is a 3k honda accord 03-05 a good deal?
Posted by Onibis_haze@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 27 comments
It would be my first car & he’s willing to offer a lower price if I can’t afford 3k.
I don’t know anything about cars but I think it’s a pretty cute car and he said it has no problems at all as well as a new battery.
CommonBubba@reddit
While I usually agree that having a mechanic check over a car before purchase is a great idea. Many times with lower priced cars, the seller doesn’t want to go through the hassle. Many times people will buy it for that price site unseen. Since this is your neighbor, you likely know how he takes care of things which gives you a leg up. Also, you could ask to speak to his mechanic who likely knows the car and could give you a lot of information with just a simple conversation.
PPVSteve@reddit
What state are you in? Ans what size engine does it have?
averagemaleuser86@reddit
As long as its not a v6. The transmissions are sub par in those
Onibis_haze@reddit (OP)
ah okay, I’ve been watching some videos on it seems the 4 cylinder is more reliable for whatever reason
EuroCanadian2@reddit
There's more room under the hood ona 4 cylinder, makes it easier to work on. The V6 has a timing belt that need to be changed on schedule (about every 100k to 160k miles, varies by model). The V6 is a bit too powerful for the transmission, which leads to transmission problems.
Sketch2029@reddit
Note that this applies to automatic transmissions, not manuals.
forwardarmgyration@reddit
Had to retire an '02 Accord v6 last year due to a busted transmission. Was a great car
tads73@reddit
Things to consider, is there rust? How many miles? Automatics are good for around 250,000 miles.
x_ceej@reddit
sweats in 223k miles
tads73@reddit
It has another 75,000, though they lose reliability. Manageable as a DYI, but can be a pain if you need a mechanic.
x_ceej@reddit
DIY all day.. it was a project when I got it. Refuse to take it to a mechanic.
x_ceej@reddit
Rust? Miles? Accident history? Maintenance? Original suspension? Evan monitors incomplete?
Which trim? Which engine?
A PPI can help you answer these questions.
No_Summer_8717@reddit
And find a good, honest mechanic you can trust. They are worth more than gold. They'll help keep cost down and prioritize fixes.
No_Summer_8717@reddit
Maintenance cost money if you don't learn how to do some things. Ive always told my kids to keep at least 1k in reserve for fixes. Tires, brakes, fluids, so if you have 4k look for a car around 3k etc..
El_mochilero@reddit
$3k for any running car is a good deal these days
No_Summer_8717@reddit
How many miles? I just sold mine (2003) to my kid for 3k at 120k miles, great condition but with a fender dent, (their fault). But I've also just had to put a radiator and have a mechanic do a crossover pipe for $600. These cars go 300k with taking care or it. Rust? Like others have said, get it looked at for reassurance. They are pretty easy to maintain and learn to work on. I probably could have got close to 5k for it. Used car market is crazy right now.
Lordofpineapples@reddit
Manual transmission - yes.
motorboather@reddit
Ask when the timing belt was replaced because it likely needs it.
Depending on the miles and condition, that could be a good price
Intrepid-Machine-650@reddit
Only if it is a V6 (J Series)
If it's a 4 cylinder It's a K series. (K24)
They have timing chains and are insanely durable.
Onibis_haze@reddit (OP)
I’ll be sure to ask him those questions, I’m sure my dad could help me point those things out for me
fishin413@reddit
The only person who can tell you that is the mechanic that performs the pre-purchase inspection you get before you buy it.
Onibis_haze@reddit (OP)
so would I just ask him if I could do a pre-purchase inspection or does he have to do it? (I apologize if that’s a dumb question)
fishin413@reddit
It's not dumb at all. You want to get the car to a reputable mechanic of your choosing and have them look it over. Whether you bring it there or the seller drops it off doesn't matter.
Onibis_haze@reddit (OP)
oh okay! I’ll see if he would be okay with doing it himself… don’t really have a choice
Former_Mud9569@reddit
You'll have to pay for it, but any seller shouldn't have a problem letting you have a pre-purchase inspection performed.
Onibis_haze@reddit (OP)
oh okay, didn’t know that cost money so I’ll save a bit extra then!
Fun_Boss_2112@reddit
Never buy any used car without paying a private mechanic or garage for a pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle.
Ask them to look it over as if they were thinking of buying it for themselves.
You'll want to find out what needs immediate attention, what will need work in the next year or so, and if the vehicle is known for particular problems, like blown gaskets or early transmission failure.
Once you know that information, proceed accordingly.