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Hi guys, first post. Can you guys tell me what you think of this car and if it sounds like a good deal? I'm seriously considering this car, I'd like some opinions before I purchase it.

I'm looking to buy a Civic, the one I'm seriously thinking of buying is a 2003 EX Coupe w/ about 101000 miles for $4500. I highly doubt seller will go lower than $4100. The car's add said $5900 but I offered $4500 and he accepted. He's moving out of state very soon. Timing belt replaced at 87k miles. Exterior is in great shape, I only saw one small ding. There is no rust at all on the exterior (besides the two rear brake pads). The covers on the headlights looked a bit faded though. Owner said the car had to get the front bumper replaced after a small accident.

The carfax report comes up clean though, reporting no accident. There were two previous owners. The interior looks fine, all the electronic stuff works, AC works, all the lights work. The back two brake pads are rusted and will probably need replacing soon. Upon releasing the brake from a stop you can hear a small squeak.

The engine looks a bit worse than what I'd expect for a car with 100,000 miles. Some parts are rusted and it's a bit dirty. There is a crack on the engine mount underneath the car (I wouldn't have known this, since it's not visible unless you put the car on a lift) is what the seller said, he said it would cost about $175 his mechanic told him. Car starts up ok and seems to drive fine. Doesn't drift to either side when letting go of steering wheel. Engine is a bit noisy (normal for 03 civic?).

KBB private party value for Excellent is $7480, for Good is $6930, and for Fair is $6205. My main concern is the engine sounds a bit loud (I enjoy listening to the sound of accelerating, but I worry the engine noise isn't normal and is a sign of costly future repairs). Opinions please...

 
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You can find another one that is a one owner, has been driven by a mommy or granny, and doesn't have any problems with it for the same price. I'd keep searching if I were you.

 
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I traded in an 02 with 113,000 on it and only got two grand. I traded it for a 05 ex coupe with 46,000 on it for 10k. I would not buy that car.

 
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Crack on the engine mount is normal wear and tear and you can put some ES bushings in it to keep it from breaking again and it will fix the existing one. They cost about 40$ and its easy to do. Breaks are normal wear and tear also so no biggie there. As for rusting around the engine unless its on the header which is caused by heat then I dont know if thats ok or not depends where the rust is. Also im not sure on the engine sound, these cars rev high so its normal to hear it winding up, and most of them click which is mostly normal unless its just really loud.

All in all it sounds like a good car for 4k to me. I got my 2003 EX with 24k miles on it for 13,000, its got 57k on it now with zero problems and still on the origional tires and battery. He also saved you a bit with having the new timming belt put on at the right time.

 
Rep Power: 255

Sounds like a decent deal. What do these sounds from the motor sound like? Squeaks, grinds, hiss?

 
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Double Post.