Rep Power: 0

I'm looking into buying a used car, and an opportunity to purchase a 1994 Civic has come to my attention. My mechanic (who actually works at a Honda Dealership, and he works on my Dads Civic at the Dealership) has been doing side work for the past year on my 1995 Ford Taurus. Well the Taurus is not worth fixing, and he told me he was working on this '94 Civic, and my funds are very limited. The car has a JDM D15b non vtec, (I'm not sure what that even means, I just know it has 40k miles, and about 15 months left on a 2 year warranty) a new tranny, the AC runs cold, all fluids and timing belt and clutch are all brand new and up to date. The body is in excellent condition and he has completely sanded (and I think primed) the car to get re-painted, either the color of my choice or black. Which I think I want anyways. I drove the car last night, and he told me it does not have power steering. I've driven cars when the PS is broken, this did not feel anything like that. I can deal w/it, but also, does anybody know if I can add PS to it down the road if I want to. The car has no stereo and he says it needs a new IAC (Idle Control Valve) which he says is $80. I've looked online for it, and I've seen prices ranging from $40-$240...Bottom line is he's asking $2000 for it. Being that I have no "car knowledge" and he is the person that usually fixes my car, I was looking for some input as to whether I should make this purchase. I really only have $1500, so I'm going to try and work something out w/ him for the rest. I am hoping someone can read what I've written and give me some solid advice/input as far the car, the engine and it needing this IAC thing. He says he's taking care of the paint job. I just need someone to give me some good solid advice, as I am car less, and w/o one its very difficult to function when you live in suburbia. Also, if anyone reading this can sell me an IAC and a factory radio, I would love to do business. He said any civic/integra stock radio from 92-02 would fit perfect. Car doesn't need speakers. Whoever reads and responds, thank you so much, you are really helping me out, and I will definitely pass it on.

 
Rep Power: 285

It's possible to add power steering, but very expensive, especially if you can't do the work yourself.

It sounds like an average deal otherwise. It's hard to say how good the paint job will turn out since it sounds like your mechanic will be doing it himself and that's a very specific skill set. I would give him $1500 for it, but no more than that.

 
Rep Power: 0

I think $1500 would be more than reasonable for that civic. If the mileage is true on the motor, that is definitely a good thing. I bought my 95 civic 4dr with a d16z6 engine swap, and it was $2500, and i should not have paid that much, But i did, and i got it running great, My power steering basically flows out of my pump. Lol, so i pretty much need a new one, They're definitely possible to get one and add one, and the IAC, shouldn't be too hard to put in either after you get. But i'd much rather go with a new one rather than buying an old one, because in reality, they're not that expensive. Hope he accepts the 1500 because that's what I'd pay personally, and you may as well get an aftermarket radio, not hard to install if you can do the wiring. Hah.
Good luck with your civic, they're good cars.

 
Rep Power: 811

well the problem is if you have no car knowledge, its prolly not a great idea to buy an older car. a used car okay maybe 5 yrs old but after 10 yrs it will require constant attention to fix it up. a 1500 car can end up costing thousands more over the year because the auto repair industry is very secretive and can get away with charging high labor rates for simple jobs since most people have no idea what is involved.

 
Rep Power: 0

Advice from a 20 yr Honda Nut: Buy the car, u got online access, studythe repair guides and manuals and get under the hood. What better way 2 learn about the car than 2 do all the work urself. If something goes wrong u can fix it urself down the road. Theres no better gratification than seein ur ideas and hard work come 2 life