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I just got a 2002 Civic LX with 41k miles on it. It was driven for short trips its entire life by my great aunt. Does anyone have a particular items they recommend my looking at due to the age of the car? I'm trying to find out if the timing belt has been replaced already.

Thanks for any advice.

 
Rep Power: 235

Honda recommends 110K miles or 7 years on the timing belt. I'm guessing they figure it loses strength after 7 years time.

How long were the trips? Were they long enough to let the car get to operating temp?

If no maintenance schedule I'd just do the usual- oil and fluids, filters, and plugs. Then have the timing belt done when I could. Don't run it too hard till then.

 
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What maintenance has it already had? Knowing that history would make a good starting point. Would YOU want to replace a brand new timing belt ($$$) unnecessarily?

Look in the maintenance section of your owners manual for all the info you need.

I might do some of these with a low mileage car with completely unknown history (Inspect before replacing where applicable):
Brake fluid and coolant, based on time.
Timing belt, based on time.
Spark plugs at 105k like the manual says.
Oil and trans fluid, based on mileage and conditions.
Filters (air and cabin) based on mileage and conditions.
Rotate tires based on mileage and wear patterns.
Valve adjust based on mileage or noise, maybe at every 60k too.
Everything else done as needed or as it breaks/wears out. Regular inspections.

 
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basic tune up plugs use either Denso or NGK, oil i prefer synthetic but its not necessary, air filter and transmission fluid drain and fill if especially if its automatic.

 
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Thanks everyone! I did change the oil when I had the state inspection done.

I am hoping to get a maintenance history from the local shop where most of the service has been completed.

 
Rep Power: 253

Brake Fluid
Coolant
Transmission Fluid
Powersteering (If its dirty)
Inspect motor mounts and LCA bushings