'97 Accord LX Wagon
 

The dealer told me that he got the car at auction and the title is "clean". When asked about any issues, he denies that there is anything wrong with the car (big surprise). He is willing to pull the carfax and is willing to have it inspected by my own private mechanic. He says the tires are at 80%+, there is no rust. It is a 4-cylinder automatic and he denies any transmission issues. The "out the door" price after tax, title and license is about 3800$. Couple questions: 1. is that a good deal? 2. they do not know whether the timing belt has been replaced or not, they do not have "those records." if i bought the car not knowing whether the timing belt has been replaced or not, whould i just do it for good measure? thanks

Please help me out. Any info would be greatly appreciated. The mileage is 140,000. forgot to post that originally.

welcome to the forum. 3700 is the clean trade in value. You need to remember to add for registration, timing belt, the deal is ok, fair. He purchased the vehicle for 1-1.5k If let it go for 2600, it is a good deal. Since there are no records you will need to plan for timing belt, water pump, crank and cam seal all at the same time. You also might check with kkb.com. and make sure you drive the car, and look at it good. it could have been drowned, or burnt, or wrecked. Do your home work.

I have an appointment to have it inspected by my friends mechanic shop. The shop told me it will take at least an hour and a half to have a proper check. The mechanic also said he would be able to tell if the belt has been replaced or if it was still the original. I did check the carfax and the title showed nothing of concern. 2 owners. No wrecks, fires, water damage. The car has 140,000 miles (might have forgotten to mention that). Is 3800 after all costs a good deal (barring the mechanic finds anything wrong with it)?

3800 is on the high side, offer 500 less if possible, the car is 11 yrs old. Is the paint in good conditon, no peeling or bad fading. ( 3800 is still a good price ) Honda Wagons are hard to find in good shape.