Dear members,

I would appreciate if someone could please help me: I have NEVER EVER bought a used car before, so it's safe to say I have no clue what to look for when buying one. I have been checking autotrader.com, craigslist (I'm from LA) and other sites for used cars (especially Honda CRV's and Toyota RAV4's) in the past 2-3 weeks and so at least know what the price range of such cars is...

Today I came across a car listed at ebay (2002 Honda CRV EX AWD) and while the "buy it now!" price was $7500 (already quite low for what other dealers are charging), the seller also accepted offers from buyers ("make an offer" option). Not really expecting to win the auction, I offered $6500 and to my surprise, the seller accepted just moments later. Now, before making an offer I did check the history record with Autocheck.com and it reported no problems (I believe the rating was 89%), and I also checked the private-party value of the car at KBB ($7400) and at Nadaguides.net ($6400), assuming the car is in "good" condition. Still, I feel uneasy about the whole thing, since dealers usually price these cars around $9-10k...

I also noticed that the listing has been viewed quite many times (200+ views), meaning if this were indeed such a good deal, someone would have probably bought the car before me. Thus, I'm just wondering if high mileage (most older CRV's come with high mileage, though!) and the fact that the car was towed and/or anything else is the reason the car was offered at such a price.

I'll have the car inspected by a mechanic of my choice before I buy it, but I'd prefer saving me the whole ordeal of meeting with the seller, having the car inspected, etc. if it is obvious that there's something fishy going on here and that the car might be a lemon.

So, here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=350263587365

I'd appreciate any feedback or just your thoughts about the whole deal. As I said, I have no clue about used cars (or used CRV's in particular), so I'd be really grateful if someone knowledgeable could tell me a thing or two and just point me in the right direction...

Thanks!

Wendy


PS-I'm aware of the radio not working, and the car having manual transmission (which I prefer to automatic). I'm also assuming the car has been regularly and well serviced - if it turns out that it wasn't, I'll just turn around...

 

Do your homework especially with an ebay deal. No mention of the mileage? Get the VIN# and call America Honda to check on any of the recalls (ignition switch, airbag wire harness, seat belt tensioners). You can also ask how many owner's or if there are any Extended Warranties. Get a Honda mechanic to check it out if you are serious. The seller jumping right away at your offer? I'd hate for you to have a bad experience on your first used deal. Don't be afraid to walk away - many Honda's for sale out there...

 

I had no idea they had 5spd 2nd gens. Learn something new every day.

 

where are you located?
im not to sure bout with those online selling,
especially if they didnt offer an inspection first..
the couple of times i did an online buying, the seller
asked me a deposit of some amount w/c is refundable
to test drive and inspect the car first before closing
a deal with them.. then if i didnt like the car all they
will charge you is minimal covering the posting/legal
procedures and itll be deducted on your deposit but everything
is with a receipt and properly break stated on it...

too bad my carfax just expired too..LOL
anyway good luck with your dealings with the seller,
i do recommend bringing in a mechanic to check it before
you make a purchase..!!
from the looks of it hes a good seller from ebay, you could
also check his status on the ebay community if you want,
theres a couple of people ther chatting that could help you..
but imo just bring a mechanic and test drive the car then go from there..

 

i will only buy a car if i go and see it in person..
that's just me though
not a fan of buying over ebay

 

if it is the car that is pictured you got ONE HELL OF A DEAL!

I bought my 1997 honda cr-v with 144k for $3000 from a private seller a few months ago and some people think thats unreal.

 

he did say theyll meet in person

i say carfax...

does it have a salvage title?
sometimes they sell cheap cars because, it has a salvaged title...
usually when its salvaged...major things happened to it...bad...

make sure the title is clear

 

I'll have to check at work in the morning but there was a Shop Talk article on the proper towing of the REALTIME 4WD vehicles behind motor homes.

I'd want to be sure that it was towed properly and that the RT 4WD system functions properly. When you road test it, make sure it is driven long enough to get the fluid warm and moving. Then do several figure eight turns in a parking lot and listen for any noise or vibration from the rear differential.

Also, the front transfer case assembly is part of the transmission so try to see when the ATF was changed last.