Rep Power: 0

I have a 2002 Honda Civic with 113,000 miles and it has some scratches and stuff from a previous owner. It is my first car and I am enjoying it but lack the confidence of being able to drive it around feeling safe because in the year I have owned it I have had to replace the ball joints and control arms, etc. Not a big deal but I think I may want a newer car as I do not know how to figure these things out myself. The car has been played with before too, someone put in one of the viper security systems in too. It is a great car.

Any suggestions here? Because at the moment I need to replace the bumper, the undercover and some cover is now dragging on the road and I do not know if I can just take it off and find another.

 
Rep Power: 512

Truth be told, the 7thgen (01-05) is an easy platform if you wanna learn to work on cars. Started on the forum knowing only how to change oil, brakes, and swap a tire. Made a commitment to myself to do as much work on my car as I possibly could, given I had the proper tools and time to do so. If you're somewhat mechanically inclined, might not be a bad place to start. You can take most of the car apart with a 10mm and 12mm socket/wrench.

as far as sourcing replacement parts, there are loads of online honda parts dealers that sell on the cheap (relatively speaking) if you want to go Honda OEM (which I'd highly, highly recommend with regards to sensors), and body panels/splash guards, I've had good luck at my local pick-a-part.

just to give you some insight as to how easy it is to work on, coupled with the help of this forum... Started off with oil/brakes, as mentioned. Over the course of 17 years learning about the 7thgen, I've DIY'd (sorta in order) rear disc conversion (first major DIY job), many suspension setups, audio setups, many different intakes, exhaust replacements, shifter assembly swap, turbo install (tuning was done by a shop), had a go at fiberglass work for subwoofer installs, timing belts, head gaskets, complete engine disassembly/reassembly, drive shaft replacements, clutch/flywheels, HID retrofits. There's prolly a lot more, but those are the big ones.

 
Rep Power: 126

Junkyard is your friend with 7th gens. Parts are everywhere.

Are there any maintenance records from the previous owner? I'd check that timing belt if I were you...

 
Rep Power: 367

i get exterior parts from junkyards, especially because they are big to ship
car-part.com

 
Rep Power: 0

It all comes down to money, time and desire. Do you have the time and desire to learn how to work on your car? If not then you better have the money for a newer one.

113K miles on a 2002.. fishy?? Don't know.

You can always buy my car:
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...r-2005-lx.html