i grew up working on 80s & older american cars with my dad. i dont really know much about cars in the last 20 years, let alone imports or anything. i want to upgrade to a 4cylinder stick shift, for better mileage and convenience.

what do i look for in a mid 90s accord? when i go to a dealer or someones house, what problems should i be looking for? mechanically speaking. what are common problems with these cars? i know they can be reliable forever which is why i am interested. what website and books should i read to get myself familiar with working on a car like this?

one i am looking at is a '92 Accord EX, wagon/hatchback
other candidates include a 1996 Mazda 626 DX or a 2000 Saturn SL 1

all of these SAY less than 100,000 miles. also i will do carfax.

 

I would ask for proof that the timing belt has been replaced somewhat recently. I would look for oil on start up. Car fax is key as the odometers on Accords are easily to roll.

I know one of the things I got burned on once when buy a used car was the previous owner actually took the bulb for the SRS warning light out and didn't tell me so I didn't know until months later that the airbag system actually wasnt working right. This could also be done for the check engine light, so just make sure they light up when they key is in the II position.

 

You could also have a shop do a buyer's inspection on the vehicle.