What's up?

I couldn't find any other threads about what to look for in a 01-03, so here it is.

I've been interested in this em2 for a while now, and I'm going to go check it out tomorrow afternoon.

It's a 5spd 2002 EX coupe with about 135k miles on it. The original owner lives about 40 miles out of town but works in the city, so I'm assuming that they're mostly highway miles.

She's asking $7,800, but the KBB value is about $7,100 (excellent condition).

Carfax report is spotless except for the expired warranty.

Photos:



What should I ask about/look for?

Should I try and knock the price down?

 

oh ya I wouldn't even pay kbb for it if I were you. Just look everything over like you would any car. Check the oil make sure it's clean and the radiator cap and muffler for burning fluid. When you drive it listen for the tranny and motor for any odd noises. Ive heard people say our cars have bad tranny but I haven't had any issues

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ballinboosi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">oh ya I wouldn't even pay kbb for it if I were you. Just look everything over like you would any car. Check the oil make sure it's clean and the radiator cap and muffler for burning fluid. When you drive it listen for the tranny and motor for any odd noises. Ive heard people say our cars have bad tranny but I haven't had any issues</TD></TR></TABLE>
The transmission issues are mainly with the automatics.

 

If you don't mind getting dirty, get on you knees and try to feel around the oil pan for leaks and gunk.

 

i'm assuming it's unmodified... thats a good thing already.

 

kinda pricey for the milage other then that the car looks pretty good

 

Check how the gears engage, and if there are any noises at all, while at 30 - 50mph.

 

Oh yeah and while test driving it listen for noises while turning,braking and accelarating and if there is a clunking noise present tthen the axles will probably need replacing.

 

Thanks, everyone.

Well, I'm off to school, then checking the car out right afterward.

 

Just got back from checking it out.

It's in beautiful shape, particularly for that kinda mileage. Cosmetically, there's just one scratch and UV-damaged headlights. The interior was spotless.

They had the alternator, front right strut, and timing belt replaced recently.

I heard no strange noises.

Oil changes done every 3k miles by the owner. It's about due for another one.

Thanks again, HT.

 

basically every panel will have a VIN sticker. look for them. if any are missing, it means the car has had bodywork done on it before.

also, look at all the spot welds as indicators of whether the car has been in an accident...

also, take a look into the head through the oil cap hole...a good engine won't have any sludge...

 

Take it to my mechanic and get it looked at. I'll fix the lights for you, if it's just UV. and put my old springs on it for ya

 

make sure it has a k20 in it as well jk lol

 

Getting it checked out by Harlowe's mechanic today, hope there's nothing wrong with it.

If everything checks out, I'll have it within a week.

 

a little meguires plasti X on the headlights and all that yellow will be history.

 

Got back from the mechanic, he said it needs two new tires, but is in overall great shape.

I think I'm getting it for $7,300.

 

Bought it and I &lt;3 it.

Thanks Harlowe

 

No prob picking it up for ya. You'll get the hang of 5 speed soon. .

 

congrats!
treat her well and she'll last