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Hello.

Im new to this forum and I wanted to join before I pull the trigger on this 7th gen I was looking at. It’s a 2001 Civic coupe with 254,000 km. What are some issues I should look for when inspecting and taking it for a test drive. I know about the right turn 2nd gear clicking thing but not much else. Any help would be appreciated

Edit: forgot to mention it’s a 5 speed

thanks,

Bob

 
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What trim level? dx/lx or ex? Actually, judging on the usage of km, dx/lx or si?

• when was the last time the timing belt and water pump have been replaced
• the 7thgen engine is prone to headgasket failures - overheating as a classic sign. Had 2 failures in 205000 miles on my 2002 ex. Called it quits after the repair on the 2nd one went south real fast. Then again, I abused mine, so don't let that lead you to believe that every/most 7thgen has rampant head gasket issues
• 5 speed 2nd gear synchro. You'll notice it pop out of gear. I noticed it mostly when I was making turns while in 2nd.
• driver's seat rocking. There's a thread of how to fix it floating around here.
• fuel door cable - If you push the fuel door lever and it doesn't pop open, that's how you'll notice if it's affected or not. My 2002 didn't have any issues with it.
• squeaky clutch. Pop open the slave cylinder boot and lube the little ball and it gets rid of it pretty quick. I think there was a TSB about this? I don't remember.
• take a look at motor mounts. Front and passenger side were prone to failure (you'll notice increased vibration if that's the case).
• Same with LCA bushings, but instead of vibration, it'll affect handling
• rattling at about 2500 RPM. that'll be normal. Not to worry, it's 95% likely exhaust heat shield rattle.
• There was also a TSB about the headlight stalk, I think (sorry, been a while since I paid attention to 7thgen TSBs). Something about headlights being stuck on or not activating. One of the two

There's prolly more I'm missing, but those are the big ones

other than that, I thought the 7thgen was a fun car. Relatively easy to work on. It got a lot of hate in the aftermarket world, but I absolutely loved every minute of owning and driving mine.

edit: added some semi-vital information regard head gasket failures.

 
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I believe it’s a lx it has a sun roof if that’s any help. Thanks a lot of the info This

 
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That makes it an EX.

 
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https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...ml#post4782095

 
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@sdaidoji actually created that thread with my post in this thread. lol. Good looking out tho

 
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But NDNV did further add to it, so even better