Hello,

So I am debating whether or not I should buy a red 2003 coupe EX 4 cyl 5 speed manual. It has 133xxx miles and is priced at 7500. I will not pay more than 6,000 for it. So far the ad says only the starter and battery have been replaced. I went and looked at it today and it looks nice, no rust, but some chipped paint in the front that he said he was planning on fixing this week. Also a few minor dents. Other than that the car looks marvelous with some wear in the leather seats. I think it would be a good buy for me. If I decide on this car, I plan on taking it to a mechanic before I buy it. Of course, I still need to test drive it before anything. What is your take on it?

**EDIT** IT HAS 133k miles actually not 120k

Thanks!!

Here are the pics
http://images.craigslist.org/3Gc3F63...8ac12e16b2.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3Ea3La3...be7bb31169.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3G23I23...e6e5c01541.jpg

 

Taking it to a mechanic is highly recommended.

Ask the current owner if he has the service records for the car. If he has the records or took the car to the dealership for service, then you can figure out how well the car was maintained.

 

Im a little worried about the timing chain. Do many people ignore the 100k service and keep going? Have you heard good things from these models?

 

The timing chain has no interval to be changed. pre-03 accords had a timing belt that was to be changed every 90-110K miles (depending on the year).

My TSX has the same engine and I am on the original timing chain with no problems. If the oil was changed at the proper intervals and no signs of leaks, you should be in good shape.

 

Thanks for the fast replies. At 120k miles is a price of 6k decent? KBB says 5800 for good condition in my area. But while he asks for 7500, I dont know what hes willing to negotiate to.

 

I'm thinking about 5200. Low, high?

 

Around here that car would be listed for $6995 with an automatic.
But the 5spd sometimes does not sell as fast.
I know of a dealer that had a 2002 EX-L 5 spd Manual Sedan that sat on the lot for 9 months and finally sold for under 5,000.

 

Geez, around here (New Hampshire) I've seen V6 6-Speed models with comparable mileage for ~$6,500.

 

Its from a private seller and i offered 5300. He will consider the offer

 

I haven't looked around at prices, so it is hard to say. It can't hurt to offer $5300, then see what he says.