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Hello all,

Just yesterday I traded my 05 Ford Explorer (78K) for a 1997 Honda Civic LX (56K). I loved my truck but for just being my wife and I, we didnt need something so big and especially something that used to eat so much gas. Ive heard so many good things about Honda's and how great their older models were that I looked into them and stumbled upon this treasure. The car is in great shape. Despite its old age, only a few minor cosmetic flaws. Apparently a sweet old lady bought this car brand new and drove it to church and to the super market for over 15 years. Right before selling it her grandson changed all the brakes, tires, etc etc. I drove it today to work and drives like a dream but I am afraid that for 15 years it might have some worn out parts, or maybe some carbon build up. For a car this old and with such little miles, what should I do or what should I look for as far as maintenance is concerned?

 
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Timing belt age ??

 
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I am not entirely sure. I still believe its the original.

 
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That is a crazy amount of low miles. Good find!

Yea the timing belt should be replaced since it is probably cracking. If the belt snaps it will bend a valve and that's not fun.

 
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They recommend either 7 or 9 years regardless of mileage for the timing belt.

 
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Ok cool good advice I will definitely look into that. Anything else?

I was thinking about looking into the water pump and possibly changing the gas filter, oil filter + oil change (mobil 1 regular) and the spark plugs. Any ideas on these things?

Thanks in advance.

 
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Not sure if the WP is of the t belt or not.... if so would do it at same time.

Plug wires can die quick, learned that one day. (not a Civic though)

 
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Mobile 1 is good oil. Plugs are cheap I would change them (use NGK). Air filter would probably not hurt. I wouldn't do the fuel filter but it wouldn't hurt.

 
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You could check the shocks but I'd just replace them as they noticeably decrease in performance.

 
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Change timing belt, water pump and belt tensioner all together.
New cap, rotor, plugs and wires
Fuel filter, air filter.
Check and replace suspension (KYB for OEM replacement)

 
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Sounds expensive lol

Although it does give me a good idea on where to start to have this car run like new and last me a long time. The maintenance on my truck was pretty expensive overall. How much would something like this run at least to have an estimate.


EDIT: Should I use regular oil or synthetic? 5w30 or 10w30?

 
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It depends if you can do this stuff yourself. The timing belt is pretty expensive ($400 labor) if you can't do it yourself. Fuel filter and air filter are easy and cheap. Suspension can get expensive but the setups vary depending on if you want to stay stock or what you want to do with the car. Also shops charge a pretty heft amount for suspension labor so if you can do it yourself you save a lot.

 
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either Synthetic or regular works fine, Stay within the specs of your engine, which is prolly 5w-30. I use Valvoline full synthetic in my GSR, or the Napa brand (Which is made by Valvoline)

 
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Really good info. Thanks so much everyone. This gives me a really good idea on where to start. Yesterday I went to a very trusted mechanic who knows Honda cars really well. He himself owns a 1989 Honda Accord and that car runs better than most newer Hondas. Long story short, he checked my car from top to bottom and the car is new inside and out. I didn't have to change anything in the car.

Air filter was new
Tune up was done
New cables
Spark plugs were changed
Gas filter was changed
Oil filter was changed
Oil tank clean
Throttle body was clean
New drums, rotors, and brake pads (This I already knew before buying the car)
New tires (This I already knew before buying the car)
Exhaust, tank and pipe all new
Timing belt looks good

The only thing I do need to change was a leaking axle on the front right tire. I want to look at the water pump though. I might seafoam my car too to get any carbon build up and or residue left behind if theres any.

The only thing that concerns me is that the car shakes/vibrates randomly when the car stops moving like at a red light but immediately stops when I step on the acceleration. What could this be? My mechanic told me to drive the car for a while to see if it goes away. It might be because the car hasnt been driven and sitting in a dealer parking lot for some time. The motor mount checked out good as well.

 
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What do you guys think about seafoam?

 
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I'm not a fan of Seafoam. I have never used it myself but have heard mixed reviews about if it helps or not.