subject: How to protect yourself from buying a lemon Honda Civic in Toronto? [print this page] How to protect yourself from buying a lemon Honda Civic in Toronto?
Have you ever heard of the myth "Honda Civic is easier to steal, and therefore have a higher insurance premium?" Let's take a moment and explore this topic a little deeper. Honda Civics are often the target for car thieves not because it is easier to break into, but there is a huge black market out there for parts. For example when you are buying a used Civic, you browse through hundreds of vehicles online. You wonder how can some prices vary from as high as $15,000 to as low as $10,000 with similar condition, kilometers and color. The bigger dealerships usually sell their vehicle at a higher cost, versus the smaller dealers. The market is constantly demanding quality products at lower prices, so to compete with this market condition many smaller dealerships today will purchase a U.S vehicle or worse insurance write off vehicles to lower the cost.
After major body shop repairs and clean up the vehicles will pass the naked eye for the average consumer. When it comes to insurance write off vehicles there are often parts such as airbags or ignition system that will need to be replaced. Honda protects its consumers by verifying the vehicle's VIN to minimize this kind of vehicle been sold on the Canadian market. In other word thieves will be paid very well to steal late model Honda Civic airbags straight from another uninfected vehicle to avoid detection. If you have your eye on a well priced Civic you should ask for the CarProof report, and if you know anyone that works in the automotive industry, consult your friend to make sure the vehicle doesn't have major body shop repairs done in the past, or any major accident history. After all by saving yourself $2-3000 dollars you may unintentionally put the safety of yourself and your family at risk.
If you are shopping alone, you should look for any paint defects on the vehicle, Vehicle Identification Number or VIN stickers on all the body panels. Make sure you read the CarProof report, and have the vehicle driven and inspected at an independent mechanic shop for a second opinion before handing over your hard earned money.
