Honda Car Forum

I am looking to buy a car, which happens to be a 96 honda accord. I test drove it, but the gas needle was under the E. In park the steering wheel shakes, and when I make a stop, the steering wheel shakes. I don't want to buy this car if that is a major problem that will cost me a lot to get fixed. The person who is selling this car to me wants $2100.00 for it. The car has 124,000 miles on it. How can i find out if i am getting a good deal or not? I don't want to buy a piece of junk and then have to spend a whole lot of money for repairs. Please help

Could be a possible transmission/motor mount. Kinda hard to diagnose without seeing it.

it is out of gas.it has warped rotors and is in need of a brake job.Kelly blue book.then don't buy a piece of junk.if it runs good and passes smog you can get the brakes done ask that the price be reduced buy the cost of a brake job. the seller is responsible to pass smog and brake inspection.

Hubby says to take it to a Honda place to have it checked out. It will cost you around $70.00 for them to look at it, but he advises that if it shakes while in park, it should be looked at before you buy it. Good luck!!

If it shakes when you are stopping, it's most likely the rotors. They are from $20- $30. As far as shaking while parking I don't know. There is a trick when buying a car. Ask to test drive the car, but before you do find the nearest shop, preferably minus. Yell them you are having problems with your car and you would like them to check it out. I hope this helps.

tale it to a shop abd ask them to put it up in the air, you want to check the ball jointa and calipers.

Sounds like the alignment but to be sure take it to a garage and have them give to once over It should not cost more than 100 depending on where you are. I have an 88 civic sedan and a 91 hatchback and love them. But the rule if the seller does not want you to have some like at it first them is most likely is a problem

the needle could mean it is empty or the float is broken in the tank.if the steering shakes in park it could be a few things. possibly a motor mount. It is a transverse engine so your motor and tranny mounts are the same.the steering shakes when braking means the brake system or the suspension (long shot).you may end up spending close to 2100.00 in repairs depending on where in the country you are at.as for an answer on smog and brake inspection, that is dependent on the part of the country you live in.A car with that many problems at 124,000 miles means the previous owners didnt take care of it and it isnt worth 2100, stay away from the vehicle.also go to this website:http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/1996...Accord.aspxand that might help you out on determining wether to buy or not. I would recommend not.

I would have to say the rotors are very bad. If it shakes that much I doudt they can turn the rotors enough to make for smooth braking. Cost for rotors. High. Could also have a collasped steering column. Could have. For about $30.00 you can drive into an "Express Oil Change" and they can hook your engine up to a monitor and check many items that maybe wrong. That is a very good price providing the car has been well cared for, but I don't think that it has. You could also need front "struts", which will eat at your pocket book.

well by the way your describing it, seems to as if the rotors need to be resurfaced, ask the owner whens the last itme had had the brake pads replaced? and if he did did he do ne thing with the rotors? some good rotors for your honda accord will cost you 40-60