Pricing for new Hondas has held steady. And used Hondas have maintained a strong reputation for reliability, so people are willing to pay more. Beneath the sparkling exterior, there can be a seamy underbelly to buying a used car. And few states have used-car lemon laws. Check for anything that looks like a ring around the bathtub, says Kuhn.
Electrical problems are another giveaway.
And remember, used vehicles have a past. If you want a perfect car, you have to look at new. For a fee, they'll also give you a more complete report on the vehicle's history.