hoghead5150

hey, new to the forum. and new to honda's in general. i have a big decision to make, and need a little help.

i have a 1969 vw bug. really sharp car, air ride, new motor, the works. there is a guy that has a 2002 civic si that wants to trade me straight across. since the bug is my only car (unless i steal the wife's car!) i really need something more practical. my problem is i don't know much about honda's. so help me out with a few stupid questions and some no so stupid please!!

1: 2002 with 97,000 miles. the kid doesn't know much about the car but it is lowered (unknown brand), has a short ram intake?? full exhaust (also unknown brand) and a set of nice aftermarket wheels.

the kid says that the check engine lite is on, and the code comes back O2 sensor. says the car runs great tho. i'm thinking the exhaust may have something to do with this but i don't know??

also says that it has a vibration in the front end at highway speed. he said it was a wheel bearing, but it doesn't make any noise. this doesn't sound right to me either.

i have not seen the car yet since he lives 3 hours away, but am going to look at it this weekend. my car is worth around $6500 or so, so i think this may be a good trade. whatcha think??

questions simply, would exhaust cause cel to be on, and any know problems with front end stuff (tie rods, bearings, things to make vibrations)?

Awjvail

I may be wrong but I think the intake can also mess with the o2 sensor readings and throw false codes.

hoghead5150

so does this sound like a good deal for a honda? i'm with ya in thinking the cel is caused by either the exhaust or intake, and maybe both.

i just don't have much knowledge of these cars. my background is in american muscle, and mostly german aircooled (yes vw's) please don't hate me!