The market for used cars has calmed down enough that there are once again some great deals to be had when buying a used Honda.
Georgia used car buyers generally do their homework to make sure they are getting a good buy on their used car. Auto Trader did a survey that found that 70 percent of used car buyers will walk away from a deal for the lowest available price if they find the dealership to be dishonest, and 77 percent will reject the exact car they are looking for if the dealership turns out to be untrustworthy.
So, how do you make sure you are getting a good deal from an honest dealer on a used Honda or any other car? Here are 7 things to consider when thinking about buying a used Honda.
1. Look for a Single Point of Contact at the Dealership
Ideally, you should interact with just one person at the dealership. The same individual should answer your questions, fill out your paperwork, and close the deal with you. At the very least, the salesperson who closes the deal should not shut out the person who showed you the car on the floor when you are negotiating the price.
2. Run a VIN Check
How can you know the mileage on the car on the lot is really what the odometer says it is? How can you know a used car hasn’t been in an accident, has never been salvaged, and wasn’t rescued from floodwaters after a hurricane?
All you need to do is to run a VIN (vehicle identification number) check.
You can find a car’s VIN on:
- The driver’s side door jamb, or
- Behind the windshield, on the driver’s side, in the lower corner, or
- In the vehicle’s documentation, such as the registration, its insurance paperwork, or the promissory note the seller signed when they bought the car.
3. Take a Look at the Title Before You Buy
You don’t want to buy a stolen car. Insist on seeing the title before you pay any money. Any reputable car dealership will have the title.
4. Inspect the Car
The next thing you need to do before buying a used Honda is to make sure the car is in working condition. Hire a reputable mechanic to inspect the car and ensure it is in good working order and hasn’t been in any unreported accidents.
5. See If There Will Be a Warranty
Some cars are sold “as is.” If something goes wrong once you drive it off the lot, you must pay to repair it. Some used Hondas come with a limited warranty, from the dealership, or a third party. These are better than no warranty at all, but they are also a sign the dealer is not 100% confident the car won’t break down.
Your best bet when buying a used Honda is to look for Certified used Hondas. These cars are in great shape, and you can only get them through a dealership, not a private party.
6. Test Drive the Car
Honda dealerships in Georgia generally let you test drive a used Honda for as long as you need to make sure it has the handling, legroom, and power you are looking for. That’s more than a quick drive around the lot.
You also have to take note of unusual sounds and smells. Check the state of the tires, the backup cameras (if any), the spare tire, the jack, the AC, and compressor.
7. Be Prepared to Negotiate to Get a Better Deal
Know the going rate for the kind of car you want before you go to the dealership. Check out Kelly Blue Book, Craigslist, Edmunds, OfferUp, LetGo, and eBay. They will give you an idea of how much wiggle room you have in bargaining for your best deal when buying as used Honda.