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Hi everyone!

New here, and am currently in the market for my 1st Civic.

In the next few months I would like to find a 7th gen. MT Civic coupe. My budget, is no more than $3,700. I am not in a hurry, and am perfectly fine waiting up to 3 months until I can find one privately that's completely stock with not much more than 100K miles and maintenance records...

Unfortunately, I have almost no experience buying privately from unknown sellers. However, now, since I am in the market for a Civic, and do not know anyone personally selling one, I'd like to research the best course of action for securing a 10+/- year old Civic privately that's in solid condition and will give me at least another 50-60K trouble free miles, as long as I am **** about routine maintenance.

Few questions:

1) Is there a good guide or resource, describing all of the things that ought to be checked out on a 7th gen. Civic during a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI)?

2) How important is it to have a 'compression test' and a 'leak down test'? Are there any other tests that may be suggested for the PPI?

3) How reliable is the MT on this particular generation of Civics?

4) Any recommendations for an honest and reasonable (price-wise) mechanic in South East Florida (near Ft. Lauderdale) who'd be able to perform a proper PPI?

Thanks, and apologies in advance for a noobish thread!

 
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did I post in the wrong forum?

 
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Doing a compression check would be a good idea, especially on a 7th gen, since they are known to blow head gaskets.
Pretty much ALL Honda MTs are really tough and reliable, but I've heard a few people with 7th gens say that the shift cables to 1st an 5th stretch out.
Good luck buying

 
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I just bought a 2002 Civic EX. This in my first post. Here is what I have learned:

These cars are quite reliable but head gasket leaking into the coolant is a common problem. I think mine has a blown head gasket which I only found after I bought the car.

Before you start the car have a good look at the coolant overflow bottle and note the level. Use a flashlight. Also look for signs of coolant in the battery tray or anywhere near the overflow bottle.

Pop the radiator cap - coolant level should be visible below the overflow port and there should be no signs of oil. Stock honda coolant has a blue colour.

Check the oil - it should be clear, not milky.

Open the oil fill cap and look inside with a flashlight - you should be able to see a bit of the valve train. If the car has had regular oil changes this should be clean with no signs of sludge and the bottom of the cap should be clean.

Start the car - smooth idle is a good sign.

Take the car for a long drive - I suggest at least half an hour but an hour will be better. Make sure the car gets up to temperature and check that the temperature gauge stays below half way and the heater still works when the car is parked and idling. Recheck the coolant reservoir after the drive - if it is overflowing or overflowed there is a good chance the head gasket is shot.

Check that the clutch doesn't slip by gassing the car while going up a steep hill or park and set the handbrake and then see if you can stall the engine in 1st gear without the clutch slipping.

These cars have a timing belt - check when it was last changed.