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note: I just found you after signing-up on 'another' civic forum and already like this much better. Forums by generation, seems to be a lot more helpful replies etc...


Hello to all
My daughter just bought her first car, a 2005 LX coupe with a stick, from its original (lady) owner, 100% stock. Nice & clean, no rust, low-ish mileage (110K kms) and it rides nice & tight. Should be a reasonably trouble-free car for the next few years.

There's one little thing to sort-out on it so I thought I'd join-up and see what I can find in the forums here

I'm not a mechanic but for some reason, everyone brings their cars to me . I've done basic maintenance & brakes since the 80s so I love working on Hondas obviously.

Anyway, that's my story. I look forward to reading-up and hopefully contributing to the community.

Cheers

Andre in Dorval

 
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Welcome!

Check if the timing belt has been done or not.....

 
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Yeah, I looked-up changing it myself and that job exceeds both my toolkit and my courage.

Nope, it hasn't yet. Aren't they scheduled at 110K miles / 176K kms?

That actually was key in the decision. I want her to drive this car for 4 years, then sell it while it's still at all appealing. She won't put 10K kms per year on it to I thought this should be ok.

I have put a deposit on it but a clause in the bill of sale that it's pending thorough mechanical inspection at my expense (tomorrow).

If I was wrong in my research about 110K miles / 176K kms, please.... do tell! (I'm in Montreal so 'extreme' climate)

 
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no, you're right...sort of.

I understand it as 160 000kms or 7 years. Maybe 7th gen it's 176 000km though.

 
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Yeah it's beyond the 7 year interval, so I'd say to get it done regardless of mileage (kms).

 
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Hmm, this may be a deal / budget breaker then. TBD

I appreciate the input - many thanks, gentlemen.

 
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You can always try to negotiate the cost of the work into the selling price. I bought my Civic at 160 000kms (10 years old) without the belt being replaced. I explained to the owner that it was overdue and the entire cost wasn't deducted but it did bring the price down a bit.

 
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Naw, can't do that. I already feel guilty about getting the nice old lady (seller) down as far as I did for my daughter's budget.

I just got off the phone with 6 Honda dealers around Montreal and they all had a different 'opinion' on when & what needs to be changed.

The general consensus seems to be that our Montreal climate indeed makes it a requirement every 100K kms.

So I called my trusty local mechanic (I'm so lucky to have these guys) and he said that if someone actually gets the belt done every 100K kms, we only need to change the water pump every other belt.

Part & labor (including the power steering / alternator belts, while we're in there): $320. Half of what I was being told by honda.

I can live with that.

 
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Refer to your trusty owners manual for trustworthy information.

 
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I found it most illogical to not get clear / consistent answers from Honda dealerships, hence the choice of words.

I won't have the vehicle / manual in my hands until tomorrow after my mechanic gives it a good once-over.

 
Rep Power: 203

If you want to reference a manual before you get the car. There are pdf owners manuals online

http://owners.honda.com/vehicles/inf...-Coupe/manuals