I am looking at a 2000, 4 door, Civic EX with 119,000 miles on it. What are some things common to Hondas that I might look for on this car as potential problems, either now or in the future? Is the EX motor a non-interrupt motor? As in if the timing belt breaks, the valves don't hit the pistons. I know the timing belt was changed at 80,000 miles, along with some other preventive maintenance stuff. How long can I expect the timing belt to last? Most cars call for it to be replaced every 60,000 miles, but I don't know that it is necessary.

The guy wants $6800 for the car. The tires are shot, the front bumper has some of the paint missing due to being bumped, and the brakes are shot. So I am looking at about $900 to fix those 3 things. Other than that, it is in good shape but has a lot of miles. I know it is a Honda but 119,000 miles in 5 years is a lot. Should that concern me? The car seemed to handle fine but I would think the struts would need replacing sooner than later. Would an offer of $5500 be reasonable, or would he think I am insulting by such an offer?

Thanks for any info you can give me.

Joe

 

Things to look for are did they replace the water pump with the timing belt. If they changed the belt at 80k then it should be good until 160k-170k. Look over all regular maintenance, have they regularly changed oil, fuel filter, spark plugs, air filter, transmission fluid, etc.

The struts may need replacing, but if it's all stock they still might be perfectly good. I wouldn't worry so much about the miles, are they mostly highway miles? Check at http://www.kbb.com and see what they recommend for the price of the car, and you can deduct the repairs from that. Also check and see what other cars of similar condition are going for in your area.

 

Modified by CardDealer at 4:57 PM 11/16/2006

 

Any grinds in the transmission? Just listen for any abnormal noises. Do a visual inspection first, if you suspect anything, get it checked out. i usually take the car to a shop to have them check it out, they usually charge bout 30-40$

 

Thanks for the info. It is an automatic. It changed gears fine on my test drive. And yes the water pump was changed when the timing belt was done.

KBB came back with something like $6200 if in fair condition and $6800 if in good. I still feel that is a bit to much for the car, so we will see how it goes.

Joe

 

6800 + 900 fix is like 6,700.. for a high mileage 6th gen civic.. why dont you get a high mileage 01 civic for a bit more? i mean in 06' a new generation is coming up so the 2000 civic will be old.

 

7,700** typo

 

Modified by CardDealer at 4:57 PM 11/16/2006

 

It looks like we might get it for $5500 depending on how it goes at the mechanic. My girlfriend is getting the car actually. She talked to the wife and it sounds like they might have settled on that price after talking for a while.

Thanks for the tips.

Joe

 

thats a nutz price i wouldnt pay over 5 for it i paid $6300 with 89k and all recipts

 

Yeah that price was a bit high

 

6g's.. my friend bought a 96 civic lx sedan for 3,000 a few months back.. no scratches, 130k, and still ran perfect..

 

My 97 Dx coupe has close to 140k on it. Runs like a kitten still. I did replace the clutch and both axles as well as the front rotors and pads.
Check the axle boots for wear/rips too

 

We got the car for $5500. The Honda dealer we took it to for inspection said it was worth between 6200-6800, so we feel real good. Now I can get started detailing it. Should look real nice when I get finished.

Thanks for the tips.

Joe