need advice - used Accord Coupe

I am considering buying a Accord LX coupe 2004 (one owner registered in
9/2004) with 29000 miles. The price is 14500. I have looked at the
vehicle and the carfax report etc and the vehicle history - it looks
fine. (I have met the seller and looked at the vehicle and exterior
looks very good. but interior needs a lot of "cosmetic" cleanup but
nothing permanent kinda damage - it appears. Just not cleanly
maintained inside.)

I am about to take it to a auto shop today to do the "pre-purchase
check" on the vehicle and also find out from a car cleaning (interior)
shop how much it costs to clean it up (When I phoned one of them, the
cleaning shop lady told me about 150$ - but she did n't see the vehicle
interior.)

I have been looking for a good used vehicle and it seems like a good
deal. Any advice?

Thx in advance,
Kiran

 

Looks more like you should be giving advice rather than asking. You seem to
have the bases covered.

With all the checking you've done and have planned, nothing else comes to
mind other than A) can you get a comparable vehicle cheaper and B) is this
the right price for the vehicle in question. You didn't mention your zip
code, the transmission nor engine of the vehicle. Using the northeast as an
example, the car you describe above with a i4 motor and automatic
transmission, in "fair" condition, KBB lists it at 14,235. Different zip
codes and the v6 would change that number.

Check www.kbb.com for your specific zip code, of course entering the correct
options and not making assumptions like I did above and see what they say it
should be worth. Knock a few bucks off for cleaning and go for it.

 

Cylinders 4 Cylinders
Transmission Automatic
Drive Train FWD
Condition Excellent

california

Features: A/C: Front, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Steering,
Remote Keyless Entry, Bucket Seats, Power Seats, Anti-Lock Brakes, CD
Player
Red 2DR Coupe, 28500 Miles, Automatic Transmission, FWD, 4 Cylinders,
Excellent Condition.

 

Well, not sure if I'd call needing $150 of professional cleaning "Excellent"
condition, but even so, using 90210 as a zip code (being form NY, that's the
only CA zip that comes to mind), you're getting an excellent deal. IN
excellent condition, KBB lists the private party value of that vehicle at
$17,465. Why is the seller letting it go for $3k less than that?

http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ucp?kbb.CA;;CA037;&90210&;358426&;;ucp;&3;HO;AA

 

-----------------------------

If they didn't take care of the interior, they may have skimped on other
maintenance items. Tell the mechanic to be very thorough to determine if
it's been 'abused'. For bargaining power, quote the cost of having Honda
dealer change the tranny fluid, the brake fluid, and a cooling system
flush (assuming it hasn't been done). It probably hasn't. Get the
inspecting mechanic to mention (on his report) that it must be done by
Honda (the tranny has to). Plan to change those fluids right away if
you buy it, no matter if the manual says it's early. It's just good
sense.

Mechanic will know to make sure tires are all the same and whether they
have been rotated per schedule. You can GOOGLE lots of 'how to buy a
used car' sites. Some even have checklists you can print and take
along...

'Curly'

 

Thx for the feedback so far Seth and Curly.

The guys bro bought a Lexus and he's getting the bro's previous Camry
V6 and selling his current Accord Coupe. Personally, I believe the
story as I met the bro. So no concerns from me about their intent to
sell.

Some have suggested that for a 2004 model - and a coupe at that -- it
may not be too much difference to buy a new comparable vehicle. What do
you guys think of that? My wife wants me to consider a new one.

I am looking at 14200 + about 300 (for cleaning and pre-purchase
checks) and about 1500 more for DMV, tax etc before I get the car. So I
am looking at about 16000$ for this vehicle. Is it still worth it? I am
thinking yes. What do you guys thinK??

 

I've found the KBB prices unrealistic on many occasions. Punch the same
data into Edmunds and you get about $15.8k.

Pete

 

Run a car fax report on any car you plan to buy. Don't ever buy a car that
was involved in a major accident. A bent frame is VERY expensive to
repair.
Also--make sure is has a "clean title".

 

If the interior is as bad as you describe, it is definitely not in excellent
condition. I would also question whether a person who can't keep his interior
clean would bother doing any mechanical maintenance on the car.