Grandpa says-RESEARCH is a key to the purchase of any car. Keep in mind this is the most expensive item that you will ever buy because it will never keep its value like a house does. WIth that in mind-CARFAX is your friend as are the independent professional appraisal services. If you are serious about a deal with a private seller, have the car checked by a pro before agreeing on a price. The inspection company will probably charge you $100 or so and tell you everything about the car they can find good or bad.
This applies to private seller deals but can also be used at a dealership for the brand.

Personally, I will never buy a car from an independent lot-I have always (except one time) bought from a new car dealer of the brand. Our Civic came to us with a 3/36 Hondacare warranty and it had 35K on it. WARRANTY-very important word here along with all service info that you can get. I was very fortunate to be able to ask for the history on our CRX as the Honda dealer had the files from the original selling dealer (they bought it out). I also ran a full CARFAX at the dealer's expense.
What to look for is next on the list-abuse can be obvious or not so. Accident info can be sketchy. Be warned that a top rate bodyshop can work wonders. Other than the color you would be hard pressed to tell me what was done to the CRX to put into race trim as to the exterior. People who get radical with the look of a car are not doing you any favors long term. This assumes that it was not done by professionals. If the car has ever been street raced the evidence will be hard to see-but check the half shaft seals and CV Joints. A lowered car (over 1.5") can show signs of wear on the suspension that a good alignment tech will find. How the car is presented by the owner or dealer tells a lot about its real condition. Listen to the engine-there should be no odd noises. The transmission should shift smoothly both manual and auto. Brakes are a wear item, but should be state inspection passable along with the tires. Look closely at the wheels for evidence of curb rubbing. They are horribly expensive to repair if OEM. Even the wiper blades should be like new.

I have given an overview of some things to think about and check out. Do not trust yourself to do all of the checking-take a real pro (ASE certified) with you. If a Honda dealership ask if HondaCare is available for the car. Get the CARFAX. Take the car out as though it is brand new and see if you really like it. Remember, someone traded it in or can no longer afford to keep it.

Should you buy a Prelude-sure.
Happy New Year