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We bought a 2003 civic in 06 with 60,000 miles and it now has 286,000 miles. It's the 1.7 with manual trans. My wife uses it for work and drives at least 500 miles a week. It's gone through 2 head gaskets and just got a 'new' trans and clutch. It still gets about 40 miles per gallon. It does use a lot of oil. About a 1/2 quart a day. Weird thing is there is no blue smoke?? I'd like to get another year out of it. She loves the car but it is starting to rust. Impressive that it is not a rust bucket yet because we are in Detroit area and the salt will destroy cars.
Anyway, my problem right now is I can not get the A/C system to charge. The hood prop rod rubbed through the low port line. I replaced it but now the system won't take freon. Also, I noticed the a/c clutch is not engaging. Any help is greatly appreciated.