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Hey there, about two months ago I bought my 2004 Honda Civic four door, LX 5 speed... well I financed it. But it's the nicest newest car I've ever had. It had about 55,000 on it when I bought it and I'm sitting at about 62000 now. Got it "Honda Certified."

I have a complete warranty until 67k and powertrain to 100k, so I won't be tinkering with much on it. I even take it to the dealer for service for records for the warranty. I have them running fully synthetic oil in the engine.

I am a car guy through and through and am going to school for it, but this is my main car and is very nice and don't feel like working on it.

The only issue I am having is sometimes the gas gauge, when the tank is clearly near full (just filled up), just goes down to about 1/2, stays there a day and then figures out it's full and goes back up. Next time I bring it in which will be in a couple weeks I'll have them look at it.


Also.. I am averaging about 40mpg. It varies from 38-45... is this good? The sticker said 37 highway so I think I'm doing well.

Also, is there anything I should know about the car? The engine? How long can I expect to have trouble free (as in no oil burning, knocks, etc) use out of the 1.7L Non-vtec motor? It doesn't make a noise now, doesn't use a drop of oil. I plan on doing all the maintenance close to the books as I can.

I don't really forsee any modifications being done to the car, because it supposedly only makes 105hp now and I want the car to last.

We also have a 1969 Chevy Impala in the family as our project, and I share a 1994 convertible Ford Mustang GT with my brother in law. The Mustang is getting the mods.

Thanks all!

 
Rep Power: 388

Well, variability in your mpgs is normal.

I think there was a TSB on the gas gauge, or at least some mention of a problem, not sure if it ever got fixed kuz my gas gauge reads full, then at 150-170miles on the tank it drops down to a quarter outta nowhere. Such bullshit. Anyways, expect the motor to last 200k+ if your not abusing it at all.

Upgrades I'd look at for fuel economy would be filters first off, and then maybe some pipes to help it breath better.

(Intentionally skipping over the american cars in the forementioned post)

Welcome to the forum!

 
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hey thanks, I'll have them look at it in a few weeks.

I don't really plan on modifying it. Maybe throw a K&N filter in there but that'll be about it.

Don't like american cars? I'm happy with a vehicle that gets me A to B... just like muscle cars and also love the economy ones too.

I let the car have it every so often, and for a 1.7 it has some decent kick. Usually I drive it like a grandpa so I think I'm fine.

 
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Post pics of your rides when you get a chance! I'm a car nut no matter what flavor they are. I spent Saturday putting news heads and cams on my buddy's '97 Cobra. That thing is gonna scream when we're done with it.

As far as the gas gauge goes, my Blazer had the same problem. The way it works is that on the other end of the float, the "fingers" that are supposed to make contact with the the little contact sensor strip, aren't. Whether that's because the strip is dirty or the fingers have come away little is a toss up. Either way if Honda will replace it, let them do it. Since our fuel pump is easy to get to (underneath the back seat) it would probably take you about an hour and half to do the whole job. That's pulling the pump assembly, cleaning the contact strip off (I used 800 grit sandpaper) and then using needle nose pliers to coax the fingers back into place.

Welcome to the site!

 
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Hey we are using very crummy satellite internet now which comes in and out, I will gladly post up many pics of the current mustang I'm workin on (and the one I used to have) and all the cars I got. The civic is just one in the driveway but I love it. But yeah I can't upload crud right now.

As for the fuel gauge isssue, I'm gonna have anything fixed by the dealer I can while I can for free, and I may have them do most service just for good measure. I mean I will work on the cars I enjoy working on.


97 cobra... i'm sure those heads were fun... 4 timing chains... I used to have a 1997 GT.. long story short it ended up sold to help out our family situation.

anyhoo... got lots goin on with work, school, cars, friends, girl problems (yea PITA they are)... will keep in touch.

Are there any modifications I can make to my 1.7 non Vtec that would really be worth it? I was debating getting a K&N drop in filter, but I dunno. Let me know!

peace