well, the lease residual is high, making the monthly payment very low.

Why pay top dollar for a used car with old technology when you can lease a brand-new family hauler for a highly affordable monthly payment? Check out our [Honda Lease Deals](/brand/honda) to price out a new CR-V.

> **Looking for a hassle-free upgrade?** Explore the [best car lease deals in New Jersey](/car-lease-deals-new-jersey) with $0 down options and free doorstep delivery.

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