Crx buying list - Check it - Updated April 4 2006

Most of these questions go for any vehicle but some are more specific to the CRX and more specifically the SI.

ASK THESE OVER THE PHONE!

1)When was the last time the timing belt was done?
2)When was the rad replaced?
3)had any accidents?
4)ever been stolen?
5)Has it been painted? Â If so when?
6)When it was painted did they use bondo or metal? (cause they probably used one or the other)
7)Any rust and where?
8)Any modifications at all?
9)is it original engine? if not when was swap done? what was put in? why so soon if < 200,000kms(~120,000miles)
10)when do you oil changes? and what kind of oil(synthetic or regular)
11)any rips in interior?
12)how are the tires?
13)is it cert, and e-tested if not what does it need to be
14)does it have a/c?
15)Do you have the preowned vehicle package? DO NOT BUY A CAR WITH OUT THIS! THERE COULD BE LEANS(LOANS) AGAINST IT OR IT COULD BE STOLEN! WHICH WOULD MEAN YOU PAID MONEY ALOT OF MONEY FOR A DRIVE HOME!
16)When were rad hoses changed? how are they?
17)When was the trany oil changed?
18)Has the distributor been changed?

TIPS FOR WHEN YOU GO TO LOOK AT ONE:
1)bring a fridge magnet(thin flexible one) to test for metal or bondo
2)bring a flashlight no matter what time of day to look under car
3)be really skepical
4)trust your instinct(don't buy the car if you don't like the guy)
5)check all the numbers on papers against numbers on the car. Check for tampering of any numbers.
6)don't forget you can say no
7)people do lie, you just have to accept that
8)you will probably look at a few(3-5)before seeing a good one
9)if possible leave it over night to think about it, once the deal is made its made
10)take someone else that knows about the car too cause they might think of something else while you are there
11)if the other person has a CRX drive it if possible because showing up in one usually makes the seller a little more nervous and this allows you to be able to compare the buying car to the other one for price negotiation.
12)check the rad hoses for cracks and wear, especially on 88-89
13)Check for water leaks & broken weather stripping. Look under spare tire, check roof for water marks around rear window squirter, look in tail lights for water. The tail lights aren't a big issue as its easily fixed with silicone, but can work as leverage to bring price down. IE. "The tail lights leak! I'll give you $1 for it."
14)SI only - Open the sunroof, look for rust and debris/moisture inside. If the lines are clogged you may find some. You may also have found the water in the hatch.
15)Drive the car to a parking lot, turn wheel lock to lock, listen for clunking as you drive while wheel cranked. This woudl be bad CV joints. - bargining point, ~$100 per side to replace.