I have the option to either buy an 07 Honda CRV or 06 matrix AWD Both have about 180K. Crv selling for 5100 and matrix selling for 3800. Can probably talk both those prices down, however when I went to see the matrix the heat didn’t work and had a weird smell coming from the vent. Kinda like wet dog. I don’t wanna car payment which is why these are my options
The crv is the subjectively ‘better’ vehicle and also would not want to buy a car that I had to replace the heater controls etc under the dash. Hard to say what is wrong with the heat. If you need more space the crv is also better choice. Offer them 4000-4500 and go for the Honda. It also likely has a timing chain so better long term maintenance costs. I believe the matrix has a belt
I think the Matrix looks dog ugly. So because of that, I’d go with the CRV. But if you’re smelling wet dog and the heater doesn’t work, that’s also be a deal breaker for me.