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I tried to search for a sticky guide or list...but I am considering buying a 2001 LX auto trans 4 door w/ 196k miles as a commuting car, nothing special...just need better mileage than my truck. It's only $2000 so I am sure there is something wrong with it (other than the miles), any suggestions on what to look for?

 
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I would look for, tire wear, brake wear, condition of body, incase it was in an accident (If some parts dont match, need to look closely) Leaks and strange sounds coming from the car, drive the car around a bit make sure it doesnt overheat. check the oil and see what it looks like. Push down the car by its bumpers and see how many times the car bounces up and down. It should only bounce once, if it bounces more you can bet you will need new struts soon. Make sure everything works in the interior, or at least its easy to fix. Pop the hood and look under there for strange things, honestly you just need to be a little car savvy and use some common sense, if something doesnt look right it probably isnt right.

 
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Do everything he just said cuz that just about covers it. Also make sure the AC works, the heat, radio, speakers, all the lights turn on, the dash lights, and anything thing else that it might have. And when you do a test drive turn everything off and roll your windows down so you can listen for any weird sounds. And finally drive with the lights on, AC all the way on, and radio on to make sure the electically system is working well. Good luck with the car.

 
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Thanks for the advice! After looking around on here, I may skip the auto trans just because a manual is cheaper to fix and gets better mileage. Any additional ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 
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Not only would it be cheaper to fix if you had a problem, but the chances of you even getting a problem with the 5spd are slim. Plus the car is so much fun to drive manual than if you got auto

 
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http://www.carbuyingtips.com/used.htm

that site helped me out a lot when I was shopping for my civic... just read everything on that page top to bottom and you'll save yourself some money and hassle.

 
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The automatic transmissions in these cars are extremely picky - especially in the 01s with that many miles on them.

Watch for gear slipping (rpms are going up but the wheels are not going any faster), hesitation when shifting gears, hard shifts, etc. You would be very very very very very lucky if this car either a) hasn't already been through a transmission somewhere down the road or b) is going to need one soon.. just because Honda goofed and forgot that transmissions aren't disposable.

 
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Thanks again for the advice and references. I found a book called "what car dealers won't tell you" and it has a lot of good info on just stuff to look for in general with used cars. Some FYI for others looking to buy a used car.

 
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#1 factor would be the automatic transmission and the fact that it's guaranteed to fail