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Hey guys, thinking of buying a 2005 civic lx manual with 153k miles.

Guy says he did regular maintenance and he was the sole owner of the car. I'll probably get it checked out by a third party mechanic if I like how it drives but wanted to know if there are any other helpful tips out there for you longtime 7th gen owners.

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 209

ask when or if the timing belt/water pump/timing belt tensioner pulley were last changed

 
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2001 automatic transmission are crap. Not sure about 2005.

 
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hmm he said his father changed the TB... wonder how reliable that is.

It's a manual transmission btw

 
Rep Power: 209

no receipts, no proof, dont trust them

if you buy it, that is the first thing i would have done.....

timing belt, tensioner, water pump, coolant refill

 
Rep Power: 149

Craigslist has created a whole bunch of shady people selling cars. If it doesn't currently have plates, its a shady guy playing car dealer. Ask for the seller to show you the title & registration. Ask for his DL.
I looked at a Honda almost a year ago. The guy had a bunch of stories. His Dad did the timing belt was one of them. I pulled a carfax on it, it was 245K, but the odometer was at 120k. They had changed the instrument cluster out. I've seen them for sale on CL for $35.
If your not prepared to do the timing belt and maintenance, walk away. Let it be someone else's problem.

 
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I would have get a carfax... ( to check Milage) my 01 has a clean one and that things been slammed more then a porno star
Also goto honda with the vin have them pull a service history to see if any maintence was done there also check for recalls A lot of reputable shops will put a sticker if they do timing belt and water pump.

Are the four tires the same brand correct size and equal ware?
When looking under the hood does it look like it was cleaned up take of the oil cap shine a light down there look for crud

My 03 sedan was meticulasly clean and there are everything was straight up. My 01 I didn't check very good and got some surprises

Honda have vin plates everywhere check the fenders and good to make sure it wasn't hit also look to see if any key components have been replaced and if they are genuine
Check for junk yard paint

Check honda for open recalls

 
Rep Power: 291

definitely get a carfax. if it's ever been wrecked and repaired by insurance, it will be on there.