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I come to this forum seeking advice from the experts. I am in Los Angeles shopping for my first car and I have decided on a 7th gen. I would be buying a 2003, 2004, or 2005 - any trim (except hybrid, CVG or Si) - coupe or sedan - prefer automatic. I will be buying from a private seller on Craigslist.

I have little knowledge of how cars run, let alone civics. Please advise me on how to inspect a civic in this generation. In particular:
1) What are common problems for this generation and how would you check for them?
2) What are the red flags?

I am a sponge for new knowledge!! Thank you for the help

 
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Go with an '04 or '05 as the '01-'03 models are known for automatic transmission issues.

Try to get as many service records a possible...especially the mileage for the most recent timing belt replacement (every 100k miles). Also ask about routine maintenance such as oil changes, transmission fluid (ATF) changes, valves adjustment, coolant system fluid changes and more. Find about about which recalls have been addressed.

Engines are known for head gasket breaches but no more so than most other all aluminum engines of the era. A single overheat situation can potentially cause head gasket damage. If you obtain service records look for items such as thermostat, radiator, hoses, water-pump that may clue you in to the possibility of overheat and/or head gasket replacement.

Oil leaks in the valve cover and cam plug are fairly common and easily fixed. Inspect carefully for clear-coat fading/peeling.
Use a hose to water down the entire car and inspect inside of trunk down to the spare tire well. Inspect sunroof (if applicable) for leaks into the interior.

Bring it to a mechanic to get it up on rack for suspension, steering, leak inspection. When you narrow it down to a car you really like and feel good about IMO it's worth it get a leakdown and compression test (google both) on it prior to purchase.

Try to find a car that has a good set of newer tires on it.Tires/mount/balance/fees/installation is expensive. Best to buy from a private owner that has owned the car for at least three years and that has a clear title.
Even better to find an owner who kept service records along with at least three years of ownership.

Read this for tips and checklist for used car purchasing: https://blog.nationwide.com/used-car-buying-tips/
A leakdown test should prove if an engine has good comp

 
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Mr Dong pointed out some of the common issues, if you're not familiar with cars/working on cars, bring some one that is,preferably a licensed mechanic if you can. See if the owner will let you take it to a shop for a pre-safety check.

 
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If you get lots of personal satisfaction from repairing things yourself you will love buying a used 7th gen.

Besides some underdash work that no human hands were meant to access, you can littlerally tear down the car in your driveway with about $300 in tools from harbor freight.

 
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In addition to the above, I would be checking for a bad head gasket and a bad automatic transmission (automatic transmission fluid should be nice bright pink colour and NOT brown or burnt smelling).

 
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Thank you all very much. The search begins.

 
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You can only hope the ones you look at are as honest as this one.
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d...460210933.html

technically it runs and drives....

 
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Haha, I bought a black '00 hatch for $500 that also had a large black duct tape patch on the rear. (PO hit ice and spun into a pole, the whole back end of that car was screwed) But the engine was low mileage and I turned that car into like $1800 by parting it out.

 
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This is all great advice. I wish I had followed a few of these suggestions when I bought my car a couple years ago!

I definitely agree with buying from a private owner that has the title in their own name and has ample maintenance records available. If the title is not in the seller's name, they are probably a dealer/flipper posing as a private seller and therefore have no actual knowledge about the car's history.

 
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I just want to add this important bit. Before you make an offer on the car, ask this question: So, is there anything wrong with the car?

Most people feel compelled to tell the truth when under pressure to sell. I've bought and sold dozens of cars. I typically get the honest truth when I ask for disclosure.

If the car needs something then you can subtract that repair cost from the retail price.

 
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I would say this "may" apply to true private sellers only (not part time dealers that claim they are private sellers on craigslist) that owned the car they are selling for at least a couple years. However, unless they are a relative or a friend I wouldn't go on their word alone. I would still want to get it on a rack and get an opinion from a mechanic + do some test on it myself.

 
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most used cars have an issue or two.

best is if you have some extra cash for when the issues come up.

2000 at the least would be a good estimate as extra.

cars wear down, they are going to have problems.

right after buying a "new" car, i usually do the minimum, so i will know where the car stands. Filters, fluids, spark plugs, etc.

car ownership means maintenance and money out