Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? Hi everyone I searched and wasn't able to find one, if it's out here. If so, a link would be appreciated. Tomorrow, I'm inspecting / taking delivery of an '05 LX Coupe (5 spd) for my little girl. Has someone on this forum made a checklist to cover the essentials before buying a 7th gen Civic? The goal is that anyone who may not be an expert, has a list of things to check that might not jump-out at you, while kicking the tires. Basic stuff that's generic, as well as Gen-7 specific issues to watch-out for. Generic:
Gen 7 - specific:
If forum old-timers could chime-in over time, I'd happily keep maintaining this first post to have the complete / agreed-on list, which might be a useful resource for noobs such as myself, in the future. At first however, if you guys could give me a heads-up for any known things to check, I'd be infinitely grateful. 2005 LX Coupe 5 spd Cheers The checklist so far: (this is a work in progress - give it some time) Generic
Gen-7 Tire-kicker-detectable issues
For any points in this section, they require proper inspection and / or proof that the service has been performed Please help prioritize. We don't want EVERY possible issue to be listed or this list will become unmanageable and will scare-away anyone thinking of buying a Civic!
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Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? take it to a mechanic you TRUST for a pre-purchase inspection, its money well spent, ask when the timing belt was last changed, and PROOF of it, any other service records/receipts, etc etc |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by mikey1
(Post 4683642)
take it to a mechanic you TRUST for a pre-purchase inspection, its money well spent,
Originally Posted by mikey1
(Post 4683642)
ask when the timing belt was last changed, and PROOF of it, any other service records/receipts, etc etc In my case, I know the timing belt hasn't been done so I'm having it changed. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? the rear cam seal always need replacing on all civics 7th gens usually need front control arm bushings and motor mounts. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by Dorval Andre
(Post 4683639)
[*]Check oil for signs of coolant Almost always though coolant doesn't go into the oil. Compression gases push out of the cylinders and into the coolant eventually causing the coolant reservoir to overflow. If you allow this car to overheat you'll be extremely lucky if the head gasket doesn't fail. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by lowlife9
(Post 4683659)
the rear cam seal always need replacing on all civics 7th gens usually need front control arm bushings and motor mounts.
Originally Posted by Stock 99
(Post 4683660)
Actually head gasket failure is really common on 7th gen Civic. It would be handy to ask the previous owner if it failed already.
Originally Posted by Stock 99
(Post 4683660)
Almost always though coolant doesn't go into the oil. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? Have an OBDII reader to check for recent ECU reset and/or to check for pending MIL codes. If the ECU has been reset or battery disconnected recently the DTC's will not be in the ready state which could be hiding a pending code. Lower front motor mount - Tear the rubber insulator apart front lower ball joints - non serviceable, OEM's do not have retaining C-Clip lower control arms - Torn cracked mounts, easier to just replace the LCA Torsion Bar drop links - broken/seperated 5 Speed Manual Transmission - Input shaft bearing noise/failure. Will require transmission removal to repair.https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...t-bearing.html Head gasket, if the vehicle has issues with no heat at idle in the winter or persistent low coolant in the radiator but does not actually over heat it is the beginning of the end for the head gasket. More extreme conditions will see overflow of the coolant overflow tank or just outright overheat on the temp gauge. As mentioned earlier, the cooling system will be getting pressurized by combustion gases from a failing MLS head gasket, coolant is typically not entering the oil or being burnt in the engine but is being pushed out of the system and air pockets will be present. On a cold engine if you remove the rad cap it should not be pressurized. If you live in the "rust belt" inspect the brake lines crossing the firewall to the passenger side as well as on the drivers side inner fender as they drop down under the vehicle. Where the lines clip into the holders/retainers it will eventually wear off the protective coating and allow advanced rust to form requiring complete replacement. Inspect/replace the Cabin air filters as they often are forgotten during routine maintenance. These are great vehicles and relatively easy to work on. If the body is straight & clean, everything else can be taken care of with routine maintenance and a little elbow grease. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? Yours and lowlife 9's comments have been merged, summarized and added to the list. Good stuff, keep 'em coming.... |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? I had to drive it a half hour of highway and traffic to get it to my mechanic for the full inspection. Not too bad. Car drives great, straight, tight, no noises except a hum that made me suspect a bearing on its way out. Indeed, 1 wheel bearing, all 4 lower control arm bushings and that's it. With the preventive timing & accessory belts, $720 for all parts & labor and the car will be 100%. Just took delivery - Super clean, no rust, factory paint is still nice & shiny. I think my little girl should be a happy camper. http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/u...psgpizt26p.jpg https://www.civicforums.com/forums/<...ps4821dce9.jpghttp://i630.photobucket.com/albums/u...pswiacthse.jpg |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? :tup: good deal. Looks well taken care of. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? :tup: yeah it does look good hope it treats you well. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? Looks good. I'd rock it. How many miles (rather, km) on the clock? I'd definitely look at fixing the headlight haze and follow it up with any sort of UV protective coat https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...ight-haze.html https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...lear-coat.html https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...protector.html the following DIY has instructions on how to remove the headlights (steps 1-7) https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...r-removal.html Also, if she runs into trouble down the road, feel free to post up a question on how to fix it or PM one of the mod/admin staff. We'd be more than happy to help you out and steer you in the right direction. We'll let you know right out if it's an easy DIY job or if we'd recommend taking it to a shop. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by xRiCeBoYx
(Post 4683761)
Looks good. I'd rock it. How many miles (rather, km) on the clock? I'd definitely look at fixing the headlight haze and follow it up with any sort of UV protective coat https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...ight-haze.html https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...lear-coat.html https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...protector.html the following DIY has instructions on how to remove the headlights (steps 1-7) https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...r-removal.html I spent an hour searching the forum yesterday for 'resurface headlight', 'refinish headlight', 'UV headlight sealant' etc.... and didn't have too much luck. Thanks - you da' man! My search ended prematurely though. I checked the air filter and this engine bay grime just couldn't remain. Buying a car from a little old lady is great, in that this car had never been abused but it also clearly had never been loved / pampered. Checking the air filter ended-up taking me 3 hours :) Look at how corroded the battery terminals were. http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/u...psstxwhn6o.jpg Gah! :eek: http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps9hkovsa7.jpg After applying a little elbow grease, it's still far from done but the worst of it is out of the way. http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/u...psfulpytys.jpg and also thanks for the help offer. I joined this forum before even buying this car for exactly that reason. I'll always search before I post (since many forum noobs can't seem to grasp that concept) but fear not! If I get stuck, you'll be hearing from me :tup: |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? they sell 3M headlight repair kits at wallmart and all other car parts stores but you can just use rubbing compound and a clean rag your going to need headlight sealent otherwise it will haze after a month. 3m has a diy on youtube. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by lowlife9
(Post 4683792)
they sell 3M headlight repair kits at wallmart and all other car parts stores but you can just use rubbing compound and a clean rag your going to need headlight sealent otherwise it will haze after a month. 3m has a diy on youtube. 3Mâ„¢ Headlight Lens Restoration System - YouTube Yeah I've done them in the past with just toothpaste and a lot of elbow grease but as you mention, they haze-up pretty quick after. That's the main reason I searched the forum for DIYs, looking to see if anyone CONCLUSIVELY says that there's a UV sealer that LASTS (for at least a year). I wouldn't mind at all spending an hour or two on this process as part of annual spring cleaning. That would be totally fine by me but every month or two would get old, fast. My buddy wants me to to his Cadillac CTS-V and I keep telling him I won't touch it until I'm confident in a sealants durability. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by xRiCeBoYx
(Post 4683761)
Looks good. I'd rock it. How many miles (rather, km) on the clock? Once the identified maintenance issues have been sorted-out and I've detailed it to my OCD standards, it should be a great car for my daughter. Next: Tonight, I teach her how to drive a stick. It's either going to be :) or:russian: TBD BTW: For such an mundane thread (just buying a used, completely stock civic) it says a lot about the friendly / helpful character of civicforum members to have chimed in as much as you have. A big thanks from me and my little girl! Andre in Montréal |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? Nice looking vehicle, should last may years with a little TLC. I may suggest looking into replacing/upgrading the ground straps that are nice green and fuzzy from the rad cradle to the block and head. Also check near the battery ground for the strap from the chassis/battery. I have read issues with ground loops on these cars with faulty grounds that may cause random electrical problems. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? I bet those threaded inserts for the airbox cover removal were a joy. Bad design for sure. Cleaned up nicely !!! |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by Redneck_cdn
(Post 4683837)
I may suggest looking into replacing/upgrading....
Originally Posted by CraigW
(Post 4683841)
I bet those threaded inserts for the airbox cover removal were a joy. Bad design for sure. Cleaned up nicely !!! Next time, I'll be able to call it 'detailing'. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? 1 Attachment(s) May want to top up, or entirely flush that black gunk in the master cylinder reservoir. Attachment 87674 Probably hes never been done.... Trace water contaminants can cause the calipers to sieze up, so a good brake line flush never hurts. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? Yep, once the garage has done all their stuff, I'll take-over for the backyard tasks Garage stuff
DIY shopping list so far
Any other observations or preventive maintenance suggestions, I'm all ears and grateful Thanks again |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by Reverb2005
(Post 4683858)
May want to top up, or entirely flush that black gunk in the master cylinder reservoir. https://www.civicforums.com/forums/a...4&d=1429810288 Probably hes never been done.... Trace water contaminants can cause the calipers to sieze up, so a good brake line flush never hurts. This is what my brake fluid looked like last summer when I changed it....(eewww again) https://www.civicforums.com/forums/a...5&d=1407273611 Might want to consider changing the transmission and coolant as well. Coolant is every 5 years, transmission every 2 years. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by Stock 99
(Post 4683894)
... Funny how such a clean car can have such a dirty secret under the hood.....
Originally Posted by Stock 99
(Post 4683894)
Might want to consider changing the transmission and coolant as well. Coolant is every 5 years, transmission every 2 years. Adding coolant and tranny fluid / filter to the shopping list, although I think I'll tackle just the ground straps / cabin filter and and brakes on saturday. Within 2-3 weekends, this will be one heckuva' well-maintained little car. It's my daughter's first car.... she better not crash it after all this. She'll be here in an hour for her first lesson driving a stick. She moved out of home this January and is so busy with school, work etc... that I did all this so far and she still hasn't even seen the car yet editing list now - thanks again |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by Dorval Andre
(Post 4683868)
[*]Prestone (Stock 99) Maybe distilled water and make sure all battery cells are topped-off? Do you still do that these days? |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? I know this will offend the purists but I have more mechanical experience with Civics than any sane person should have and I can tell you that you don't NEED Honda brand fluids. I'm a certified automotive tech btw and also a 3-time Civic owner. I know I'm kinda bein a dick but how do you know that Honda fluids outperform aftermarket? It's not exactly the Coca-Cola recipe. The one exception I'd make is for Honda Bond and the OEM oil filters just because they're blue and sexy. For example I could explain why Honda Bond is necessary based on simple principles that can be demonstrated. OK rant over. Just a ticked off mechanic who needs a reason to buy on brand name. All this anecdotal stuff is great but backup is required. Please. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by riggonald
(Post 4727975)
I know this will offend the purists but I have more mechanical experience with Civics than any sane person should have and I can tell you that you don't NEED Honda brand fluids. I'm a certified automotive tech btw and also a 3-time Civic owner. I know I'm kinda bein a dick but how do you know that Honda fluids outperform aftermarket? It's not exactly the Coca-Cola recipe. The one exception I'd make is for Honda Bond and the OEM oil filters just because they're blue and sexy. For example I could explain why Honda Bond is necessary based on simple principles that can be demonstrated. OK rant over. Just a ticked off mechanic who needs a reason to buy on brand name. All this anecdotal stuff is great but backup is required. Please. im not sure wether to :lol: or :_doh: or :facepalm: or just continue to :5shots: |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by riggonald
(Post 4727975)
I know this will offend the purists but I have more mechanical experience with Civics than any sane person should have and I can tell you that you don't NEED Honda brand fluids. I'm a certified automotive tech btw and also a 3-time Civic owner. I know I'm kinda bein a dick but how do you know that Honda fluids outperform aftermarket? It's not exactly the Coca-Cola recipe. The one exception I'd make is for Honda Bond and the OEM oil filters just because they're blue and sexy. For example I could explain why Honda Bond is necessary based on simple principles that can be demonstrated. OK rant over. Just a ticked off mechanic who needs a reason to buy on brand name. All this anecdotal stuff is great but backup is required. Please. |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist?
Originally Posted by Billy Davidson
(Post 4781720)
Actually,after owning 7 7th gen civics,all a/t I can explain perfectly why the only atf that should be used is Honda DW1(z1).Clean your solenoid filters after 1000 miles on Transmax.Pay attention to the shift quality using both fluids.Every one of the 3 civics I still own have over 250,000 miles on the clock.All 3 have had garbage transmax in them.All 3 went back to Honda atf.Simply because not a single one of us knows more about these transmissions than the engineers who built them.If they say do not use anything but Honda fluid,why argue? |
Re: Gen-7 pre-purchase checklist? That's EXACTLY what happened to my car. I was so confused. I've never seen a head gasket fail where there was no coolant in the oil. It was exactly as you said. Thank you for sharing your expertise. |
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