If you get a high mileage 1st gen CRV make sure the valves are adjusted.
Optionally, when you have do the head gasket to replace a burnt intake valve, gasket match the intake manifold for noticeable improvement in driving fun factor. That was my experience.
Sadly SHMBO totaled our 2001 5 spd <5k after the rebuild. Thankfully they are safe in an offset frontal crash too.
The second gen has much improved chassis and even better crash rating + the 2.4 is probably a better bet in stop n go traffic w/ the auto.
