DW has settled on a Honda CR-V as her next ride. We're looking at 2008 models of the EX-L (bells-and-whistles) trim line. A 2011 version would cost approx $28K, a 2008 with about 30-40K miles will run about $22k from a Honda dealer (certified used--with a 12 month warranty on almost everything, about 4 more years on the powertrain). The base models don't depreciate this fast, a new one is probably the best choice when looking for those. Other note: We'll probably keep the car for 10+ years, and she'll probably put about 8-10K miles/year on the car.
There's a nice looking one for sale at about $20K from a private seller, but she said it had been in a collision and was hit in the rear side. About $10K in damage, all repaired under the eye of the local Honda dealer. One airbag deployed, it was replaced. They claim all the repairs are undetectable, Honda parts, documented, etc.
1) Should I consider buying this vehicle? Any ideas on special things I /mechanic should look for? (I'm esp concerned about corrosion protection in the damaged area--salt is tough on cars here)
2) Given the vehicle's history, if everything looks okay (mechanic gives the thumbs up, the paperwork is in order, the body panels are straight, and everything looks good underneath), what would you offer for this vehicle?
Thanks for any tips/opinions.
P.S. This is a bad time to buy a car, either new or late-model used. The Japanese tsunami has significantly reduced dealer stocks. So, we're in the market now. . .
There's a nice looking one for sale at about $20K from a private seller, but she said it had been in a collision and was hit in the rear side. About $10K in damage, all repaired under the eye of the local Honda dealer. One airbag deployed, it was replaced. They claim all the repairs are undetectable, Honda parts, documented, etc.
1) Should I consider buying this vehicle? Any ideas on special things I /mechanic should look for? (I'm esp concerned about corrosion protection in the damaged area--salt is tough on cars here)
2) Given the vehicle's history, if everything looks okay (mechanic gives the thumbs up, the paperwork is in order, the body panels are straight, and everything looks good underneath), what would you offer for this vehicle?
Thanks for any tips/opinions.
P.S. This is a bad time to buy a car, either new or late-model used. The Japanese tsunami has significantly reduced dealer stocks. So, we're in the market now. . .