What are the major things you would check for. From what I know:

1. Compression Test
2. Leak Down
3. Diff ( How do they check this? )
4. Carfax

What else to look for. I am gonna be buying an 04 or 05 around late feb or early March.

Thanks

 

Most importantly, try feeling the seller out so you know how s/he treated the car on a daily-basis. The guy I purchased my '02 from was an older gentleman (50's) who was fanatical about keeping it clean, well maintained, etc. He was a car enthusiast who also owned an STi which I was glad of. He also did a ton of research online so he did know a lot about the car.

You will have to have a dealership or shop do the leakdown test, but you could do the compression test yourself if you have a good tester (cheapos from the local parts store don't count). You really can't *check* the rear differential, but you can check the fluid in it to make sure its full and not saturated with metal chunks.

 

Will the dealer do a leak down test and check the diff fluid for correct amount while they are doing a compression test. Does this normally cost alot. I cant imagine that it does. I guess price doesnt matter as long as you have a sound mind at night

 

I agree 100%. You are buying the seller as much as you are buying the car. If anything about the person makes you uncertain, I'd probably pass on the deal.

 

I'm debating if I should buy through a private seller or just from a dealer. If I do buy from a dealer I am guessing its perferred to buy from a Honda dealer as a Certified used car? I've looked on auto trader and it looks like most of the time you get a better cost from a private seller. I've got lots to think about.

 

That certified stuff is crap! I sell cars and they use the certification stuff to raise prices. I agree with the guys about the person you are buying from being most important. I bought a car from a guy in his 50's that had a huge folder with all the records. He asked me if I wanted to test drive, I said nope I will take it! You just have to feel comfortable.

 

There is no easy way to check the differential for problems. You should just check the fluid level (in the tranny too), and listen for noises when driving.

 

I think i'll check out some private sellers when i'm ready to buy. I'll see how they act and see if I can get some clues from them. I've made up my mind that I will definitely be getting an ap2 but not on the year yet. I guess depending on what I get a better deal on. I want something tht has pretty low miles (under 30k). I want a silverstone with red/black interior. I cant wait

 

don't buy from 30 yrs old or below...they are the craziest in the drivers group.

if you word your questions right, their answers are all you need ..."I heard this car is fast, What's your 0-60 time, 1/4 mile times"..."vtech is really cool, do you vtech alot?". "can this car do burn out, can you do a burn out"...etc.

 

Hes absolutely right, or if it's modded. You really want one that is completely stock and from a guy in his fifties, good luck!