Rick1t

First off thanks in advance for your help.

I need to buy a car for basic transportation and fuel economy. I am 50 so after market add on don't mean much...... Heres what I 'm looking at.

1997 2door 4cly, 5 speed. 126K miles body... good for age. The car is at a "small" dealer, the auto shop across the street put on an alternater, add some freon, and gave the car the once over. He says he thinks the cars in great shape.

He also says it has a 3K suspension kit on it, a K&N air filter, and a new hi-performance exhaust. It sounds like a wasp on steroids.

I have 2 questions do these after market items loose mpg?

Also the brake pedal seems to have a long push/travel... is this common on a civic? the brakes feel ok, just a long throw.

I have worked my best deal at $4400. "out the door"

What do you think?

Thanks
Rick

rpared01

i would say keep looking,Price is alittle too much for a 97. You can get a better deal some where else. keep looking and you'll find one with all the stock parts on it.

Rick1t

I have been watching the market for about 60 days or so. The price seems in the "range of normal" I am a little concerned the car may have been beat pretty hard..... but who knows? I use to race motorcycles.... in the ads you would read "never been raced" Those are the one to avoid...... The guys who race, take very good care of there equipment.

Does the after market equipment effect MPG?

Dasfinc

a K+N and an exhaust will not effect mileage, but since it has aftermarket parts on it, you should typically ASSUME the car has been beaten on and poorly cared for unless there is evidence showing otherwise. I would keep looking for a stock car, not a modifed car unless you want to buy someone else's headache.

DinDinh04

I agree with Das, keep looking for another one. There's always a better deal out there somewhere.

96civic_hb

I bought my 96 civic cx hatch with 60k original miles completely stock for 4000.00 "out the door"

baller status

Don't buy a modified car. It could be a complete mess (most are). It's also most likely been abused. That "3k" suspension (yeah right) has probably been lowered too far and is going to be much too harsh for street driving. It will probably be unsafe as well.

Look for an HX. They're not as common, but they get exceptional mileage and nearly as much power as the sport trim (up to 4000 RPM).

oneludesol

im not even aware of any suspension that costs 3k...

Jax99SI

Hell no,thats to much.

http://www.craigslist.com = best friend

Rick1t

OK-OK I hear you loud and clear....... So what would a fair price be for an 97-99 Civic with 115K-135K miles? This seems to be the typical car here in Michigan.

Thanks

Rick

jdmWONG

I don't know if your set on a 96-00 or not, but I have a 94 vx civic hatchback and consistently get 47-54 mpg. I found mine for 3k bone stock. Might sound like a lot for an older car, but the mileage is worth it. Keep looking, you might find one.