Nov 26, 2015

Keys, Car, Ignition Key, Key, Key Fob, TransportationWhether you are buying a new or used car, Hondas are a great option. They offer many options that last a long time. However, there are many questions you should ask to make sure you are getting the best used vehicle. Here’s a list of questions to get you started if you’re considering purchasing a used Honda.

What is the Condition of the Car?

A great place to start your questioning is simply to ask what the car’s conditionĀ is. Although this may seem like a basic and unnecessary question, it is one of the most important things you can ask. This simple question often leads to information you would never have thought to ask. Most sellers will share not only the good things about their car but also the problems they have had or are currently having.

Has This Car Been in an Accident?

You can’t always tell by looking at the exterior of a vehicle if it has been in an accident, but this is valuable information to have. Although minor dings and fender benders are not concerning, if a vehicle has been in a major accident, there could be unseen issues with the structure or stability of the vehicle. Include in your inquiry as to who did the repairs and the extent of repairs completed; all of this is valuable information to have when considering the purchase of a used Honda.

How Many Miles Have Been Driven on the Vehicle?

It is typical for a car to be driven more than 5,000 miles per year but usually not more than 20,000 per year. If you find that a vehicle has been driven more or less than these numbers, you should inquire as to why. Was it a second vehicle that was only driven for specific things or was it used for large amounts of highway travel? You just don’t want to hear that it was parked because of problems or that it was driven around town constantly with a lot of stopping and going as they both can become problems.

Has There Been Any Recalls on the Vehicle?

It is not abnormal for a car to have recalls in its lifetime, but it can be a problem if the recalls were not repaired. Dealerships keep track of recalls and repairs and can track them based on the VIN assigned to each car. This may seem like a minor issue, but you never know when there has been a recall that is life endangering, so take this question very seriously.

Do You Have the Service Records?

Most dealerships will not have records for used cars, but private parties often do. If the records are available, it’s good to look through and verify that the vehicle has not only had regular maintenance but that you don’t notice any problems not already discussed. You can also search the vehicle’s history with its VIN.

Although there are several other questions you can and should ask when buying a used Honda, this list covers the most important ones. Plus many of these questions will lead to a string of questions and important information gained.

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