whats a used car worth if it has undocumented miles?

[HomeBrewerDude]

1995 Honda accord wagon, 2nd owner (original owners were the parents of the 2nd owner)

It has up to date maintenance (new timing belt and water pump)

A few comestic blemishes like minor scratches on the paint and worn/faded interior.

Like most 10 year cars, it has a couple of defects:

1. radio is currently locked;

1. needs a new piston on the hatch door;

1. passenger airbag not working;

1. needs a new battery;

1. tires probably have another 15k on them.

The big thing is that the odometer was replaced at 80k miles with a used one showing 11k miles. The current milage is estimated at 110k; but the odometer is currently showing 26,000. However, there is no documentation for this.

I trust the seller because I know her well, but I would not be able to easily sell the car, nor would she be able to sell it to someone that doesn't trust her.

She was asking $3200 - but before she thought she had documentation for the odometer problem. As it turns out, there is no documentation, so I am thinking no more than $2500.

It would be a good car for me to commute in. The only real problem is agreeing on a price.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I've sold two cars with broken odometers. One said 206,000 when it was closer to 250,000 (1991 Grand Prix in 2001), the other 326,000 when it was closer to 350,000 (1987 Volvo 240 in 2005). At that amount of miles, the odometer reading stopped making a difference. Though the former was sold for $2500 and the latter for $1500 (both passed California smog check easily)

 

[torpid]

I think that sounds right (about $2500). KBB for "fair" condition wagon is about $3500.

 

[FoBoT]

only buy it if you plan to drive it until it dies, the junk yard won't care about the mileage issue. if you think you'll resell it, then just say no

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

thank you guys,

any other opinions????S?S?


:beer:

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

I would say not to worry about it. Given it's a well-used car only going for $2-3K range, it doesn't warrant a concern. Just look at all the usual things... how it runs, how it was maintained, what it needs, etc...

If you were buying like a 2004 something-or-other or a collectors car, then you'd have an issue.

 

[Budmantom]

Agreed!

 

[JDrake]

$2500 is not a bad price..