How Much Is a 1998 Honda CR-V Worth?

In most U.S. markets as of 2025, a 1998 Honda CR-V typically sells for about $2,000–$5,000 in private-party transactions, with clean, low-mileage examples bringing $6,000–$9,000 and rare, exceptional specimens occasionally exceeding $10,000; dealer retail often runs higher, while trade-in offers are usually $500–$2,000. Values vary widely with condition, mileage, maintenance records, rust, location, and whether the vehicle is an early Real Time 4WD model with desirable features.

The Market at a Glance

The first-generation CR-V (1997–2001) has a durable reputation that sustains demand, especially for rust-free, well-maintained vehicles. Pricing guides such as Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA consistently show low four-figure valuations for average examples, with premiums for documented maintenance, lower mileage, and cleaner bodywork. Enthusiast interest in original, unmodified, and manual-transmission models can lift outliers into the high four or even low five figures.

Typical Price Ranges by Condition

The following ranges reflect common asking and selling prices observed in 2024–2025 across national guides and listings. Local results will depend on supply, weather-related rust prevalence, and buyer demand.

• Project/rough (non-running, heavy rust, accident history): $300–$1,500
• Fair, high miles (runs and drives, notable cosmetic/mechanical needs): $1,500–$3,000
• Good, typical miles (roughly 150k–230k, solid maintenance, cosmetic wear): $2,500–$5,000
• Very good to excellent (clean body, strong records, <150k miles): $4,500–$7,500
• Exceptional/outlier (low miles, one-owner, manual, rust-free, documented): $8,000–$12,000+ (rare)
• Trade-in values (dealer offer range): commonly $500–$2,000, sometimes declined due to age
• Dealer retail (reconditioned, warranty options): typically $3,500–$7,500, higher for exceptional units

These bands are directional, not guarantees. A rust-free, well-kept CR-V in a high-demand region can sell above guide values, while rust, missing maintenance, or accident history can push prices lower.

What Most Influences the Price

Because the 1998 CR-V is now a vintage daily-driver, condition and proof of care usually matter more than options. The factors below most commonly move the needle on value.

• Mileage and usage: Lower miles with consistent use and upkeep command premiums; extremely high miles or long storage periods without prep suppress value.
• Rust and body condition: Undercarriage and wheel-arch rust are value killers in salt-belt states; sun-belt, rust-free shells fetch more.
• Maintenance records: Evidence of timely timing-belt and water-pump service (roughly every 90k–105k miles), rear differential fluid changes (Honda Dual Pump Fluid), transmission and coolant service adds confidence and price.
• Accident history and title status: Clean title, no major collision repairs preferred; salvage/rebuilt titles cut values significantly.
• Drivetrain and trim: Most 1998 U.S. CR-Vs have Real Time 4WD; original LX/EX details, ABS, alloy wheels, and intact interior trim can lift value.
• Transmission: The 5-speed manual is rarer and can bring a modest enthusiast premium when in good condition.
• Modifications: Tasteful, reversible upgrades may help; heavy off-road mods or lowered suspensions often narrow the buyer pool and reduce price.
• Tires and consumables: Fresh tires, brakes, battery, and recent emissions/inspection boost confidence and reduce buyer negotiation leverage.
• Geography and timing: Prices tend to be stronger in the West/Sun Belt (rust-free) and in spring/summer; winter in salt-belt areas can depress values.

In short, documented care and clean metal are the biggest differentiators. Buyers will often pay a premium for proof the big-ticket maintenance has been handled and for vehicles free of corrosion.

How to Price Your Specific 1998 CR-V

If you’re trying to get an accurate, local number—either to buy, sell, or insure—work through the following steps and cross-check multiple sources.

1. Collect details: VIN, mileage, drivetrain, trim (LX/EX), transmission, options, and a full list of known issues and recent maintenance.
2. Assess condition honestly: Photograph exterior, underbody, interior, and engine bay; note rust, leaks, warning lights, and tire/brake life.
3. Check pricing guides: Compare values on Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA using identical inputs (ZIP code, condition, mileage).
4. Scan local comps: Search Cars.com, Autotrader, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and regional dealer sites for 1997–2001 CR-Vs with similar condition and miles.
5. Weigh sold data: Where available, look for completed sales or auction results (e.g., Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids) rather than just asking prices.
6. Adjust for maintenance: Add value for documented timing-belt/water-pump service, differential fluid changes, and new tires; subtract for rust, leaks, CELs, and overdue service.
7. Decide venue: Expect more from a well-written private-party sale with detailed records than from a wholesale trade-in; dealers will pay less due to reconditioning risk.

Using this method typically yields a tight range that reflects real local demand, helping you set a realistic price or evaluate an asking price with confidence.

Regional Notes and Market Nuances

Salt-belt states (Midwest/Northeast) often see lower prices due to corrosion, while rust-free examples from the West Coast, Southwest, and Southeast can command significant premiums. Manual-transmission and one-owner vehicles with complete service histories are favored by enthusiasts and can sell faster at higher prices.

Understanding Retail, Private-Party, and Trade-In

Dealer retail includes reconditioning, overhead, and sometimes limited warranties, which is why retail ask is higher than private-party. Private-party sales reflect the vehicle’s condition more directly and usually yield the best net for a seller and the best price for a buyer. Trade-in offers are convenient but lowest, as the dealer assumes risk and reconditioning costs.

Where to Verify and Track Values

To stay current—especially as asking prices can shift seasonally—consult a mix of pricing tools and real-world listings. These sources are widely used by buyers, sellers, and insurers.

• Kelley Blue Book (KBB): Private-party, trade-in, and dealer retail benchmarks by ZIP.
• Edmunds: Appraisals with condition adjustments and local market context.
• NADA Guides/J.D. Power: Often referenced by banks and insurers.
• Cars.com, Autotrader: Broad listing inventory for active comps.
• Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist: Hyperlocal pricing and negotiation trends.
• Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids: Occasional low-mile or exceptional first-gen CR-Vs showing top-of-market results.

Cross-referencing at least two guides with several local listings will give the clearest picture for your location and vehicle specifics.

Bottom Line

A 1998 Honda CR-V is usually worth $2,000–$5,000 in private-party deals, more if it’s exceptionally clean, rust-free, well-documented, and lower mileage, and less if it needs major work or carries rust or accident baggage. Dealer retail can be higher, and trade-ins lower. Condition and maintenance history are the decisive factors, so gather records, check multiple guides, and compare against local comps to land on a precise value.

What is a fair price for a Honda CR-V?

2025 Honda CR-V Pricing

	MSRP	KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
LX	$31,495	$29,825
EX	$33,745	$32,374
EX-L	$36,395	$34,476

What year to stay away from CR-V?

Honda CR-V years to avoid due to frequent or serious issues include 2007-2009 (third generation), 2017-2019 (fifth generation), and early models like the 2002-2003, with common problems like engine oil contamination, battery drain, AC failure, and other electrical issues. 
Specific Years and Their Common Issues

• 2002-2003: Engine problems, high oil consumption, and HVAC issues. 
• 2007-2009: Air conditioning failures, suspension issues, and a generally less reliable third generation. 
• 2010-2011: Excessive oil consumption in 2010 models and issues like unintended acceleration and steering problems in the 2011 model. 
• 2012-2014: Engine mount issues, vibrations at idle, and some transmission problems in the 2014 model. 
• 2015-2016: CVT shudder and hesitation, especially with the 1.5L turbo engine. 
• 2017-2019: Significant issues with fuel contaminating engine oil, premature battery drain, electrical problems, and faulty HVAC systems. 
• 2020-2022 (Hybrid Models): Recalled due to a missing fuse that could lead to a fire risk from an overheating 12-volt cable. 

Key Reasons to Avoid These Years

• Engine Problems: . Opens in new tabOverfilled engine oil (2017-2019) and excessive oil consumption (2002-2003) can lead to significant engine damage. 
• Electrical and Battery Issues: . Opens in new tabPremature battery drain (2017-2019) and other electrical system malfunctions are common. 
• HVAC System Failures: . Opens in new tabProblems with the air conditioning and heating systems are reported in multiple years. 
• Transmission and Powertrain Issues: . Opens in new tabCVTs in the 2015-2016 models can shudder, while earlier models had transmission issues as well. 

What is the value of a 1998 Honda CR-V?

A used 1998 Honda CR-V’s price can range from $3,395 to $8,500, with an average price around $5,474, depending on factors like condition, mileage, and trim. Original MSRP was around $19,145 for the LX and $20,645 for the EX according to Kelley Blue Book. 
Factors Affecting Price:

• Condition: Vehicles in better condition with lower mileage will command higher prices according to Edmunds. 
• Trim Level: The EX trim generally has a higher value than the LX. 
• Mileage: Higher mileage vehicles tend to be priced lower, with some examples ranging from $700 for higher mileage to $1,900 for 130,000 miles according to CarMax. 
• Features and Options: Features like all-wheel drive or specific options can also impact the price according to CarGurus. 
• Market Demand: Local market conditions in your area can also influence prices. 

How many miles will a 1998 Honda CR-V last?

A well-maintained Honda CR-V can last well beyond 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting lifespans of 250,000 miles or more. With proper care, you can expect the CR-V to last 15 to 20 years, depending on driving conditions and maintenance.