What is the best way or place to get a good deal on a used cr-v?
I live in central PA and have just started "on my own" and am afraid
of getting taken.

First, decide what you want, and don't waver from that.
Try to get a '99, '00, or '01, since they have 20 more horsepower than the
earlier models. Do you need 4wd, or is 2wd adequate? What trim level do you
want?
LX= Steel wheels (unless the owner changed them)
The EX adds 4wd standard, alloy wheels, rear seats that go flat to form a "bed",
ABS standard, and a little nicer interior.
Dont get too excited and settle for something you dont want, or really can't
afford. Stick to your guns.

Second, Go to http://www.kbb.com/ to fnd out the private party, and dealer
values of the car you want. It's a very good negotiating tool.

Third, when you find a CRV you are intereasted in, have someone who is
knowledgable go with you to look at it. Look at the following:

Paint and body condition- faded paint can indicate that the owner cared little
for the car. If they didn't even wash itregularly, what else didn't they do?

Cleanliness- Especially under the hood. If the engine is thick with grime, look
elsewhere. It COULD be hiding problems like oil leaks, cracked hoses and belts,
etc. If it's just dust,though, it can easily be washed. Also look underneath for
excessive grime that could be eating the body, and other components. Finally,
the interior shouldn't be more than just dusty. If the carpet or upholstery has
wear holes, burns, tears, etc, walk away. This car wasn't treated properly. Dont
forget to look under a dash mat , cargo mat, and floor mats, especially if they
look brand new. They may be used to hide damage.

Operation- Does the engine start right away, and run smoothly? Does the car
drive straight, even when you let go of the wheel. Listen for loud noises, like
squeeks, creaks, and groans. Hondas dont normally make them. The CRV should
accellerate with a nice smooth growl when pushed. Any hesitation, pinging, etc
means it needs more care than you may want to have to give. Drive it as much as
you can, not just around the block. Run the A/C, heater, Power windows, wipers,
washers door locks, and all other controls. Turn on the lights and stereo.
Operate all 4 doors, and the tailgate/window. Run the seats through their paces,
folding, etc. The hood and rear glass should pop easily. Even try the Picnic
Table. Be thorough.

Fourth, Ask questions. How often was the oil changed? Filters too? Tune up
parts? Look the owner or salesperson in the eye. You can tell if they are making
up what you want to hear, or are telling you facts. Keep THEM on the ropes,
raher than them intimidating you.

Hope this helps.

CR-V's carry a higher re-sale value than other similar vehicles and for good reason.  I checked Edmunds and all other web sites I could think of and then knew pretty much what one would go for.  I went to the dealer and offered $1500 less than what I was seeing on the net. The 97 I ended up buying had 60,000 miles so I felt good about that.  I managed to get it for $1,000 less than average retail.  Bottom line is- don't act like you need the car.  Be willing to walk out.  They will stop you if you have made an acceptable offer.  Good luck.  Buy the way, I just returned from a 2,000 mile trip in the Colorado Rockies.  It handled it very well.  Kind of high revs at times, but they are designed that way.  Sure do like the little thing. 

My advice, watch eBay! Really, I picked up my '98 CR-V LX, 5spd, 4wd
with 98k mi. for only $8,600!!! I live in Milwaukee and it was in
Richmond, VA, but around here similar CR-Vs were (and still are) going
for $13,000-15,000. It was a nice little weekend road trip anyway! I
love driving my Insight around the country! (73.0 MPG for that 2,000
mile trip!) Having 98k miles didn't bother me a bit, its a Honda! True
enough, the thing runs like its new. I actually had my new intake with
us and I installed it once we got to DC on the way home. It helped the
CR-V's mileage a bit and gave it a nice growl on acceleration!

There are some shady people on eBay, but if you're careful and ask a lot
of questions you can really get a good deal. My CR-V came from a small
dealership and the auction had no reserve, which was a mistake on their
part. I don't think they made any money whatsoever on the deal, in
fact, they light-heartedly asked if I'd be willing to pay more! (They
weren't serious, it was a joke) $8,600 is easily within the wholesale
price range for this vehicle, so they may have actually lost some money.

Good luck in your search.

Later,

Matt

Wow...amazing mileage Matt and a great price for your CR-V too! Yeah,
the CR-V's reliable B20 engine sure drives like new at that kind of
mileage as long as the previous owner takes good care of it.

One thing to ask in a high mileage V is whether the timing and drive
belts have been changed. I changed mine at 88K miles just to be safe.
The condition of the belt at that mileage looked fine but it was showing
some very slight wear at the seams. The master tech mechanic said it
could probably see another 10K or more but its good to change anyways.

That kind of maintenance costs around $400 (water pump included) and
basic 90K maintenance costs around $200+.

Another thing to watch out for in a used CR-V is the rear suspension set
up. If the previous owner towed a lot or carried a lot of stuff, the
rear springs will sag. The stock shocks also seem a bit soft around 90K
so time to factor in around $500 to get all 4 changed. Springs run
about $150 for a pair.

Hope this helps.
Bing