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What to look for in a used EK civic

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Old 06-15-2012, 03:16 PM
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Default What to look for in a used EK civic

I am looking to upgrade from an EF civic sedan to either a Hatch or a coupe version of a 96-00 civic DX. Was there any problem areas that I should look for on these civics other then obvious? Was there any recalls that I need to concern myself with? Thanks.
Old 06-15-2012, 03:32 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

http://www.samarins.com/check/engine.html (from: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/faqs-frequently-asked-tech-questions-1998336/)

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/car-tips-buying-used-civic-3055042/
Old 06-15-2012, 04:00 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

Cool, thanks. I will have to make a checklist so I remember everything I need to check. I forgot about checking under the oil cap for my first attempt.

I know I have watched Davidsfarm's video on buying a used car.

Also the first one I started had an extreme knock to it, but it sounded more like loose valves because I get the same thing and when the oil warms up it goes away.
Old 06-15-2012, 05:36 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

so why exactly are you aiming for a DX?
Old 06-15-2012, 05:51 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

EJ6, not EK.
Old 06-15-2012, 06:37 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

theres not a lot of tel tel problems with these cars. Just make sure it runs good and go over the body panels to make sure all the vins are intact, this will prove if its been wrecked or not
Old 06-15-2012, 06:49 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

Originally Posted by DumpedSi
theres not a lot of tel tel problems with these cars. Just make sure it runs good and go over the body panels to make sure all the vins are intact, this will prove if its been wrecked or not
With all due respect there are TONS of issues to be found with these cars. The cancer is one. Hacked up wiring is another. Unless you are good with electrical avoid these at all costs. Bushings are on their last legs. Look out for those. Headgaskets are epidemic for failing with the age of these cars. Lots of overheating issues. Make sure the cooling system is in working order. Have the engine compression tested at the minimum. Heavily molested wiring on the interior. Check for smoking and/or erratic idling. Dirty engine bays will give you a clue that the car has been neglected. Cheap knock off parts installed on these cars. In particular, Ebay suspension.
Old 06-15-2012, 07:11 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

If the car isn't all stock, with reccords, be suspect.


A lot of Honda's get modifyed with low quality parts, half *** install, etc.


While sitting on CL looking for a cheap DD for my buddy, I counted 5 cars with Ebay suspension parts, and 1 with "good" quality parts. It's ****ing sad.
Old 06-16-2012, 08:38 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

Originally Posted by grumblemarc
With all due respect there are TONS of issues to be found with these cars. The cancer is one. Hacked up wiring is another. Unless you are good with electrical avoid these at all costs. Bushings are on their last legs. Look out for those. Headgaskets are epidemic for failing with the age of these cars. Lots of overheating issues. Make sure the cooling system is in working order. Have the engine compression tested at the minimum. Heavily molested wiring on the interior. Check for smoking and/or erratic idling. Dirty engine bays will give you a clue that the car has been neglected. Cheap knock off parts installed on these cars. In particular, Ebay suspension.
Great point !!
Old 06-16-2012, 11:48 PM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

Heard that the stock headers crack after 100,000 something miles. Check for exhaust leaks at the header. Just bought an ek couple of days later went to check the header gasket took of the heat shield and the header was cracked down the center. By the o2 sensor. Read later that many people have encountered that.
Old 06-17-2012, 09:04 AM
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Default Re: What to look for in a used EK civic

Originally Posted by nalo_b
Heard that the stock headers crack after 100,000 something miles. Check for exhaust leaks at the header. Just bought an ek couple of days later went to check the header gasket took of the heat shield and the header was cracked down the center. By the o2 sensor. Read later that many people have encountered that.
After just recently purchasing an EK, I can attest to this problem. Listen closely for an exhaust leak. Also, watch out for rust underneath the rear hatch hinges. That body seam always seems to be a problem.

Another problem area is the heater. There seems to be a plastic piece in the HVAC controls that always breaks preventing proper activation of the heater. Every single EK that I looked at had this problem.
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