A good buy? 1991 Hatchback Si
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A good buy? 1991 Hatchback Si
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I am 19 and looking to buy a first car, and in my search came across the old hatchbacks. I am not concerned by the lack of features: safety, a/c, power steering, etc. My main goal with this post is to find out if this will be a reliable car. Some guy engine swapped it to a fresh d16y7, and other repairs/mods. I do not have the maintenance records. I am just starting to learn about cars, so I was planning on taking it to a mechanic for an inspection anyway.
1. If it was engine swapped and it runs fine now is there any major problems that could come up?
2. Could a mechanic see problems from an engine swap that runs now?
3. Am I losing any durability by having someone replace parts with those aftermarket ones?
4. There are no photos of the interior, but as long as it's well enough kept for a 30 year old car and the mechanic gives it a thumbs up, what's your best guess the minimum miles I'd get out of it with regular maintenance?
5. I've been reading that I need to look out for rust, but aside from that are there any other tips you have for me?
I am 19 and looking to buy a first car, and in my search came across the old hatchbacks. I am not concerned by the lack of features: safety, a/c, power steering, etc. My main goal with this post is to find out if this will be a reliable car. Some guy engine swapped it to a fresh d16y7, and other repairs/mods. I do not have the maintenance records. I am just starting to learn about cars, so I was planning on taking it to a mechanic for an inspection anyway.
1. If it was engine swapped and it runs fine now is there any major problems that could come up?
2. Could a mechanic see problems from an engine swap that runs now?
3. Am I losing any durability by having someone replace parts with those aftermarket ones?
4. There are no photos of the interior, but as long as it's well enough kept for a 30 year old car and the mechanic gives it a thumbs up, what's your best guess the minimum miles I'd get out of it with regular maintenance?
5. I've been reading that I need to look out for rust, but aside from that are there any other tips you have for me?
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Re: A good buy? 1991 Hatchback Si
I'll just list things as I see them
- Max coils are crap
- The rear quarters don't look great
- It's a project
As for your questions
1. Yes, always.
2. If there's something missing, probably
3. Yes, especially the coilovers.
4. Hard to say based on a lack of records. It'll probably last longer than you'd own it if it was a rebuilt engine (which it probably isn't given the state of the rest of the car)
5. They're old cars. Lots of potential for there to be problems that aren't "typical"
Verdict: I wouldn't get a 30-year old car for your first car. Too many variables, especially when it's been (subjectively) poorly modded. If your budget is around the $3500 range like the ad is, I'd look into something like a 6th gen civic or a 5/6th gen accord. You might even be able to get something like a TSX or RSX if you're patient.
- Max coils are crap
- The rear quarters don't look great
- It's a project
As for your questions
1. Yes, always.
2. If there's something missing, probably
3. Yes, especially the coilovers.
4. Hard to say based on a lack of records. It'll probably last longer than you'd own it if it was a rebuilt engine (which it probably isn't given the state of the rest of the car)
5. They're old cars. Lots of potential for there to be problems that aren't "typical"
Verdict: I wouldn't get a 30-year old car for your first car. Too many variables, especially when it's been (subjectively) poorly modded. If your budget is around the $3500 range like the ad is, I'd look into something like a 6th gen civic or a 5/6th gen accord. You might even be able to get something like a TSX or RSX if you're patient.
Last edited by FRSam; Mar 4, 2021 at 11:36 PM.
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