The wife and I (mostly I) have been looking for a couple of weeks. Finally decided on a 2003 EX SSM AT with 89K miles (honda full mats and rear tray are the only extras) - typical new-think dealer, no haggle, 30 day/500 mile bumper to bumper and another 30 days powertrain. They also have a return policy for the first week too.
Price is $9,980 (tax/title/fees another $250 - had a trade-in, 2008 hyundai accent, got close enough to what I wanted). First off, now you know why I wanted to get back into an E! Anyway, drove it last night, drives straight, body lines look straight, doors shut properly. There is obvious wear on the interior (nothing excessive though - I know from experience keeping the car scratch free is tough, especially the trunk area). drove about 10 miles - Engine was smooth, cruise, air, heat, radio all work, steering is fine (no major wobbles, stays straight), tires about 60% left on wear and they gave me their used vehicle check list shows everything is good. Carfax shows 2 owners (first was a lease), no incidents.
One thing kind of made me raise my eyebrow, but then I checked the E they had next to it (a 2008 model) and it was similar. What caught my attention was a 3/4" space between one of the headlights and the bumper (on the outside of the headlight) - I noticed there is a space there on the 2008 they had as well, I am guessing this is just some movement of the plastic fender due to age (the other side of the car had only about 1/4" space). That is my only worry, so, should it be a worry at all?
Finally, trade-in aside any thoughts on the asking price? It seems reasonable given what I have seen for sale for the last few weeks, and what is currently being offered (closest in price is a 2003 ex/AT 82K miles at $10,800 - but at a little used car lot - compared to a large multiple dealer business with a short warranty provided, seems like a decent tradeoff at a good price).
Comments appreciated! Off to the trading post!
Price is $9,980 (tax/title/fees another $250 - had a trade-in, 2008 hyundai accent, got close enough to what I wanted). First off, now you know why I wanted to get back into an E! Anyway, drove it last night, drives straight, body lines look straight, doors shut properly. There is obvious wear on the interior (nothing excessive though - I know from experience keeping the car scratch free is tough, especially the trunk area). drove about 10 miles - Engine was smooth, cruise, air, heat, radio all work, steering is fine (no major wobbles, stays straight), tires about 60% left on wear and they gave me their used vehicle check list shows everything is good. Carfax shows 2 owners (first was a lease), no incidents.
One thing kind of made me raise my eyebrow, but then I checked the E they had next to it (a 2008 model) and it was similar. What caught my attention was a 3/4" space between one of the headlights and the bumper (on the outside of the headlight) - I noticed there is a space there on the 2008 they had as well, I am guessing this is just some movement of the plastic fender due to age (the other side of the car had only about 1/4" space). That is my only worry, so, should it be a worry at all?
Finally, trade-in aside any thoughts on the asking price? It seems reasonable given what I have seen for sale for the last few weeks, and what is currently being offered (closest in price is a 2003 ex/AT 82K miles at $10,800 - but at a little used car lot - compared to a large multiple dealer business with a short warranty provided, seems like a decent tradeoff at a good price).
Comments appreciated! Off to the trading post!