Rep Power: 0

I'm buying a 1997 civic sedan, manual in great shape. Original owner from 97, the guy is 52 years old now, and works only a couple kms from his house. The civic only has 86,000 kms/53,000 miles. I'm not new to civics I've had a few efs (88-91) so I'm well aware they are great cars in general but new to this model and was wondering if you guys can give me any pointers to check for
Fyi I do all mechanical work myself and when I ask the previous if he's done any work to it throughout the years he said no I didn't have to other than oil changes and brakes so I'm sure the throttle body is filthy

Thank you
Dimitri

 
Rep Power: 813

most cars ive seen that are old with little miles end up being in terrible shape compared to cars that are driven regularly and longer distances. i expect the engine to be a mess of sludge and many other problems like clogged parts and cracked belts/hoses. it is much worse to underdrive a car than to overdrive it.

 
Rep Power: 0

Before this one I found a 90 civic sedan with about the same amount of mileage from an original elderly woman owner and I drove it for 2 years before I gave it to my sister but it ran like a charm and still does but this newer one I'm picking up.. I'm sure after a proper tune up and a couple repairs it'll run like a charm but my question is there any recalls or anything I should watch with these vehicles

Ignition switch, o2 sensors, stepper motor, fuel pumps, etc??

 
Rep Power: 813

most of the civics before 2001 were very reliable so i dont think anything major would come up. our 92 accord is still going... only problems were a bad master cylinder and just now the a/c compressor started leaking slowly. the old hondas were built like tanks. if you dont mind doing a full tuneup then go for it. i know many people think they can just buy a used car and start driving it without doing any work.