EWRice

I'm thinking about buying a 2002 Civic Si from a dealer and that has 111k miles on it and in good condition.

Any advice? Are there any things about this model I need to watch out for? I was going to have it checked out by a mechanic before I bought it but would like to know about common problems with this model. Thanks

jfreakofkorn

ever looked up the review(s) on the vehicle on the net ... ??

EWRice

Yes, I've read the new car reviews but haven't seen anything on any issues with this car that pop up after years of driving.

DaveSi677

02-03 had an issue with cam galling... this was caused by using 5w20 oil. Honda then quickly changed the recommended oil was 5w30.

I know some got the issue fixed but others might not of. When I had mine it didn't and it started loosing power cause of it.

3rd gear has an issue with a bad grind...

If I was you I would get an 04 or 05 over the 02-03... Might want to some more searching on here to find out more about it too.

Jujutsuka

I would check the belt tensioner for the drive belt. Make sure it's not wobbling back and forth or relieving tension off your belt while the engines on. Although the belt tensioner is supposed to move when switching A/C on. But I think 111k is pretty good for an 02.

EWRice

thanks for the advice. The 02 I was looking at was leased at the beginning, ~15k miles/year, had a couple of accidents, and then after a couple of years, sold to someone who drove it about 8k miles/year. Asking price was $5500. The lease history makes me hesitant as does the cam galling issue. I think I'll look for an 04 or later.

H0ndaFanatic

Would this by chance happen to be a black one that was for sale in Cincinnati? If so, I think I went to look at this very same vehicle last night. The thing was in garbage condition, you're smart for passing on it.

I've been looking for a clean Ep3 for about 3 months. My budget is ~$8k and so far, I can't find one that fits all my conditions. (No mods or light mods, no wrecks, under 120k miles, has maintenance records) I'm about to give up and continue saving money for an 06+ Si because I feel like what I'm looking for doesn't exist within my budget.

EWRice

Yes, it was; at a used dealership in Milford. So they said it was in good condition; are you saying they were overstating the condition?

Good luck in your search.

jfreakofkorn

good to know about changing the oil weight ( from 5w20 to 5w30 ), because I just recently picked up an 03 engine for my 05 ...

replacing the oil pump, tensioner, belt, water pump, and rear main seal ( always do this at when I install an engine )

also if you decide to buy the car ( depending on your mechanical knowledge ) bring someone to help to look over everything

H0ndaFanatic

Yes, very much so. There was a heavy amount of chipped and peeling paint, the interior had several tears, especially in the driver seat. There was also a some rust on the rocker panel.

Thanks man, good luck to you too.