Rep Power: 0

Ive got a 5th gen civic with over 400,000 miles on it, and based off this thread (https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...reference.html) Im pretty certain it needs a head gasket (barfing coolant out the overflow tank--rad cap and thermostat are fine--taking it to my mechanic next week to verify, talking to him this week he said it would be 500-600 for the HG depending on whats going on once he takes it apart, seems like a reasonable price to me). The car has been in my family since 1999 and it had about 100k then. Its been well maintained ever since we had it. Ive read that its fairly straightforward to do yourself, and while Im very mechanically observant, Im not mechanically inclined, and I just dont have the time or desire to do it myself. its consumed oil since weve had it, and I would say its increased as its gotten older, its now at more than a quart between oil changes. Its never overheated. so all that said, with such a high mileage car, is it worth doing the HG, or is it probable that theres more going on than a HG and should I just be thankful for the time we had and move on? thanks in advance

 
Rep Power: 223

It's really up to you to decide if it's worth fixing. I don't know the going rate for 5th gens right now (especially with that many miles). For a shop to replace the headgasket you're looking at $1k minimum, likely more. If it's just a friend or something doing it you could save some money, it's only like $200 of parts and machine work. The oil consumption really doesn't sound that bad. With 400k miles it's expected to burn some, probably also some leaks that haven't been addressed.

 
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thanks! Thats pretty much what my mechanic said "up to you man" Ive got my wifes prius that I can drive (which is obviously newer and gets better gas mileage), so I dont really need this car and wouldnt buy a new car, its just that this car feels like a family member or my best friend, haha. its the only car Ive had as a grown up. Since Im only comfortable doing minor routine maintenance, I guess I really just dont want to fix this and then 10k later have something more bigger come along that needs fixing (altho I just had the transmission rebuilt--well the bearings replaced-- new clutch, new brake master cylinder, newish radiator, and the timing belt/wp replaced, among other things--all in the last 20k---even tho its been spread out over the last 4 years, I dont drive as much as i used to, so I feel like Im already headed down that road)

 
Rep Power: 221

It's probably worth doing the head gasket, especially if the body is in good shape. Rings are probably full of carbon causing the oil burning. Or maybe the valve guides are worn, which is something the machine shop can do

 
Rep Power: 209

What model? Couple, sedan or hatchback?

 
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hatchback. VX

 
Rep Power: 209

If you live in North America and if the car is in good shape it's value could be between $3500-$5k or higher. '92-'95 hatchback's are a very sought after body style. For that reason it's should be worth investing in it because you should be able to recover that expense when/if you sell it.

 
Rep Power: 125

I'd sure fix it up. I had a '95 hatch briefly and loved it.

 
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I had no idea. I figured when the time came Id be lucky to get 500 bucks for it. does have some rust on the rear quarter panel, and the car could use a paint job, but no accidents or dents or anything like that. anyway. yall are rapidly convincing me to do the HG and keep it going. I cant believe Im saying this, but if and when I decided to sell it where would I list it? Id probably get laughed at on craigslist if I listed it for even 2000 haha

 
Rep Power: 366

if you want to know, you don't need to sell, post and check the offers

 
Rep Power: 209

You could also list on Facebook marketplace, here, Honda Tech, and other sites.