Rep Power: 0

I found a used 2008 Honda Civic on craigslist for $7000. The reason why it's so low is because it has a reconditioned title but the seller said there are no mechanical problems and there is only 60K miles on it. The body also looks good from the pictures. I asked him why it has the reconditioned title and he said he had to replace the right fender and paint the trunk lid but there was no frame or engine damage.

Anyway, I asked for the VIN number to run a CarFax report but I didn't realize you had to pay. Would anyone with a CarFax account be kind enough to run a report for me? Also, should I even be considering this car since it has a reconditioned title? I don't know very about cars at all..

Here is the VIN number is someone doesn't mind running a report for me:
2HGFA16528H356166

Thanks for all of the help!

 
Rep Power: 518

Googled the VIN:
http://www.salvagedb.com/search?q=2HGFA16528H356166


A clean Carfax doesn't mean diddly poop.
It has a salvage title.
A Carfax with a bunch of reports on it may or may not mean diddly poop too.
It has a salvage title.
Plenty of stuff can happen that doesn't get reported.
It has a salvage title.

You already know it has a salvage title, that cuts the value in half.

The salvage title ELIMINATES YOUR WARRANTY.
The warranty extension for the block cracking will be void.
Same for the sunvisors.

Bodywork doesn't really scare me, as long as it was done properly.
Get the opinion of a pro.
Far too many bodyshops stop when the paint is shiny again, it hides real damage long enough to collect their money.
A bodyman might be able to tell more about this area than a regular mechanic.
(I know sometimes it has to be real bad before I notice some body issues, because that isn't my area of expertise. I'm not looking for body issues.)


Invest in a prepurchase inspection, by someone familiar with the newer Hondas, and hopefully really observant.
And honest.
Someone that isn't trying to upsell needless flushes and stuff.


If it saves you from a horrible mistake, it will be money wisely spent.
If they find stuff it legitimately needs, that can give you ammunition at the bargaining table.
At the best, you know what to expect coming up soon, service wise. Brakes, tires, leaks, whatever.


PRE-purchase does not mean get it checked after you bought it and it is too late to stop. Too many idiots do this, then cry the blues when they figure out the car is a POS.


HTH

 
Rep Power: 187

Off Topic, but I gotta say that it makes me sad to see Honda holds two of the top three spots of "Most Dangerous Vehicles of 2012" on that site.

Also, very nice site...will use this in the future if I need to buy a used car, nice find.

 
Rep Power: 518

Bullshizzle.

Use info from the horses mouth.

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shop...vehicleId=6082

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shop...vehicleId=6090

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=300

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=276