Rep Power: 0

Hello everybody. I’m looking to buy my first civic. I just want to know of any common issues I should be looking for or any little quirks they might have? I found a 96 with a bad engine that I want to put a working engine into. Not a B series just another engine to get it in working condition again. Thanks in advance!

 
Rep Power: 210

Why not find one with a good engine? Even junk yard engines could have an issue so, the more variables you omit the better. Overall 6th gen Civics are really good cars as they are reliable, easy to work on and parts are inexpensive generally, Common issues are distributor o-ring oil leak, Vtec gasket leak (EX, Si models), Headgasket, but no more of an issue compared to other 90's cars.

 
Rep Power: 126

+1 on just getting a decent running car. The only way you guarantee getting a decent used engine is through wholesale, which exceeds the value of a running/driving one

 
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I don’t have enough money to buy one that runs everyone wants 2k for a beat up pos that has issues already. At least in my area. The one I found he said the timing belt snapped. The car overall is really clean it would probably just need the head replaced I would think? I only have $900 and he wants $500 for the whole car with the bad engine and I’ve seen engines for $300 so I figured it would work out.

 
Rep Power: 126

Well, double-check that it even needs a new engine. Just because the timing belt snapped doesn't mean the engine's toast.

Whereabouts are you anyway? I have no issues finding running and driving civics where I am for well under $1000.

 
Rep Power: 0

Yeah I planned on thoroughly checking the car. I am in TN everyone either wants to trade their civics or think they’re worth over $1000 with a blown trans or engine. I’ve asked multiple people who had theirs listed for $1200 with issues if they’d take $900 and everyone said no.

 
Rep Power: 126

I saw a couple 7th gens that run and drive for under $1000 on CL. Those are just as reliable if that's the sort of thing you're looking for