Rep Power: 0

Hi guys,

I’m an owner of a 2000 Honda Civic EX with approximately 241,700 miles on the odometer. I’ve had the car since 2005 and have recently decided to upgrade to a newer vehicle and keep the Civic as an extra commuter/beater car. After taking the Civic to the shop due to a clunking noise coming from the front of the car while driving (especially on bumpy roads), it was found out that the tie rods are pretty much shot. In fact, the entire rack & pinion assembly will need to be replaced as it has been leaking for some time, but it’s been a slow, manageable leak. Other issues found by the technician include worn, leaking front struts and a leaking radiator, which will need to be replaced sometime soon.

Other existing issues include bad rear bushings, oil leaks from the engine (rear main seal and possibly oil pump) and a leaking clutch master cylinder.

I do my maintenance as far as fluid and filter changes, and anything else within reason to make it safe and drivable. At this point, with the car being nearly 18 years old, I’m not going to throw several thousand dollars into it to make it perfect again, especially with the body in bad shape from dings and dents acquired over the years along with paint fading and peeling away. However, I’d like to continue driving it for local travel. The engine, transmission and air conditioning are all still pretty solid, so I’m not sure if I should give up on it just yet.

My question is this car worth keeping if I just take care of the radiator and rack & pinion replacement for now? Or will I see this becoming more of a money pit as time goes on? Also, has anyone experienced any mechanical repercussions following the replacement of the rack & pinion assembly and tie rod ends (such as a failing power steering pump)?

Like I said, I plan on using this car to do local travel and drive no more than 7500 miles a year. I have to make a decision this week when I purchase my other car on whether to trade it in or not. They’re only offering me $500, basically scrap value.

I should also note that all the radiator hoses were replaced a year ago and the struts 67k miles ago (I know it’s time for them). The engine, clutch, transmission and all air conditioning components except for the refrigerant hose are all original.
Lastly, I live in a condo community with an HOA and have no access to a garage nor do I own any specialized tools to do this type of work myself. Setting the car on jack stands and attempting any major suspension work is not an option where I live.

Thanks in advance for anyone that can offer some advice or insight.



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Rep Power: 211

IMO not worth keeping unless you can maintain/repair it DIY...even at that it's probably not worth keeping. If it's an automatic transmission then even more reason to let it go. Donate or sell it to a relative if possible or list it on Craigslist for $1,000. The value of that car would be for a youngster that's eager to work on it.

There's a steering rack seal kit that can "refurbish" the rack but it's not an easy job removing the rack & pinion. When I removed mine (converted to manual steering) I had to remove both inner and outer tie rods to remove the rack. When i installed it I reversed that order as the rack wouldn't fit with even just the inner rods pre-installed. Mine is a 5th gen..I've read on 6th gens that it usually involves dropping the subframe (others here may confirm).

Also, it seems there are very few reliable after-market reman'd racks and Honda reman's are reliable but pricey.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for your insight. I ended up just trading it in for their measly $500 (without having to spend an additional $500 in registration and taxes to keep it). It may have been worth keeping it if the body was in good shape, but it needed body work and a good paint job. After doing a little more thinking, I realized it wouldn't have been worth the cost unless I did it myself like you mentioned. I miss that car, but at least I don't have to worry about it anymore and what the next big fix it will need.
Thanks again for your advice.

 
Rep Power: 223

What did you get for your new car?