Tips on Buying Cars: 94 honda accord., dearborn area, odometer reading

Question
hi,

i was searching for honda and i encountered this accord ex, 1994 model which claims to have 73k miles on it. visually odometer(analog) looks good. but the leather seats(both front and rear) have cracks all over(appears to be abused more than it is supposed to be for 73k). one more concern is that it has an appreciable engine noise (but not too much) when compared to 2000 accord. In all the other aspects it obeys with the low mileage and good maintainance.

how can i make sure that the engine noise and the leather seats and the odometer reading(if it is fraud) and other things like alternator, a/c compressor, radiator, transmission, battery, and alike are in good condition and that i could go ahead to buy it? are there anyone who could help me look into each and every detail of the car and tell me what are in good condition and what are not?  are there any mechanics who have a workshop where they examine the car in detail and help me out? i and the seller live in michigan near dearborn area (this is a private deal).

my main concern is that engine noise and the leather seats are not correlating with odometer reading. who can help me find out the truth behind this deal?

thanks for the valuable timely advice.

Answer
Hi srini
Buying a car thats 11 yrs old will take a little homework on your part to assure valid value for your bucks...
For you to have contacted me you have taken the first step...
I want you to go to my old website, am no longer there but some good pointers are there for you   www.usedvehiclefacts.ca
click on TEST DRIVE...ACCIDENT...BUYING PRIVATE...
After the test drive if you feel car is for you then insist taking it to a mechanic your choice it will cost you a few dollars ...state your concerns...if the owner will not let you take it to a mechanic...simply walk away...
worn seats and miles on a car that old is secondary...overall mechanical condition comes first...
I read into your thoughts, how can a car looks worn with low miles...there is no sure way to check for roll-back miles...how long has owner had vehicle ?...why is owner selling ?...you buying vehicle AS IS or mechanical fit ?
Phone a few shops get quotes on inspection...and if you really want to go all out, then how much to have a compression test included...
A good mechanic will tell you what needs to be replaced and what will need to be replaced down the road...
let me know how you make out and if you not sure about something ...get back to me...
  Regards
    Ray