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hey hows it going,

i have a 99 dx and i love her to death but i bought her used and to be honest she wasnt in the best of conditions. the ride is not smooth what so ever, i have serious vibrations when idle from time to time and i feel a sputter while excelerating. also i have some overheating problems when in heavy traffic and when the weather is HOTTT!!! im not much of a mechanic myself but im doing my best to learn so i thought i'd give the civic threads a shot to get feed back from the guys who would know best. im currently at 106,334 mi on it never done any of the 100mi maintenance but scheduled oil changes and throwing a cold air intake on it. so any suggestiongs on what i should do from the basics to the severe i'd glady soak in the knowledge on what you think should come first. thanks again jah bless..

 
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Over heating obviously start with checking the coolant level (NOT WHEN HOT). Your thermostat might need to be changed along with the water pump. If the ride isn't smooth you should probably inspect the struts or springs. Sounds like it needs some new plugs and wires also with your sputtering. Vibration could be cause from various things that's something you'll have to figure out on your own. I would check for broken motor mounts first though. Good luck, hope it helps.

 
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yeah brotha thanks for the info didnt get a chance to read this till after the fact but i took matters into my own hands alright and bought the manual (which i should have already had) and started tinkering around i needed spark plugs and the over heating im still trying to figure out but a neighbor of mine n i are gonna check things out with the therma stat and maybe the radiator fan. i checked my timing belt and seems to be in fair condition but since im not aware of when or if the previous owner changed the belt out and the water pump i think im just gonna change it anyways even if its money wasted i'd feel more comfortable. but thanks again brah

 
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No problem. New timing belt and water pump will never hurt anyone lol.

 
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Also, while probably unlikely and not likely to be noticed during the summer time, a leaking heater core could cause air bubbles to get into the coolant system, thereby causing overheating. Like he said though, it wouldn't hurt to have a new timing belt and water pump and also make sure your checking that radiator for leaks.

 
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also (if you can) check the head gasget, my 99 LX had overheating issues once and was scared to death to even get in the car and turn on the electric accessories lol, just a thought though... and if possible, DRIVE HER AS LESS AS POSSIBLE, and dont push the gas too hard if you can help it.