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Buying a used Honda with 100,000+ miles

B

Burnt

Platinum Member
What should I check when looking at Hondas with that many miles on it? I know to ask when the timing belt was last replaced, but what else? I plan on buying a used Honda Accord ('89 or '90) at the end of summer for about 3000-3500. I'll probably get those vehicle reports (20 for $20).
 
Originally posted by: Burnt
What should I check when looking at Hondas with that many miles on it? I know to ask when the timing belt was last replaced, but what else? I plan on buying a used Honda Accord ('89 or '90) at the end of summer for about 3000-3500. I'll probably get those vehicle reports (20 for $20).
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Well definitely ask to see if you can take it to a mechanic. Regardless of who made it, if it was neglected by the owner<s> you might end up with a lemon. Not worth the risk sometimes unless you're getting a ridiculously good deal, because that initial 3000-3500 may add up to 4-5k or even more if you're unlucky. To say that all hondas will last you 250k miles is being a bit too optimistic. Hondas are great cars if you take care of them, and the best thing to do is see if the owner saved all the service records or if he/she didn't change the oil himself, that he kept all the lube/oil change reciepts, just for some peace of mind. It's not necessary, but if you want to be safe its the best way to go..... and don't forget about Carfax too! If you are in the market you should get one of the accounts where you can check an unlimited number of cars.
 
That's a helluva amount of money for a 12 year old car. Got an '97 Olds Regency loaded for $6000.
Anyway, Check:

Timingbelt
Brakes
Bluesmoke from engine ?
Shocks
Does it shift good. Try engine braking if it's a manual. It should not jump out of gear.
Feeling of the clutch. Does it slip? (for stick shift)
Rust
Electrical problems ? A pain to fix on all cars.
Bushings in the suspension. Any play or strange sounds.
Exhaust system rusted out ?
Noise from wheel bearings ?
Are the tires evenly worn ? If not ----> needs alignment or replacement of bushings.
Check for oil leaks
Step on the brakes and see if the car want to drift left or right. If yes ---> uneven brakes.

OK, this actually goes for any car you look at.
Good luck!

🙂
 
Well, anything over $4000 is way out of my league since I have to earn it all this summer...and I only have $1000 now. I start full time work on monday. I'll probably buy from a deal most likely and my uncle is a mechanic so I'll ask him to come along.
 
LoqT is right. I'd get something that is clean, clean, and clean, from a first or second owner who has had the car for a long time and taken good care of it. You?re most likely to find such a car from a private party. That $3000-3500 is a lot of money for what could just be another old car, so shop carefully and don't be in a hurry. It should be in near perfect condition. Also, you should be able to fine one a couple years newer than ?89-90 for that money.

Read this thread too. I'm way too lazy to write everything I wrote earlier again.
 
I agree with most Aters here, $3-4k for 10 yr old car is expensive. I got my 90 Acura Integra for less than $2k. Shop around and you will find a better deal, newer car, better condition and less headache long-term.

Check the suspensions, the driveaxles, steering, all the joints, transmission, and cooling system.
 
Consider a chrystler product with a 2.2 or 2.5 ltr engine. The cars are much cheaper, and parts for them are too. They are amazingly reliable.
 
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