We just bought a 99 Accord EX Coupe yesterday from a dealer, for our college going nephew. We have paid for the car but will pick it up Monday as it is being detailed by the dealer. Car test drove well and it is one owner and low miles (77K). Everything seems to look OK, but I am now having a bit of a panic attack.

1. I had read that manufacturers put VIN labels on all major parts like doors, hood, fenders etc, and my 2002 Odyssey has such labels on all major parts (I bought it used). However, this 2009 Accord only has these labels on the two doors. I don't see a label on either fender or the hood. Does that mean these parts might have been replaced due to flood or accident damage? The CARFAX report is clean and shows no flood damage or accidents.
2. I was looking at the Facebook page of this dealer this morning and, to my horror, found one customer complaint from two years ago, complaining that the dealer had sold him a used car with swapped out engine!!! The customer only found out after purchase. Is there any way to check if the engine and transmission currently in the car are indeed the original components.

Will be very grateful for your quick reply as I am going back tomorrow to pick up that car and have one last opportunity to question the dealer if needed.
many thanks in advance

 

Please take a deep breath and relax.
Is this a 2009 or a 99 Accord????
Is the vehicle over 20 years old or just 10 years old??
One complaint in two years is not a big red flag.
Stuff happens. Sometimes they buy it that way and did not know.

You did a good thing by getting your nephew a vehicle.
Now, lets hope that it is a reliable vehicle and last longer than his college career.

 

my bad - its a 1999 Accord, but with low miles (77K) and one owner. The Carfax report shows it has been serviced regularly at dealers for the last twenty years, so it appears the owner took good care. But I was really horrified to read on the Facebook page of this dealer that they had sold a used car with a swapped out engine without telling the customer. I never imagined dealers did that kind of underhanded thing. So now, all kind of wild thoughts are going through my mind. I just want my nephew to be safe driving it around. thanks much for your reply.