Models · Honda
Honda CR-V Mk4 buying guide
The fourth-generation CR-V, sold from 2012 to 2018 with a 2.0 i-VTEC petrol and 2.2 and 1.6 i-DTEC diesels, facelifted in 2015. It is a solid used buy, and the checks centre on the diesels and a few known wear items.
The versions
- 2.0 i-VTEC petrol: 153bhp, throughout
- 2.2 i-DTEC diesel: 148bhp, until the 2015 facelift
- 1.6 i-DTEC diesel: 118bhp, front-wheel drive, from 2013; 158bhp four-wheel-drive version from the 2015 facelift
- Six-speed manual or automatic
- Front-wheel drive or on-demand four-wheel drive
What to check on a Mk4 CR-V
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
1.6 i-DTEC DPF, EGR valve and oil leaks
What to look for: On a 1.6 diesel, ask how it has been used, as low-mileage or little-used cars are the ones to watch. Note rough running at idle or on the drive, and look at the back of the engine for oil around the oil pressure switch.
Why it matters: Little-used 1.6 i-DTECs can suffer from DPF clogging, the EGR valve can be troublesome and cause rough running, and the oil pressure switch at the rear of the engine can leak. Rough running on diesels at start-up can also be cured by an ECU update that raises the idle speed.
Electric parking brake
What to look for: Apply and release the electric parking brake several times, and listen for squealing as it works.
Why it matters: Some of the electromechanical parking brake units have proved faulty, so it's worth testing repeatedly rather than once.
Front dampers and engine mounts
What to look for: Look at the front shock absorbers behind the wheels for oily leaks, and push down on each front corner: it should rise once and settle. On the drive, feel for a clunk or excess movement through the car as you pull away and change gear.
Why it matters: Front shock absorbers can fail early on this generation, and broken engine mounts have also been reported.
Also in the full guide
- Four-wheel drive, clutch and the petrol VTEC
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Mk4 CR-V
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Honda.