I just test drove a 2008 manual fit with 135k miles. The owner didnt know much about the car besides that he says he did spark plugs as routine maintenance recently. The car drove perfect on test drive, but when I hooked up my code reader afterwards, it had the following confirmed codes:
P0301 Misfire Cyl 1
P0302 Misfire Cyl 2
P0303 Misifre Cyl 3
P0300 Random/Multiple Misfire

The weird part is
1.) I couldn't clear them with my code reader (bluedriver). It would go through the clear process but immediately read them all back at the same time, which didn't feel like the OBD monitor tripping again right away, more like they never cleared
2.) the check engine light was on. I have never seen a car where it has confirmed codes but no CEL.

I need to check if the check engine light actually turns on with the key in the on position to see if the CEL actually works, but as of right now I'm stumped. Are there any quirks with this car that would explain that? I'm hoping it's not an issue because I really want this car. I got the guy down to $1500 for it. Zero issues that I could find and I really rung the car out. I couldn't even hear or feel any misfires and it didnt sound or smell like it was running rich.

 

The codes could have happened before the plugs were changed.

If the engine goes through a certain number of cycles without issue, the CEL light will clear but the codes will still be available if you plug in an OBDII reader like you did.

 

That's where my brain went too, but I thought a confirmed code meant the MIL should be illuminated.

Regardless, I talked him down to $1250 and I'm gonna buy it tonight. Super pumped. Have been wanting one of these for so long and have just been waiting on a good deal!

 

$1250 is a steal if the car is intact and running well.

If you get it, might want to replace coilpacks if they haven't been done yet.

Get the OEM Hitachis, part number ends 0013. Aftermarket coilpacks have a bad rep for burning out quickly.

Good luck!