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Hey guys I'm new to the forum and was wondering if I could get some questions answered. I am currently looking into buying a used 1997 civic LX off craigslist for around 2k but I need to make 100 percent sure that the car is reliable as I am a college student on a tight budget and cannot afford to pay for any problems the car might give me in the future. I know honda civics are usually reliable cars which is why I am trying to get one. The civic I'm currently looking at has 133k miles on it and the seller is saying that it recently completed 120k servicing and oil change. Do you guys have any suggestions on how to tell if the car is in reliable condition, like any specific parts of the car to ask about? (i.e. my friend told me to ask about the timing belt because it usually gives problems). Also I am going to be sure to take the car to the shop to get it inspected and also to do a carfax. I want this car to last me a good 2 years until I graduate. Thanks a lot in advance for the responses.

 
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definitely car fax, make sure it has a clean title, or what the problem is if it's salvage.

when i got my car used, a 2000, it was a salvage, and i brought a mechanic in with me to check it. i think that's best. because you probably cannot return it if you bring it to an autoshop, unless you two meet there? and ask about any parts that were replaced.

ask if they have the maintenance history/paperwork of the car.

but otherwise, it should last you a couple more years or even till 200k, though you might have to do some maintenance from time to time, how much depends on how it was taken care of by the previous owner.

good luck!