Are maintenance records available, and when were the timing belt or chain and the transmission fluid last serviced?

At 139,217 miles, the big-ticket services are either done or due. Records tell you which.

Has the underbody been checked for rust, and are there any open safety recalls?

Older cars in salt-belt states can hide frame and brake-line corrosion. Open recalls are fixed free at a franchised dealer, but you need the VIN to check.

What is the out-the-door price in writing, including the doc fee, taxes, title and any add-ons?

The advertised price is rarely what you pay. An itemized out-the-door quote exposes doc fees and pre-installed add-ons before you negotiate.

What reconditioning was done before listing, and is there a recent inspection or Carfax report?

Dealers inspect and repair trade-ins to different standards. Ask what was replaced, what was left alone and whether the state inspection is current.

2011 Honda Accord SE

$6,800

139,217 mi · Polished Metal Metallic · FrontWheelDrive · at TEST Claude Motors (delete), Methuen, MA

About $123/mo estimate · 72 mo at 8.99% APR, $0 down, before tax and fees. Not an offer of credit.

FMYCAR take

Price position: priced $8,138 below the median of 12 similar Honda Accord listings on FMYCAR (median $14,938).
Mileage: 139,217 miles — fewer than 8 of 12 similar cars (median 143,128 mi).
Days listed: added today. As a general rule, the longer a car sits, the more room a dealer has to negotiate.

What to ask the dealer about this 2011 Honda Accord

Are maintenance records available, and when were the timing belt or chain and the transmission fluid last serviced?
Has the underbody been checked for rust, and are there any open safety recalls?
What is the out-the-door price in writing, including the doc fee, taxes, title and any add-ons?
What reconditioning was done before listing, and is there a recent inspection or Carfax report?

Read: How dealers really price your trade · Out-the-door price explained · Dealer add-ons to decline

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TEST Claude Motors (delete)

Methuen, MA

978-555-0177

See all TEST Claude Motors (delete) inventory · Dealer website

Details

Mileage	139,217 mi
Exterior	Polished Metal Metallic
Interior	Black
Body	Sedan
Engine	2.4L
Transmission	5-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain	FrontWheelDrive
Fuel	Gasoline
VIN	1HGCP2F60BA153847
Stock #	BA153847