Learn me 7th Gen Accords

I'm going to look at a used 2005 Accord EX this weekend. 117K miles, 4-cyl MT, dealer serviced. Asking $8400, which is exactly what KBB says it should cost from a private party. Seems a bit on the high side, though I know I'm paying extra for the Honda name. Manual tranny cars are really hard to find in these parts so I might be willing to pay a tiny bit too much.

I kinda know what to expect from a 117K mile old German car, but not of a Honda. I've only had one, a leased '02 Civic SI, and the thing never broke so I never needed to learn anything about them. So, what should I look for other than normal used car stuff? Are there any hidden potential trouble spots that would make me want to pay for a Pre-Purchase Inspection? I.e. how likely is a K24A4 of this age to fail a leak-down test?

My mom had a 2005 V6 EX-L with an auto. It seemed bolted together really well, but they traded it off at about 35,000 miles. It was only ever in the shop to chase a couple of rattles and once for what I remember as worn interior work.

Get a history of services. If they went long on oil changes you're right at the time when a new chain, guides and tensioner will rear their ugly head. If the oil's been changed regularly than it'll run forever.

Bobzilla wrote: Get a history of services. If they went long on oil changes you're right at the time when a new chain, guides and tensioner will rear their ugly head. If the oil's been changed regularly than it'll run forever.

Yep, it's an insult to do less than 200k on one.

It compares favorably with the reliability of an anvil.

DaveEstey wrote: It compares favorably with the reliability of an anvil.

I disagree, they don't make anvils like they used to.

Do they still make anvils? It was my understanding that they're like Necco wafers. Tons were made long ago and they've been selling old stock for decades.

You're not making my decision between low-mile fast-depreciators and high-mile slow-depreciators easier, people.

I'd grab the car, sounds like a good deal provided they have done the timing belt, pretensioner, waterpump and valve lash. Meaning the service is upto date. Otherwise you should be good for another 100k miles. During that time please keep in mind your going to need the standard things any car of that mileage needs, shocks, suspension bushings, etc.

Andrew