i'd run it on carfax to see if it has been thru too many owners. Past the 2nd owner, repairs start getting "cheaped out on" - i.e. RIGGED. Check all the fluids....does the brake fluid look like tar (indicator of less than great repair history)? If an automatic, does the fluid smell burned (no oil changes - excess tranny wear)? Look under the radiator cap...do you see oil floating around (head gasket failure)? Is there some eggy stuff floating around (radiator stop-leak used)? Check the rear panels too where the rear bumper meets the quarter panel. I've read there's a water trap and rust tends to start there. Listen to the idle...smooth? Rev it...let it go back to idle...still smooth? Does the A/C blow cold? Is there cigarette burns in the ashtray (indicates a smoking car)? Is the spare tire all worn up (indicates a cheap bastard who couldn't afford to have the tire fixed immediately)? Do all four tires match and have even wear? Use a refrigerator magnet to check for "bondo" repairs all around the body...check for spots that the magnent DOESN'T stick = body damage. Drive it...does the car track straight when you let the steering wheel go? Does it pull to one side? Let the car warm up completely...stick your hand in front of the exhuast pipe...does that sheit really REALLY stink (back convertor/ bad o2 sensor/possible emmision failure)? Has the tranny ever been replaced? If so..was it honda that did it? If not...reman'd auto trannies are the worst! Check the carfax...if you see 'auction'...multiple owners....lease use....salvage (duh)...or flood...walk away...

You get what you pay for...unless you happen to jack a family driven car from a family that doesn't know what its worth....(heh heh)

hope you find something out of this!