Might have found a used car. Any advice?

[supernova]

If you've followed my threads off and on, you know I've been looking (for a long time now) for a replacement car for my AGED van.

Well, I test drove a car this afternoon. It's an 02 Honda CR V EX. It has 21K and he's asking 15,500.

I've never bought a car from an individual before. Do you think this is a good deal? What guidelines apply here?

[LeftyMom]

1. Get an inspection

Either from AAA or a mechanic you trust. It'll cost you about a hundred bucks, but if it weeds out a lemon or you find out about any upcoming trouble (say it needs new brakes soon) and can talk the price down that can make it pay for itself, too.

The CRV is safe and reliable and that's very low milage for a four year old vehicle. I don't know if that's a good price or not, though.

[Thtwudbeme]

4. Also, be sure to ask the mechanic to perform a compression test

of the cooling system. The last little bit of entertainment you need from a used vehicle is a nasty head gasket surprise.

btw--is that the year that those were catching on fire due to an oil leak?

[supernova]

9. What?!

Where did you hear that?

I'm just curious. I've never heard of a Chevy Nova-like problem with these cars.

[Thtwudbeme]

17. That's the little Honda SUV (like a Forrester) one, right?

At some point, there was a recall because there was a fire hazard.

It was fixed...I don't think anyone got killed...but, check the recall bulletins on anything you are thinking of getting.

[Momgonepostal]

2. have you looked it up on Kelly Blue Book?

KBB.com

They are a good, unbiased source, IMO.

[supernova]

8. KBB has him asking about 1 grand more

than what the book says it's worth.

Condition Value
Excellent $14,670

Good $13,795

Fair $12,655


edit: I'd say the condition is somewhere between Good and Excellent. The paint is good. No visible scratches or dents that I could see, but the black plastic was bleached white in places (the stuff that cradles the headlights)

[alarimer]

3. Run a Carfax report on the VIN number

That will tell you if the title is clean. Probably costs about 25 bucks.

[supernova]

7. Very good idea.

Thanks for reminding me! I was defintely going to do that.

The VIN # is one of the things I had meant to ask about this afternoon. I'll send him an email.

[LeftyMom]

5. Also check epinions

If you see a lot of the same complaints about that year and model, have the mechanic give that system extra attention.

[supernova]

6. Thanks, I have read epinions

I do like reading that site.

Mostly there are minor complaints with the CR V the roof rack and maybe not quite the torque that some were expecting for an SUV ... but no mechanical complaints.

[ceile]

10. My coworker just bought her 2nd CRV

Never had/has any probs and loves it. But checking with Carfax I think is very wise.

[supernova]

11. Heh. I did notice

that the registation was for 6/06.... they haven't renewed it yet.

[supernova]

12. I sent the seller

an email asking for the VIN so I can do CARFAX and if he's willing to let my mechanic look at it.

I'll see what his response is.

Thanks everyone for your help. :-)

[khashka]

13. Get a mechanic to look it over

You'll have to pay for it but anything else is false economy.

When you buy a used car from an individual it's "as is", no warranty, no guarantee. So if it turns out be a lemon, you are screwed. Get a mechanic to inspect it first.....

Khash.

[supernova]

14. Yes, you're right about that

The whole reason I'm doing this is I want to buy a car outright and not have to borrow $$$ and owe a car payment every month. And of course I wanted the "newest" one I could find.

[khashka]

15. Good luck!

Sounds like you're entering into this eyes wide open. And in my experience, Hondas are usually pretty good, reliable cars. I know I loved my Accord before I totalled it :)


Khash.

[supernova]

16. Thanks

I hope this works out.

I have really been lucky with my Chevy van, but I don't know how much longer it will hold out. When did you total your accord?

[khashka]

18. A few years ago...

It was after I totalled the Chevy but before I totalled the Nissan.

Put me behind the wheel of a car and it's only a matter of time.... Only car I never wrecked was my MG and my current car.

.


Khash.

[Midlodemocrat]

19. We're thinking of buying one for the kids to use.

I had a Honda Accord way back in the day and it was a fabulous car. I had to get rid of it when I had my third child. Great, great car. Hondas are notoriously reliable.

My next van, and probably my last van, will be an Odyssey.