Hey guys, as stated i am a newb to hondas. the help i need is w/ buying an accord. i am buying my wife an accord (for commuting and gas mileage). we found one that we are interested in. its a 94 lx. 160k, new tires, new brakes, fresh timing belt/ chain too. excellent interior and exterior. best thing is it is one owner (carfax verified) w/ all maintenance records (done by honda dealer). their asking $4200.
my ? is what are some things to look for? any problems w/ that model? i drove it, very smooth, drives straight, smooth auto tranny. we are wanting to buy this very quickly because hondas i our area are getting gone quickly.
please let me know what to look for and if sounds ok for purchase. thanks!

 

sorry, i forgot its an lx. is there any motor difference (4-cyl) between ex and lx?

 

the EX comes with a VTEC motor......the LX does not......

 

accidents? Feel your hands around the car, open the doors and look closely at the panels, samething with the hood, and trunk, look for uneven or welded parts. Is there any leak? look under the engine, if it's too clean, make sure that the owner didnt try to clean it up before putting it up for sale. How is the coolant? is it green and clean? stuff like that would help a lot, what do i miss?

 

Here's some random tips.

- Feel panel edges. If there is a ridge or a line along an edge, that area has been resprayed. Factory paint is smooth all around.

- check the sparkplugs if possible. Oil on a sparkplug is not good.

- Hit every switch in sight. (heat, ac, lights, wipers, ...)

- Take a look under the hood, make sure the battery is fresh. These cars sit on deal lots for an extended amount of time. Batteries die over time.

- When you start the car, keep your ear open for anything. Walk outside of the car and follow the exhaust sound from engine to trunk. If you hear any spuddering, you got an exhaust leak.

- On the test drive, accelerate and brake hard to expose any other issues. (metallic rattles, shakey stops, metallic clicking from the wheels)