anyway to prevent users from exporting csv data for customer lists (they should be ablt to see it but not export it)

Navigate to the user's role. Under Permissions > Lists > Remove Export Lists. Note that this is for all lists. Not just customer list.

even saved searches?

Yes. Permission Names and IDs under Help Center has the list.

great thanks

Note that this won't stop them from running a search, copying the data, and pasting it directly into excel.

@andrew_smith is correct. You're almost better off having export capabilities for the users so you can audit their export activity.