Rep Power: 0

Hi. I'm looking to buy a cheap used Honda civic to use as a commuter car in the city but have no real experience with Honda's or really cars in general, being as i've always owned a truck and pretty much everyone i know only have trucks. From people who are knowledgeable on civics I was wondering if anyone could tell me some good general info/advice/common problems on civics around the years 94-01. Any and all comments will be appreciated. Thank you

Oh and any advice on if this would be a good car
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rd...439085994.html
It has pretty high mileage I would think but I hear Honda's don't really die

 
Rep Power: 203

I'd be happy to help out a fellow British Columbian...

The 96-00 (6th gen) Civics are generally regarded as some of the best Civics so far. I've known a few people that own that gen of Civic and have as many kilometers on them. I work with someone who pretty much has that same car with over 400 000 kms on it. Honestly it doesn't sound that good any more. It cranks and cranks and barely starts and sounds kind of rough when it's running. However it gets driven 40km every day and as far as I know it's still reliable. The owner tells me the engine still doesn't burn or leak oil even at 400 000 km.

I've been looking around BC lately for Civics and recently I've seen 2 '99 coupes with 1/2 the kilometers one for $1600 and the other for $2500....so $1600 isn't a great deal for that car. While the engine may still be in decent condition I would take a hard look at the suspension and steering components. Timing belt and when it was last changed (Civics are supposed to be changed every 160 000 kms). Headgaskets are another major common issue for Civics. More for 7th gens (2001-2005) but all Civics once overheated stand a good chance of needing the HG replaced. If you test drive....check coolant in the reservoir...drive it...check it again. If the coolant reservoir is very full at the end of the drive then time for a HG....not the best test but in a test drive situation if you encounter that run away from the car. The temperature gauge in a well running Civic should stay stable at right about 1/2 way.

Personally from reading the Ad I don't know if I could get through the test drive without tearing the dudes throat out but hey that's me.

I'd probably drive the car tell him the suspension and steering are shot, it needs a timing belt and the clutch feels week and offer him $500 since it's only suitable for parts.

 
Rep Power: 518

"The reason as to why I am selling is cause the insurance runs out today being Thursday 24/04/14 and I can't afford to renew ..."

WTF ever. No tags. Looks like a used car lot.

PREpurchase inspection FTW