Buying a used car is an exciting process and if you are new to the whole experience, you are in for a serious ride. While you are likely excited to start the search and shop around for hundreds of options or prior sale, you will find that the entire used car buying process becomes overwhelming quickly. There are so many different makes, models, colors, styles and interior features you can choose from. Many first time buyers find themselves quickly wrapped up in all the extras that come with a car and rush into a decision because they think it meets their needs. It is vital that you pay attention to the cars you look at, inspect them, and ensure they meet your needs.
The more time that you spend making a decision about the used car you want, the better the outcome you will receive. As you shop and look at the different options, take some time to explore whether the used Honda will meet your needs, if it is safe, and whether it receives enough miles to the gallon to fit into your lifestyle and budget. Here is everything you need to know before buying the best used Honda car.
Honda: What to Know About the Brand
Honda is a respectable, dependable, and reliable car manufacturer that has been making cars for many decades. The vision of the company is to meet the needs and demands of buyers while making sure to expand on and fulfill their life’s potential. Honda is more than just a car manufacturer and the company Honda Motorsports is the entity that owns Honda. The company sold more than 31.04 million units with the fiscal year ending in March 2018.
Honda has branded themselves as the Dream Builders and they believe that the Power of Dreams is what inspires them. It was Soichiro Honda who created the Honda company and built the brand. He helped make the true power of the brand arise. Opening in Japan in 1948 and then in Los Angeles in 1959, Honda has continued to grow and flourish.
Honda does have some big shoes that they want to fill and some of their goals include:
- 50% of the CO2 emissions from their vehicles will be cut by 2050
- 7 total continents run Honda equipment year in and out
- 0 collisions in vehicles starting in 2040 and moving forward
As you can see, Honda has placed a lot of its attention and focus on being a reliable and dependable brand into the future. They have already started to lay the foundation for themselves and they continue to advance.
Choosing the Right Honda Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
We get it – trust us, we do. We know how overwhelming it can be to think about all there is to consider when it comes to a used car. You may not even know where to begin and because of that, we are ready and prepared to help you. The guide below is designed to help you better understand how affordable a used Honda is, whether it is a safe choice for you and your family over a new Honda model. Also, how good of a fuel economy it has, and the overall cost to own the car over a five-year period in addition to some other important topics. We know that you will find this guide helpful, so let’s jump in.
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A Used Honda is More Than Affordable
Certainly, a used car has its advantages and disadvantages just like a new car. If you are worried that a used car is not financially affordable or responsible, you would be surprised to find that a used Honda is more affordable than you thought. Without a doubt, they make the most financial sense too.
As you wonder how it may make more financial sense, let’s look.
Kelley Blue Book is one of the most reliable sources for information about car prices worldwide. You can find information about both new and used car prices and compare them to prices all over. As of January 2018, the Kelley Blue Book posted an article that discusses how the price of a new car rose by 4%, which amounts to a total of $1,360 per car, making the new average cost for a new car about $36,270.
So, the price of a new car is high and has increased over the last decade or so. With the price of a new car in mind, the average cost of a used car is about $19,657. The price for a used car has risen in the last few years and this is because newer used cars are on the market. Used no longer means 10, 15, or 20 years old.
Surprisingly, the cost difference between a new and used car is a whopping $17,000. This begs the questions: is a new Honda car worth it?
Get Yourself into a Used Honda for Less
A used Honda is an affordable option for any individual or family and you will find that there are many models that are less than you may have thought.
Honda for Sale: New vs. Used: A Breakdown of the Top 3
To help you better understand the true difference in price between a new and used Honda, we will look at three of the top models and break them down based on price.
Brand New Honda Accord vs. Used Honda Accord
- A brand-new Honda Accord has an MSRP of $23,720 to $37,614
- A used 2015 Honda Accord has an MSRP of $13,860 to $20,271
- A used 2013 Honda Accord has an MSRP of $9,564 to $15,739
Brand New Honda Civic vs. Used Honda Civic
- A brand-new Honda Civic has an MSRP of $20,650 to $33,407
- A used 2015 Honda Civic has an MSRP of $12,543 to $18,290
- A used 2013 Honda Civic has an MSRP of $10,709 to $16,931
Brand New Honda CR-V vs. Used Honda CR-V
- A brand-new Honda CR-V has an MSRP of $24,350 to $43,815
- A used 2015 Honda CR-V has an MSRP of $16,200 to $22,543
- A used 2013 Honda CR-V has an MSRP of $12,822 to $16,731
Estimated 5-Year Cost to Own 5 Most Popular Used Honda Vehicles
We have covered the cost of both new and used Hondas and think you have a good idea of how much one will cost buyers. To delve more into the cost of owning a Honda, we will look at the true cost to own five of the most popular Honda vehicles on the market.
We are utilizing the Edmunds True Cost to Own calculator which looks at different factors and provides you with how much your used car will cost you over the next five years. This calculator can give you an insight on what you can expect to pay, expected monthly payment, and how much your used Honda will REALLY cost.
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2012 Honda Civic
The true cost to own a 2012 Honda Civic over a five-year period is $25,150. Below, we will break down some of the most important costs.
- Maintenance: $4,065
- Fuel: $6,624
- Repairs: $2,470
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2013 Honda Accord
The true cost to own a 2013 Honda Accord over a five-year period is $30,164. Below, we will break down some of the most important costs.
- Maintenance: $5,483
- Fuel: $7,571
- Repairs: $2,470
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2014 Honda CR-V
The true cost to own a 2014 Honda CR-V over a five-year period is $32,182. Below, we will break down some of the most important costs.
- Maintenance: $6,145
- Fuel: $8,148
- Repairs: $2,164
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2015 Honda Pilot
The true cost to own a 2015 Honda Pilot over a five-year period is $40,897. Below, we will break down some of the most important costs.
- Maintenance: $7,450
- Fuel: $10,083
- Repairs: $1,841
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2016 Honda Odyssey
The true cost to own a 2016 Honda Odyssey over a five-year period is $37,096. Below, we will break down some of the most important costs.
- Maintenance: $4,388
- Fuel: $9,632
- Repairs: $1,565
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Is a Used Honda Safe for Me and My Family?
You may be asking yourself if a used Honda is a good choice for you and your family. Safety is paramount and there is nothing like feeling content and protected while behind the wheel of your car. You want to know that if an accident did occur, you and your family would be protected. But, more importantly, you want your used Honda to have features built into it that help reduce and prevent collisions too.
Honda has been consistently ranked top in its league when it comes to safety ratings. The Honda brand has built some of the most well-loved and praised vehicles on the road today. Buyers continue to choose Honda because of its safety and reliability.
Below, we will look at some of the awards that Honda has achieved:
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Pilot
- Honda Accord Sedan
- Honda Accord Hybrid
- Honda Accord Coupe
- Honda Civic Sedan
- Honda Civic Coupe
Honda Safety Features
Every Honda is built with buyers’ safety in mind and Honda packs its cars with the equipment, accessories and technology needed to help prevent car accidents and protect you if there is an accident.
Some of the safety features you will find in a Honda include:
- Collision mitigation braking system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assist system
- Forward collision warning
- Road departure mitigation
Some of the active safety features you will find in a Honda include:
- Brake assist
- Multi-angle rearview camera
- Vehicle stability assist
- Anti-lock brakes
- Electronic brake distribution
Some of the passive safety features you will find in a Honda include:
- ACE body structure
- Advanced air bag technology
- Front seat belts with a load limiter and pretensioner
Used Honda Crash Test Ratings
Honda has impressed for decades when it comes to crash test ratings and their ability to provide safe vehicles on the road.
The U.S. NHTSA has awarded Honda the 5-Star Safety Rating for the following 2017 models:
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Honda Odyssey
- Honda Pilot
- Honda HR-V
- Honda Ridgeline
Below, we will look at some of the used Honda car crash test ratings to provide you with a better feel for how safe these cars are. All crash test scores and ratings come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA.
2016 Honda Civic
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 5 stars
2016 Honda Accord
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 5 stars
2016 Honda Pilot
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 4 stars
2016 Honda Odyssey
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 4 stars
2015 Honda Civic
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 4 stars
2015 Honda Accord
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 5 stars
2015 Honda Pilot
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 4 stars
2015 Honda Odyssey
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 4 stars
2014 Honda Civic
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 4 stars
2014 Honda Accord
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 5 stars
2014 Honda Pilot
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 4 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 4 stars
2014 Honda Odyssey
- Overall frontal crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall side crash star rating: 5 stars
- Overall rollover crash star rating: 4 stars
Gas Mileage: Are Hondas Ranked Top for Fuel Economy?
One of the factors you need to take into consideration as you think about a used Honda is how much fuel you will use driving the car around town. If you are someone who drives a lot, you want a fuel-efficient car that does not require you to stop at the gas station multiple times a week.
If you are new to buying a used car or car in general, you may not know what fuel economy means. Basically, it is the number of miles you can drive before one gallon of gas is consumed by your car.
For instance, if you choose a used Honda Accord and the gas mileage says that it is 23 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway, that means you will receive that many miles before one gallon of fuel is consumed. For example, if your car receives 17 miles per gallon and you have a 20-gallon tank, then you would net close to 340 miles before you needed to fill the tank up again.
The higher the number, the better. If your car has a low fuel economy, then you will spend more time filling it up and may find that long road trips or lengthy drives are just too expensive. It all depends on your automotive needs.
Fuel Economy in New and Used Honda Cars
Below, we will go over the fuel economy for both new and used Honda cars to help you better understand what you can expect. Typically, you will find that the numbers are close in range, so you should not expect a 2018 and 2014 model to differ THAT much when it comes to fuel economy.
Honda Civic
- 2018 Honda Civic – 32 city and 42 highway
- 2014 Honda Civic – 31 city and 41 highway
- 2010 Honda Civic – 26 city and 34 highway
- 2006 Honda Civic – 30 city and 40 highway
Honda Accord
- 2018 Honda Accord – 30 city and 38 highway
- 2014 Honda Accord – 27 city and 36 highway
- 2010 Honda Accord – 22 city and 31 highway
- 2006 Honda Accord – 26 city and 34 highway
Honda CR-V
- 2018 Honda CR-V – 28 city and 34 highway
- 2014 Honda CR-V – 23 city and 31 highway
- 2010 Honda CR-V – 21 city and 28 highway
- 2006 Honda CR-V – 23 city and 29 highway
Honda Pilot
- 2018 Honda Pilot – 20 city and 27 highway
- 2014 Honda Pilot – 18 city and 25 highway
- 2010 Honda Pilot – 17 city and 23 highway
- 2006 Honda Pilot – 18 city and 24 highway
Honda Odyssey
- 2018 Honda Odyssey – 19 city and 28 highway
- 2014 Honda Odyssey – 19 city and 28 highway
- 2010 Honda Odyssey – 17 city and 25 highway
- 2006 Honda Odyssey – 20 city and 28 highway
Honda Fit
- 2018 Honda Fit – 33 city and 40 highway
- 2014 Honda Fit – 33 city and 41 highway
- 2010 Honda Fit – 28 city and 35 highway
- 2007 Honda Fit – 33 city and 38 highway
Keep Your Used Honda in Good Condition: Service & Maintenance Schedules
Honda specialists agree that performing regular maintenance on your used Honda will help ensure that the car remains in optimal working order. Factory recommended maintenance schedules are put in place to help you better know and understand WHEN service should be performed and WHAT service should be performed at that time.
Each vehicle has its own maintenance needs and you will find that the factory recommended schedule is a good start. You may notice that your car needs work or maintenance in between these service dates and that is okay. You do not have to wait for the recommended mileage interval to receive service. If you think your car needs work, schedule an appointment at a repair shop.
Of course, all cars, new from dealership or used, need maintenance and will need repairs at some point, so you must factor this into the cost of the car too. Many cars, especially Hondas, do last well beyond that 100,000-mile mark. In fact, the new 100,000 is 200,000 miles. Therefore, as you shop for a used Honda, just because the mileage is nearing 100,000 miles, you do not need to shy way from it.
A well-maintained Honda can last for many years and even well beyond that 200,000-mile mark. If you are ever concerned about whether a used Honda you are looking at has been well maintained, peek at the CARFAX or vehicle history report.
Further Reading
- Used Ford Car for Sale: How to Choose the Right One
- Everything You Need to Know about Buying Used Cars
- Reviewing the Honda Civic
- 30 Used Cars Under 30 MPG
We mentioned that Honda has a service schedule for its vehicles and this is when maintenance is recommended. You should pay attention to this schedule and keep it in mind. Whether you put a lot of miles on your car or not, your vehicle requires this maintenance. One thing you do want to keep in mind, as it can get confusing is the age since your last maintenance too.
So, for example, if you only drive your car 3,000 miles a year and maintenance is recommended every 7,500 miles, that does not mean you wait more than two years to receive service. Typically, you will find the owner’s manual recommends 7,500 miles OR 3 to 6 months, whichever is sooner.
When it comes to maintaining and servicing your used Honda, you will find that most of the service milestones include the following:
- Tire rotations
- Oil change
- Filter changes
- Fluid checks and top offs
- Fluid flushes
Below, we will talk about what Honda recommends for vehicle service and what you can expect at each mileage interval.
Recommended Honda Service Schedule
Hondas are reliable and durable cars, but they need to be maintained like anything else. When your car is maintained, you can expect it to last you a long time and you may even find you can pass the car down from generation to generation. Often, you will find that newer model used cars come with an indication warning light that alerts you when your car is due for service. While this light is helpful, it should be used as a guide in addition to the recommended factory service schedule.
Below, we will go over some of the mileage intervals where Honda recommends you have service performed. Some of the mileage intervals only require minor service and maintenance while others include full inspections, fluid flushes, and more.
7,500 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Lubricate the throttle linkage
- Tire rotation
- Inspection of tires and set tire pressure, if needed
- Inspection of brakes and brake system for wear
- Inspection and top off all fluids
15,000 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Replace the oil drain plug and gasket
- Service the transmission
- Replace the air filter
- Replace spark plugs, if necessary
- Lubricate the throttle shafts, torque the throttle body mount bolts, and inspect the throttle for leakage
- Lubricate all latches, hinges, undercarriage, door locks, and other components, as needed
- Rotate tires and balance both tires and wheels
- Inspect the brake system to include the parking brake, brake pads, brake drums or shoes and brake discs
- Check fluid levels and top them off as needed
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, flush if needed
- Inspect and adjust clutch for manual transmission, as needed
- Inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Inspect the shocks, struts, and suspension system
- Inspect the crankcase filter, replace if necessary
- Inspect the AC and heat system along with all hoses
- Inspect the distributor cap and associated parts
- Inspect for any leaks including the radiator and transmission
- Inspect all components of the vehicle to include wipers, lights, and similar, replace if needed
- Inspect the steering system of the vehicle
- Inspect the drive shaft, boots, and control arms
- Inspect all drive belts and adjust as needed
- Inspect all filter elements and replace filters as needed
- Inspect the ball joints and dust covers for wear
- Inspect differential oil, change if necessary
- Inspect exhaust system and components
- Inspect the steering gear box
- Road test the vehicle
22,500 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Lubricate the throttle linkage
- Tire rotation
- Inspection of tires and set tire pressure, if needed
- Inspection of brakes and brake system for wear
- Inspection and top off all fluids
30,000 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Replace the oil drain plug and gasket
- Service the transmission
- Replace the air filter
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace spark plugs
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace engine coolant
- Service the PCV valve
- Service the battery and clean the connector cables thoroughly
- Lubricate the throttle shafts, torque the throttle body mount bolts, and inspect the throttle for leakage
- Lubricate all latches, hinges, undercarriage, door locks, and other components, as needed
- Rotate tires and balance both tires and wheels
- Inspect the brake system to include the parking brake, brake pads, brake drums or shoes, brake lines and hoses, and brake discs
- Check fluid levels and top them off as needed
- Inspect transfer case oil
- Inspect fuel lines, tank, and components
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, flush if needed
- Inspect and adjust clutch for manual transmission, as needed
- Inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Inspect the shocks, struts, and suspension system
- Inspect the crankcase filter, replace if necessary
- Inspect the AC and heat system along with all hoses
- Inspect the distributor cap and associated parts
- Inspect for any leaks including the radiator and transmission
- Inspect all components of the vehicle to include wipers, lights, and similar, replace if needed
- Inspect the steering system of the vehicle including gear box, boots, linkage, and wheel
- Inspect the drive shaft, boots, and control arms
- Inspect all drive belts and adjust as needed
- Inspect all filter elements and replace filters as needed
- Inspect the ball joints and dust covers for wear
- Inspect differential oil, change if necessary
- Inspect exhaust system and components
- Road test the vehicle
37,500 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Lubricate the throttle linkage
- Tire rotation
- Inspection of tires and set tire pressure, if needed
- Inspection of brakes and brake system for wear
- Inspection and top off all fluids
45,000 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Replace the oil drain plug and gasket
- Service the transmission
- Replace the air filter
- Replace spark plugs, if necessary
- Lubricate the throttle shafts, torque the throttle body mount bolts, and inspect the throttle for leakage
- Lubricate all latches, hinges, undercarriage, door locks, and other components, as needed
- Rotate tires and balance both tires and wheels
- Inspect the brake system to include the parking brake, brake pads, brake drums or shoes and brake discs
- Check fluid levels and top them off as needed
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, flush if needed
- Inspect and adjust clutch for manual transmission, as needed
- Inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Inspect the shocks, struts, and suspension system
- Inspect the crankcase filter, replace if necessary
- Inspect the AC and heat system along with all hoses
- Inspect the distributor cap and associated parts
- Inspect for any leaks including the radiator and transmission
- Inspect all components of the vehicle to include wipers, lights, and similar, replace if needed
- Inspect the steering system of the vehicle
- Inspect the drive shaft, boots, and control arms
- Inspect all drive belts and adjust as needed
- Inspect all filter elements and replace filters as needed
- Inspect the ball joints and dust covers for wear
- Inspect differential oil, change if necessary
- Inspect exhaust system and components
- Inspect the steering gear box
- Road test the vehicle
52,500 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Lubricate the throttle linkage
- Tire rotation
- Inspection of tires and set tire pressure, if needed
- Inspection of brakes and brake system for wear
- Inspection and top off all fluids
60,000 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Replace the oil drain plug and gasket
- Service the transmission
- Replace the air filter
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace spark plugs
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace engine coolant
- Service the PCV valve
- Service the battery and clean the connector cables thoroughly
- Lubricate the throttle shafts, torque the throttle body mount bolts, and inspect the throttle for leakage
- Lubricate all latches, hinges, undercarriage, door locks, and other components, as needed
- Rotate tires and balance both tires and wheels
- Inspect the brake system to include the parking brake, brake pads, brake drums or shoes, brake lines and hoses, and brake discs
- Check fluid levels and top them off as needed
- Inspect transfer case oil
- Inspect fuel lines, tank, and components
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, flush if needed
- Inspect and adjust clutch for manual transmission, as needed
- Inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Inspect the shocks, struts, and suspension system
- Inspect the crankcase filter, replace if necessary
- Inspect the AC and heat system along with all hoses
- Inspect the distributor cap and associated parts
- Inspect for any leaks including the radiator and transmission
- Inspect all components of the vehicle to include wipers, lights, and similar, replace if needed
- Inspect the steering system of the vehicle including gear box, boots, linkage, and wheel
- Inspect the drive shaft, boots, and control arms
- Inspect all drive belts and adjust as needed
- Inspect all filter elements and replace filters as needed
- Inspect the ball joints and dust covers for wear
- Inspect differential oil, change if necessary
- Inspect exhaust system and components
- Road test the vehicle
67,500 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Lubricate the throttle linkage
- Tire rotation
- Inspection of tires and set tire pressure, if needed
- Inspection of brakes and brake system for wear
- Inspection and top off all fluids
75,000 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Replace the oil drain plug and gasket
- Service the transmission
- Replace the air filter
- Replace spark plugs, if necessary
- Lubricate the throttle shafts, torque the throttle body mount bolts, and inspect the throttle for leakage
- Lubricate all latches, hinges, undercarriage, door locks, and other components, as needed
- Rotate tires and balance both tires and wheels
- Inspect the brake system to include the parking brake, brake pads, brake drums or shoes and brake discs
- Check fluid levels and top them off as needed
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, flush if needed
- Inspect and adjust clutch for manual transmission, as needed
- Inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Inspect the shocks, struts, and suspension system
- Inspect the crankcase filter, replace if necessary
- Inspect the AC and heat system along with all hoses
- Inspect the distributor cap and associated parts
- Inspect for any leaks including the radiator and transmission
- Inspect all components of the vehicle to include wipers, lights, and similar, replace if needed
- Inspect the steering system of the vehicle
- Inspect the drive shaft, boots, and control arms
- Inspect all drive belts and adjust as needed
- Inspect all filter elements and replace filters as needed
- Inspect the ball joints and dust covers for wear
- Inspect differential oil, change if necessary
- Inspect exhaust system and components
- Inspect the steering gear box
- Road test the vehicle
82,500 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Lubricate the throttle linkage
- Tire rotation
- Inspection of tires and set tire pressure, if needed
- Inspection of brakes and brake system for wear
- Inspection and top off all fluids
90,000 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Replace the oil drain plug and gasket
- Service the transmission
- Replace the air filter
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace spark plugs
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace engine coolant
- Service the PCV valve
- Service the battery and clean the connector cables thoroughly
- Lubricate the throttle shafts, torque the throttle body mount bolts, and inspect the throttle for leakage
- Lubricate all latches, hinges, undercarriage, door locks, and other components, as needed
- Rotate tires and balance both tires and wheels
- Inspect the brake system to include the parking brake, brake pads, brake drums or shoes, brake lines and hoses, and brake discs
- Check fluid levels and top them off as needed
- Inspect transfer case oil
- Inspect fuel lines, tank, and components
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, flush if needed
- Inspect and adjust clutch for manual transmission, as needed
- Inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Inspect the shocks, struts, and suspension system
- Inspect the crankcase filter, replace if necessary
- Inspect the AC and heat system along with all hoses
- Inspect the distributor cap and associated parts
- Inspect for any leaks including the radiator and transmission
- Inspect all components of the vehicle to include wipers, lights, and similar, replace if needed
- Inspect the steering system of the vehicle including gear box, boots, linkage, and wheel
- Inspect the drive shaft, boots, and control arms
- Inspect all drive belts and adjust as needed
- Inspect all filter elements and replace filters as needed
- Inspect the ball joints and dust covers for wear
- Inspect differential oil, change if necessary
- Inspect exhaust system and components
- Road test the vehicle
105,000 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Replace the oil drain plug and gasket
- Service the transmission
- Replace the air filter
- Replace spark plugs, if necessary
- Lubricate the throttle shafts, torque the throttle body mount bolts, and inspect the throttle for leakage
- Lubricate all latches, hinges, undercarriage, door locks, and other components, as needed
- Rotate tires and balance both tires and wheels
- Inspect the brake system to include the parking brake, brake pads, brake drums or shoes and brake discs
- Check fluid levels and top them off as needed
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, flush if needed
- Inspect and adjust clutch for manual transmission, as needed
- Inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Inspect the shocks, struts, and suspension system
- Inspect the crankcase filter, replace if necessary
- Inspect the AC and heat system along with all hoses
- Inspect the distributor cap and associated parts
- Inspect for any leaks including the radiator and transmission
- Inspect all components of the vehicle to include wipers, lights, and similar, replace if needed
- Inspect the steering system of the vehicle
- Inspect the drive shaft, boots, and control arms
- Inspect all drive belts and adjust as needed
- Inspect all filter elements and replace filters as needed
- Inspect the ball joints and dust covers for wear
- Inspect differential oil, change if necessary
- Inspect exhaust system and components
- Inspect the steering gear box
- Road test the vehicle
120,000 Miles
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Replace the oil drain plug and gasket
- Service the transmission
- Replace the air filter
- Replace engine air filter
- Replace spark plugs
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace engine coolant
- Service the PCV valve
- Service the battery and clean the connector cables thoroughly
- Lubricate the throttle shafts, torque the throttle body mount bolts, and inspect the throttle for leakage
- Lubricate all latches, hinges, undercarriage, door locks, and other components, as needed
- Rotate tires and balance both tires and wheels
- Inspect the brake system to include the parking brake, brake pads, brake drums or shoes, brake lines and hoses, and brake discs
- Check fluid levels and top them off as needed
- Inspect transfer case oil
- Inspect fuel lines, tank, and components
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, flush if needed
- Inspect and adjust clutch for manual transmission, as needed
- Inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Inspect the shocks, struts, and suspension system
- Inspect the crankcase filter, replace if necessary
- Inspect the AC and heat system along with all hoses
- Inspect the distributor cap and associated parts
- Inspect for any leaks including the radiator and transmission
- Inspect all components of the vehicle to include wipers, lights, and similar, replace if needed
- Inspect the steering system of the vehicle including gear box, boots, linkage, and wheel
- Inspect the drive shaft, boots, and control arms
- Inspect all drive belts and adjust as needed
- Inspect all filter elements and replace filters as needed
- Inspect the ball joints and dust covers for wear
- Inspect differential oil, change if necessary
- Inspect exhaust system and components
- Road test the vehicle
Estimated Repair Costs for Common Issues on Used Honda Vehicles
No car is impervious to service and repairs, which means that at some point in time, your used Honda, no matter how well cared for, will need some repairs or a part replaced. It happens. The cost of any repair will vary greatly depending on:
- The cost of the part itself and the demand or availability of the part
- How well your car was maintained to start with
- Whether the repair is minor or significant
- The length of time the repair takes
Fortunately, most repairs needed are minor and affordable but there are times when a major repair is required, and it can be costly. The best way to prepare yourself is to plan early, know what repairs and service are recommended according to the factory service schedule, and save money for those necessary, yet unexpected repairs.
Below, we will go over some of the most common repairs needed on used Hondas and any car for that matter. We will cover what the repair is, on what vehicle, and the cost of the service/repair/replacement.
- The average cost of an oil change on a used Honda Accord ranges from $20 to $150.
- The average cost of an air filter replacement on a used Honda Accord ranges from $30 to $85.
- The average cost of a spark plug replacement on a used Honda Accord ranges from $80 to $250.
- The average cost of a transmission fluid flush on a used Honda Accord ranges from $80 to $110.
- The average cost of a radiator replacement on a used Honda Accord ranges from $300 to $650.
- The average cost to replace, mount, and balance new tires on a used Honda Accord ranges from $400 to $1,000.
10 Popular Used Hondas for Sale
Whether you are new to shopping for a used car or this is not your first rodeo, you will find that you may become overwhelmed with all the choices out there. There are many options from the model car you choose down to the color and the included features on the interior and exterior.
Below, we have gathered information about the 10 most popular used Hondas and will present to you the average price, consumer rating, and why that model is well loved. We hope this information will help make choosing the right used Honda for your needs easier.
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2012 Honda Civic
- Average Price Range: $6,600 to $12,100
- Average Overall Rating: 9.1
The 2012 Honda Civic is a fan favorite and it won multiple awards including one of the most affordable small cars in 2012 and was the winner of the compact cars’ category in that same year. The cute and sporty Civic has always topped the list as a consumer favorite and that is because it has wonderful safety scores, which offer peace of mind, a good reliability score, and it handles well on the road. You do have some choices to make when it comes to the engine and you can choose from a variety of models that boast anywhere from 110 to 201 horsepower.
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2011 Honda Accord
- Average Price Range: $7,200 to $10,700
- Average Overall Rating: 8.9
The 2011 Honda Accord took the number two spot for the most affordable midsize car of that year. It is no wonder that consumers continue to choose the Honda Accord as their vehicle. Not only is it the perfect size (including seats), it is reliable and comes with wonderful safety scores that provide you with the peace of mind you need for your family. The 2011 model includes an updated and newer interior than previous models and you can choose from a number of powertrain options to include engines that range from 177 to 271 horsepower.
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2015 Honda Fit
- Average Price Range: $12,000 to $16,100
- Average Overall Rating: 8.9
The 2015 Honda Fit is a small and sporty little car that won both the 2015 best hatchback for the money and the 2015 best subcompact car for the money. Consumers love the Honda Fit, specifically the 2015 model because it offers smooth seats and a comfortable ride with enough cargo and interior cabin room for everyone inside. The Honda Fit does boast a wonderful fuel economy and includes an engine that pumps out 130 horsepower.
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2010 Honda CR-V
- Average Price Range: $7,900 to $10,100
- Average Overall Rating: 9.2
The 2010 Honda CR-V was top of its class when it released and continues to be one of the most chosen used Hondas out there. It won multiple awards in 2010 to include the most affordable compact SUV and best compact crossover for the money. Consumers love this model because it comes with a very large cargo area that is perfect for those large shopping trips. In addition, the interior is roomy, and the seats are more than comfy to provide you with a relaxing experience. The Honda CR-V has incredible safety ratings and comes with a 180-horsepower engine. Lastly, consumers love this SUV because it has a great fuel economy for being an SUV.
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2010 Honda Element
- Average Price Range: $9,100 to $11,400
- Average Overall Rating: 8.3
The 2010 Honda Element was ranked top in its class for being an affordable compact SUV. While the Element does have a boxy appearance, many consumers love it because it offers a roomy cargo area and seats that can be manipulated to allow for some extra room. The interior has been said to be extremely easy to clean, which is ideal for those individuals who like to hike or explore the outside. The Element comes packed with an engine that puts out 166 horsepower.
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2008 Honda Odyssey
- Average Price Range: $4,100 to $6,700
- Average Overall Rating: 9.5
Consumers love the 2008 Honda Odyssey because it is not only reliable but has a history of reliability to back it up. The cargo space is very roomy, and it comes with great crash test scores, which provide you the peace of mind you want, especially driving your family around in it. The van is equipped with a handsome and powerful V6 engine that puts out anywhere from 241 to 244 horsepower. For a van, the fuel economy is modest, and you can comfortably seat 8 passengers inside.
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2009 Honda Pilot
- Average Price Range: $6,800 to $10,400
- Average Overall Rating: 8.1
The 2009 Honda Pilot was categorized as one of the most affordable midsize SUVs in that year. Consumers like the Pilot because it offers supreme control and handling while on the road and many consumers say it handles more like a car as opposed to an SUV. This SUV does provide comfortable seats, a smooth ride and boasts some excellent safety scores for being an SUV. Under the hood you will find an engine that pushes out about 250 horsepower.
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2012 Honda Ridgeline
- Average Price Range: $15,600 to $20,000
- Average Overall Rating: 8.8
The 2012 Honda Ridgeline was ranked number one in the 2012 compact pickup truck category and scored number two in the used compact trucks under $20K. This truck is unique in that it had a production run from 2008 to 2014 with a small break and then made a return in 2017 and was manufactured in 2018 and for 2019. Consumers were in love with the truck from Honda and found it to be reliable and it came with a good safety score rating. The interior is roomy, and many consumers boast that the truck drives and handles more like a car, which is a plus. The engine pumps out 250 horsepower and it comes in four-wheel drive (4WD).
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2011 Honda Insight
- Average Price Range: $5,800 to $7,400
- Average Overall Rating: 8.1
The 2011 Honda Insight was ranked top in multiple categories to include affordable small cars, hybrid cars, and compact cars. This model is like the above Ridgeline in that its production run was from 2010 to 2014 where it took a bit of a break and has now returned as a new car in the 2019 lineup. Consumers loved this 2011 model because it offered a superior fuel economy getting more than 40 miles to the gallon. While the horsepower in this vehicle is a bit less than other models, it does allow for quality steering, handling, and braking while on the road.
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2016 Honda HR-V
- Average Price Range: $15,900 to $20,100
- Average Overall Rating: 8.2
The 2016 Honda HR-V won multiple awards for being one of the most affordable subcompact SUVs of its time. In addition, it was the winner of the best subcompact SUV for families and best subcompact SUV for the money. Consumers love the HR-V because it comes packed with tons of interior cabin room and cargo room too. The ride is comfortable, and the SUV boasts 141 horsepower with your choice of either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
How Much Will a Used Honda Cost Me?
Purchasing a used car is fun and can provide you with a bit of a rush but the sticker price is always what makes the biggest difference. There are many reasons why a car may be more expensive than the next one, so it is important to pay attention to ALL the factors as you look at the price and try not to just focus on the individual number.
When you look at the price of the car, first determine what type of car it is you are looking at. For example, a Honda Accord is going to cost you less than an Odyssey, simply because one is a car and one is a van. The larger the vehicle, the more you will pay for it. In addition, you need to explore why the price is what it is. Are there additional features included in one model over the other? If so, what are they and are they something you want or need?
Now that you have determined what model car and features are included, determine if the car is new or used. A newer car from a dealership is going to cost significantly more than a used car. Fortunately, if you are looking for a car that is on the newer side, you can get into a model that is only a year or two old for much less than the newest version of that model.
There are many factors that determine the cost of a car, whether new or used, so you must pay attention to the details.
When looking at the price of a NEW Honda from a Honda dealer, you will find the baseline, cheapest model available starts at $16,190 while the most expensive NEW Honda option starts at $35,700.
Tips for Choosing a Reliable and Quality Used Honda for Sale
As you search for a used Honda, you want to make sure that you choose the best used car out there. It is an exciting time for you, but you do not want to let that excitement get the best of you either. You should always pace yourself and make sure to know how much the car costs, the future cost of the car, and all the features packed inside before you make a decision. All too often, consumers will rush their decision and then end up unhappy with the car they chose. To prevent this, you should keep the following tips in mind as you do shop for a used Honda.
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Set a Budget for Yourself and Pay Attention to the Price of the Car
One of the worst things you can do is head out to purchase a used Honda and one, not have a budget in mind, and two, not pay attention to the price of the car. This is a recipe for disaster, but you can avoid it by making sure to do your homework FIRST and learn more about your budget and how much the vehicle you want costs.
The very first step in the process is to make sure you set a budget for yourself. It can be easy to sit here and say, yep, I can afford a $300 a month payment. But you may not be able to. Since the price of a car is important, you need to know what your budget is BEFORE you start your used car search.
As you set your budget, make sure to think about more than just the initial cost of the car. In fact, you need to think about how much that car will cost you in the long run too. Above, we broke down the true cost to own several of the top model used Hondas on the market and you can use them as a guide or run a five-year calculation using the tool linked above.
Let’s look at an example below.
If you can afford $12,000 for a car, then you will need to choose a car that costs LESS than this initially and then factor in the additional costs. So, for instance, if you are eyeing a Honda Accord and the annual cost of the car is $3,500 including fuel, maintenance, and all other costs, you would need to find an Accord that is either $8,500 or less with taxes and fees.
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Delve Deeper into the History of the Vehicle
You never know where a used car has been, how it has been used, or if it has suffered any damage. Because of this, you may be leery to buy a used one from a Honda dealer or private party. Fortunately, there is a way to help safeguard your purchase and that is by inspecting the vehicle through its vehicle history report.
CARFAX is one of the best-known providers of vehicle history reports and when you purchase a used car, you should look at that report. Typically, a CARFAX report will cost you money and you can buy the reports in packages of one, three, or five. The cost varies and is an added expense you will need to think about as you shop for a car. Fortunately, most car dealers will provide you with the CARFAX report for FREE, but you should not expect this from private party dealers.
While a vehicle history report can provide you with a lot of information, it is not a surefire way to know the car is in its prime condition. The reason behind this is because a CARFAX report is only good when the information is reported. What this means is that any time the vehicle is in an accident or has service/repairs performed, the company reports it using the vehicle’s VIN number. If they do not, then the information is not recorded and would not appear on the vehicle history report.
If you do order a CARFAX report, you can expect to see the following on it:
- Maintenance records for the vehicle such as repairs, oil changes, and service schedules
- Number of owners
- Accidents or damage that has occurred to the car including how severe and where
- Odometer reading
- Use of the vehicle
- Any past and current recall information
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Perform a Complete Inspection of the Used Honda
Buying a used car can be a scary process for some, especially if you do not know what it is you are getting yourself into. As we mentioned above, a vehicle history report is a great way to see some background information about the used Honda before you buy it.
But a vehicle history report does NOT substitute for a complete inspection of the used Honda you are interested in. Before you purchase any used car, you want to make sure you inspect it thoroughly to prevent yourself from buying a car that should have never been sold.
Start by Inspecting the Vehicle
The first thing you want to do is look at the interior and exterior of the car and determine its condition. Kelley Blue Book ranks cars from excellent condition down to poor condition. You can familiarize yourself with their definition of car ratings and then use that knowledge to help you rate the condition of the Honda you are interested in.
You should inspect the exterior of the car first and make note of any possible problem areas. Use your eyes first and then use your hand to slide it across the body of the car to feel for any damage. If you do notice some major dents, scratches, or dings, then this may indicate that the car has been involved in an accident at some point.
Once you have inspected the exterior and you are happy with it, move on to the interior. You will want to take some time here and make sure that all components work. For example, if the used Honda come with power seats and mirrors, make sure they work. Do not skip over these small details because they will become significant details later. Additionaly, make sure the radio works and look for any signs of wear such as ripped seats.
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Test Drive the Used Car and Check for Issues
After the initial inspection, you should take the car out for a test drive. This is one of the most crucial steps in the used car buying process and should NEVER be skipped. You will need to question the Honda dealer or private seller if they say there’s no need to test drive the car. This is often a red flag and you probably should walk away from that car.
Once you get the car out on the road, travel the local roads first. Preferably, during this drive you should listen for any odd sounds as you drive the car. Pay attention to how the car drives and how well or smoothly the engine and transmission shift. If there are any issues, you need to keep that in mind as this can mean serious repair problems later.
After the local road test drive, head out to the highway. This is where you will be able to unleash the power of the car and learn more about it. Pay attention to any sounds, vibrations, or pulling that the car may do. If you notice that the engine or transmission shifts hard, makes loud whining noises, or is grinding, you should avoid purchasing the car.
If you are happy with the way the used Honda drives, now it is time for you to inspect it for any leaks. To do this, you should park the car on a CLEAN area of ground such as a clean parking spot. Allow the car to run without moving it for one minute. Then, move the car to a new area and inspect the ground where the car was parked. Fluid on the ground could indicate leaks in the system, especially if the fluid is colored.
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Have a Mechanic Inspect the Car
Now is your chance to have another set of eyes and ears inspect the used Honda you are interested in. Certainly, a certified mechanic can tell you if there are any issues with the car and help provide you with the recommendations you are after. However, you can never be too cautious when it comes to the mechanical aspect of the car. So, do not hesitate to hire a mechanic to look at the car.
If you find that the dealer or private seller does not want you to have it inspected by your own mechanic, this is often a red flag and can mean there are issues with the car itself.
A used car inspection by a properly trained and ASE certified mechanic is ALWAYS recommended.
Get Yourself into a Used Honda Today
Honda is a wonderful brand with a great reputation. As you can see from the data above, Honda cars have won multiple awards, have great fuel economies, and have ranked top in safety multiple years in a row.
If you are in the market for a used Honda, now is the time to check out what inventory is available to you. From cars to SUVs, and even the Ridgeline or Civic SI, you can find something to meet your needs and keep you safe on the road.
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