Rep Power: 0

I recently inherited a 2004 honda civic from my parents with approx 127k miles on it. It recently had a lot of work done on it due to an engine oil leak that was discovered.

My understanding is that the oil pump seals, the pan gasket, and the front engine mount were all replaced. And unfortunately I just found out the timing belt and water pump have never been replaced...

The condition of the car seems to be good, I just want to know if I should spend the money to get the timing belt and water pump replaced or if it's even worth it at this point. How serious is an engine oil leak that would've required all this work? Could this car live to see 175k miles? Or should I just sell/trade it in?

Thank you in advance for the help and your advice.

 
Rep Power: 242

I guess this is your first Honda? It will go 300k miles if you take care of it. Do you make payments on it? If the car is payed for think about it as a good investment into keeping it running good. If it cost $600 to do the timing belt, divide that by 12 months and that's $50 a month car payment!! You can't beat that. Just another way to look at it! I think it's worth it if you dont't have a car payment. I love not having one!!

 
Rep Power: 0

Your first older vehicle? Welcome to the merry-go-round. First off, you don't want to make this decision based on the TB/WP job alone. What is the condition of the tires and brakes? Any rattles or shakes from steering/suspension? How much rust does it have? Did your parents have the oil changed at proper intervals, and coolant flushed at least once?
Then, along with what other $$ might be needed soon, you have one other choice. I just did the TB/WP job on my daughters '03, and at 145K that job was way overdue mileage-wise. But, that being said, the "old" timing belt looked like it just came out of the box. Even folding it backwards, there were no cracks or marks to be found. And the water pump and tensioner also appeared to be fine as well. So, while I would agree the TB/WP job definitely SHOULD be done, your third choce is to not do it, and just continue to run the car. Not telling you to do this, but many folks don't change the belt/WP for many more miles than yours, and get away with it. How many more miles would you get before something goes? Absolutely no way of knowing. The belt might break tomorrow, or it may last another 60K. The belt breaking would likely trash the engine, and a repair or replacement motor would be somewhere around 1-2K. As GolNat said, you could possibly get 300K (and more), if you keep making the repairs (although rust can be a limiting factor). Lots of things to consider - good luck which ever way you go!

 
Rep Power: 0

I really appreciate all the input. Yeah this is my first older vehicle. I know Honda is known for being very reliable and lasting a long time, but I just wasn't sure how serious the engine oil leak likely was and if it was something I should worry about. So I guess that engine leak issue was fairly typical and shouldn't be much concern now that it's been "repaired?"

No payments to make on it, I just have to pay for the repairs and the TB WP job if I choose to do it and it's mine. It sounds like it's probably a good investment then. I think in general they took good care of it, regular oil changes, tires are good, brake seem fine, and I don't see any rust anywhere.

 
Rep Power: 242

Now that the leak is fixed you are good to go. It's common for older cars to get leaks from the pan and oil pump. Where you live plays an inportant part on the longevity of a vehicle Canada has a harsh enviroment so things fail sooner in that enviroment compaired to so cal which isn't as harsh. The engine mount I believe is a known problem with 7 gen civics. Is it an automatic or manual? The auto transmissions have been know to have problems.

 
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I live in North Texas. The transmission is auto, how much more life do think is left in that? I have no idea what a transmission job would cost.

 
Rep Power: 242

Is it slamming into gear? Slipping? Not shifting or "hanging" for a long time before it shifts? Transmission repair is easily over 1k.