Buying a used 2006 accord from small dealer?

Question

It's a really nice car, from what I can see. No apparent damage except some cosmetic touch-up issue on the paint on the hood. The carfax report shows no problems. It was orginally bought in New York, then it was sold in Pennsylvania. 19 days later, it was auctioned off in Florida. I am now in Dallas TX. Here is a link to it:

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?car_id=227543920&dealer_id=396745&car_year=2006&dealership_view_name=www.automerchantsinc.com&result_car_id=null&search_type=used&first_record=26&sort_type=make_modelASC&pager.offset=25&cardist=25

Even though the carfax report shows nothing wrong with it, carfax isn't always completely accurate. If I'm not a mechanic, would it be wise to find one to inspect the car before I buy it? If so, where can I find one and about how much would it cost?

My current drive-out price (after TTL) is $18,600. Is that a good deal?

Answer 1

That is a lot of money to spend and the wise thing is to find a GOOD mechanic to check that car. look for a shop that repairs foriegn cars--Accords should be no problem. The check should be top to bottom--front to back and underneath. There is a reason it was auctioned off and wound up in texas--those cars sell well anywhere if there is truly nothing wrong--I suspect a rather heavy accident repair was done--maybe an entire front or rear half was replaced. they just weld two halves together--there should be tell tale signs that a mechanic can search for. Use a good bright light and look for welds and paint overspray--especially on rubber seals and in body joints. Personally I would be skeptical of the car. Could have water damage from a flood--look UNDER the carpet for mold or mushrooms growing under the seats. flood damaged cars are illegally sold as OK cars--there is a FEDERAL LAW about flood cars. There is a reason it is in Texas from New York. That amount of money will get you a nice new smaller economical car with a long warranty--that makes more sense. Buy a new car locally. Forget used at 18000

Answer 2

I was in the car business for a number of years and still dabble some. I wouldn't touch this car. I think that it is very smart of you to have asked this question before buying it. There is a lot of activity with this automobile. It almost sounds like a car being laundered, I am not saying that the car is hot meaning stolen but I sure have the feeling that some one doesn't what you to know to much about this car. Depending on the model this isn't a staggering price one way or the other, I just found a Honda : Accord EX 2006 Honda Accord EX SUNROOF 6-DISC GAS SAVER NICE on e-bay for $16,788 and that was a three minute check if I looked around more I could find one even cheaper, but that isn't my objection to this car. If this was a really nice car why is it in Florida and not still in N.Y.. If this car was flooded out as an example and the person didn't have the insurance pay for the new interior but paid it out of their own pocket there is no record and you will have bought a flooded out car. Walk away there isn't enough information about the car and why it was sold at auction. I was in the business and I wouldn't have bought it. Look further and make sure that you go through Carfax or auto check

Answer 3

If you're thinking of the honda. If it's an automatic, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. The V-6 Automatics on that model year were trouble, especially around that mileage range. So much so that Honda right now will not let their service and parts departments let go of any of their remanufactured transmissions, telling them to hold onto them for warranty issues. Oh, and there's a current lawsuit against them for this issue too. Not to say, run away from it, I really like the Accords, better than the Camry. Just have the transmission thoroughly checked out. And, make sure the Camry has had timing belt replaced. By 70K miles, it's a necessary maintenance issue. As mentioned, you never said if you're financing or not. If you're paying cash, I'd opt for the Camry or Accord. Even if you have to make the aforementioned repairs, you'll still have a lot more money in your pocket rather than buying a new Altima. And being a college student, it would make more since to save the $6000. Then, upon graduation and getting your first job, go look for something newer. Don't get me wrong, I really like the Altima. The 3.5 Altima is one of the cars I'd actually buy for myself. And if you're financing, you may find that the payments will be close to the same as on the Camry or Accord (just for a longer term of course). But it might be a car that you'd be happier with for a longer amount of time.

Answer 4

Please see a qualified mechanic. A few years ago I purchased a two year old Subaru from Karl Tyler Chevrolet in Missoula, MT. The car looked like new with less than 25K miles on it. It was sitting near the dealers 'Certified Used Cars' sign. I figured the car couldn't 'be a problem'. WRONG!

The transmission was burning up. The suspension wouldn't hold an alignment. The paint was starting to bubble near the windows on the doors. Turns out this car had been wrecked and repaired. Car-fax showed NOTHING on it. I had to threaten Mr. Karl Tyler with a lawsuit to get a partial refund.

See a good mechanic!

Answer 5

It's always a good idea to have a car checked out by a good shop. Look in the phone book and call around for their prices. They vary from area to area. I am curious about the history so far. It's not even 2 years old and it's already been through the auction process? Makes you wonder why the original owner got rid of it.

Answer 6

YES GET A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT FOR YOU BUT....


REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF VEHICLE THAT ARE SOLD FROM FLORIDA, HOUSTON AND DALLAS THAT ARE FLOOD VEHICLES AND MOST OF THE TIME IT HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED.

BE VERY CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU BUY.