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YACT: Some help buying a particular Honda Civic

P

PushHands

Senior member
I'm in the market for a used car and buying cars is something I don't have much experience in so I wonder if you folks can offer my some guidance with a specific deal I'm looking at. A friend of mine who's job regularly deals in used cars introduced me to a guy (let's call him Fred) that he does business with on a regular basis and I was offered the following deal:

1993 Honda Civic 4-door DX w/AC and 5-speed manual with 135k manual for $3800. Because my friend deals with him, he thought it be best that he shouldn't negotiate with me due to the possibility of conflict of interests. But he did mention some things that I could use to help me get the price lowered.

One of the things my friend mentioned was that after 100k miles, a new timing belt was needed, which costs about $300. Fred offered me $3800 and I then mentioned about the timing belt. He said he had a mechanic that could take care of that and I countered with $3500 and I would fix the timing belt on my own. I wonder if I should just except the $3800 and get him to change the timing belt since I don't know a reputable place here that will change it for me. Fred seems like an honest guy since he's delt with my friend for some time and my friend seems to trust him.

What do you guys think? BTW, I got the VIN number on the car, which Fred didn't seem hesistant to give at all.
JHMEG8548PS007500
 
usually when changing timing belt, people will suggest you to replace the water pump also (extra cost)
 
Edmunds.com price

1993 Honda Civic
4 Dr DX Sedan

Dealer Trade-In: What Others Are Getting $1,983
Private Party: What Others Are Getting/Paying $2,507
Dealer Retail: What Others Are Paying $3,381
These prices contingent upon a Clean Vehicle History


That price is based on 100,000 miles
 
Wow, $3800 is a LOT. They are DEFINITELY trying to rip you off. If you do a quick query on edmunds.com, you will see that "Dealer retails at $3381".

1993 and it has 130,000 miles already? That's kinda high for the price you are paying.

I would probably pay $2,000 for that car, considering its a DX model with 130k miles. If you really want that car, try to get him to give it to you for $3k. Look on the side fenders for any accident damages, on the bumper, on the frame, and all around the body. Also look under the car where the oil pan and the transmission pan is to see if there is OIL on it. If there is, then you will have to replace the gaskets.

I would skip this deal.
 
I agree, $3800 sounds a bit steep ... I'd try and find all the flaws you can, mention routine maintenance which may come up soon and lowball your way down to $3000 or so.
 
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