7 Tips to Avoid Buying a Lemon When Shopping Used Cars

Going for the best used car deals means you can save some serious money. Since used cars depreciate at a slower rate compared to a brand new car, you lose less money in the long run. Besides the purchase price and depreciation value, you can also save money in terms of insurance charges and sales taxes. 

Purchasing well-maintained Honda civic used cars offers several benefits, but it comes with a few risks. Impulse buying or blind decisions can make you end up in a lemon trap. Finding a well-maintained pre-owned car is not necessarily a gamble, but you have to carry out detailed research and apply due diligence. The following tips can help you detect trouble and stay away from the lemon trap when buying Honda civic used cars or any other model.

1. Check the vehicle history: A perfect way to avoid walking into a lemon trap would be checking the reliability record of the vehicles. You may browse through online resources to learn how to recognize the worst and best used car deals. Go through consumer reviews and find the major pitfalls found in different makes and models. It is also helpful to look up the history of individual vehicles.

2. Read the window sticker: It is a note that contains certain information about the used vehicle offered up for sale. The window sticker will give you info on whether the car is sold "as is" or with a warranty. According to trade laws in some localities, it is essential to post a buyer's guide in every used car offered up for sale. Warranty coverage, repair costs and other conditions mentioned in the window sticker should be followed by the dealership.

3. Examine the exterior: Take a close look at the car by walking around it. Check whether there are any dents, scratches, chipped paint, mismatched colors, cracked windows and so on. Closer inspection can help in detecting paint overspray which would be a sign of body-panel repair. If you notice any welded joints around the doors, trunk or around the hood, then it can be a good indication of vehicle repair.

4. Inspect the interior: Get into the vehicle to look around the cabin, dashboard, handles, knobs and buttons. Worn and damaged seat belts can be suggesting a previous incidence of frontal impact whereas worn pedals indicate very high mileage. If you notice an unpleasant smell or water leak inside the car, then it would be tell-tale sign of flood damage.

5. Check under the hood: You have to look for the signs of corrosion, fluid leak and melted wires under the hood. Use the dipstick to check the level and quality of engine oil. If you find any fine metal particles in the oil, then it is a strong indication of internal damage. Leave the engine running to check whether there are any grunting sounds from under the hood. 

6. Check tires, steering and suspension: You need to inspect the depth of tire tread to assess its wear and tear. Cars with very high mileage will have over-inflated tires, whereas heavy wear on outside indicates that the car has been into rash driving. Unevenly worn or cupped tires can be indicating problems with steering, suspension and braking. Drive the car at different speeds by turning the steering wheel right and left to test the wheel balancing. 

7. Look for recalls or TSB: Check whether the car has undergone any recall service. You may ask the seller for its documentation. Also, enquire whether there are any TSBs issued by the manufacturer for the chosen model.

Before you purchase a used car from Honda dealerships, it is advised to get the used car inspected by a mechanic. A thorough automotive diagnosis of the vehicle can help you in taking informed decision.